The Essential Skydiving Information Guide

Skydiving is an experience unlike any other; the thrill of jumping out of a plane that is thousands of feet in the air only to be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of our glorious earth! And the overwhelming sense of accomplishment when your feet touch the ground? Incomparable.

An extreme sport in every sense of the word, skydiving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that finds its way on multiple bucket lists.

If you're planning to go skydiving, you'll definitely have plenty of questions. Is skydiving allowed for everyone? How long does it take to learn skydiving? Is skydiving safe? The latter is quite frequently asked and a primary reason why many people second guess the sport.

We have put together a comprehensive skydiving guide that covers all the skydiving information you could possibly need. From tips for first-time skydivers to showcasing the convenience of tandem skydiving, we have everything you need.

Everything to Know Before You Go Skydiving

Age/Weight limit

Dress Code

Weather

While different skydive locations have their own age/weight limits, a universally-accepted rule is that, on average, you need to be 18 years or older to be eligible for skydiving (this is because you should be legally an adult to sign the waiver and binding contract). The maximum weight limit for most skydive operators is 220 lbs or 109 kgs. Those who weigh more would be either restricted from skydiving, or asked to get an approval from a physician.

If you're wondering what to wear while skydiving, it's simple: stick to loose, comfortable clothing. The best option would be loose t-shirts and trousers or track pants. We recommend not opting for tank tops and shorts, since it can get a little chilly during your freefall. For footwear, the best option would be sneakers and other closed-toe shoes. Avoid wearing sandals or flip flops.

We also recommend avoiding any loose accessories or jewelry that can break free or get entangled in your parachute.

Like any outdoor activity, skydiving is also directly impacted by unfavorable weather conditions. Since the sky is the playground when skydiving, it needs to be completely visible and blue, with a gentle breeze and an average temperature of around 75 degrees. To go skydiving, you also need to be able to see the ground from the top which isn't possible during foggy weather. Also, it shouldn't be too windy because that can affect the parachute's ability to soar in the right direction. Finally, you can't skydive when it's raining. This is because you'll be freefalling at a speed of 120 mph and raindrops hitting you at that speed is anything but fun.

The best time of day to go skydiving is in the morning, the earlier the better. Since the weather plays a big role in skydiving, delays can occur. Early morning booking slots offer several advantages including better weather, cooler temperature and a shorter waiting time. While summer is the busiest skydiving season, you can also opt for a spring/winter skydiving experience.

Your Ultimate Skydiving Guide

First Time Skydiving

There’s a lot to know before you go skydiving for the first time; skydiving safety rules and guidelines, what to wear, eat and drink before your skydive, and more.

Tandem Skydiving

If you’re worried about jumping out of an airplane solo, opt for tandem skydiving! Let your tandem skydive instructor take charge, while you simply enjoy the view.

Safety

We address the elephant in the room: is skydiving safe? What is the fatality rate compared to other extreme sports? Will your parachute open in time?

Best Places to Skydive

The world is your skydiving oyster! Get surreal views as you go skydiving in Australia or Switzerland, over the Fiji Islands or surreal waterfalls in Africa. We bring to you the best places to skydive.

Indoor Skydiving

An alternate, if you would prefer not to jump out of an airplane, is to try indoor skydiving. You'll be suspended mid-air in a vertical tunnel that pushes air upwards, giving you the sensation of a freefall.

Skydiving Facts

Ever wondered who was the first person to skydive? Or what the world record for maximum skydiving height is? Or even who takes those amazing videos! Our factsheet answers all your questions.