Skydiving Weight Limit, Age Limit and Medical Restrictions

What Is the Weight Limit for Tandem Skydiving?

The maximum weight depends on the drop zone. In the UK, the standard limit sits around 100 kg (220 lbs). Some centres accept passengers up to 115 kg (254 lbs) on a case-by-case basis.

It's not just weight: BMI matters too

Drop zones don't only look at the scales. A passenger weighing 95 kg (209 lbs) at 190 cm tall (BMI 26) has a far more suitable profile than someone at the same weight but 160 cm tall (BMI 37). The reason is technical: the tandem harness must fit snugly around the torso and thighs. A BMI above 30 makes that fit harder and changes body position during freefall.

In practice, if you weigh between 90 and 100 kg (198 to 220 lbs), call the centre before booking. Most find a solution: a lighter instructor, favourable wind conditions, adapted equipment.

Why do these limits exist?

Tandem gear (harness + parachutes) is rated for a combined weight of 220 to 240 kg: the passenger, the instructor (~85 kg on average) and the equipment (~15 kg). The heavier the passenger, the faster the freefall speed (up to 220 km/h instead of 200 km/h) and the harder the parachute opening pulls on the gear. The breakdown of skydiving costs also explains why a surcharge sometimes applies.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Skydive?

The minimum age depends on the country and its governing body:

There is no upper age limit. The record belongs to jumpers over 100 years old. The only condition: being able to lift your legs on landing and hold the jump position (arms crossed over the chest, head tilted back).

For teenagers between 16 and 17 in the UK, a legal guardian must provide written consent. A minimum weight of 40 kg (88 lbs) also applies.

Medical Restrictions and Fitness Certificate

In the UK, you sign a self-declaration of fitness form (BPA Form 104) before jumping. A GP sign-off is required if you have any pre-existing conditions. In France, a medical certificate is mandatory for every jumper.

Main medical restrictions:

• Heart conditions: heart failure, history of heart attack, untreated arrhythmia
• Pregnancy: absolute restriction (shock at parachute deployment)
• Ear/sinus issues: sensitivity to pressure changes, chronic ear infections, fragile eardrums
• Uncontrolled epilepsy: seizure risk at altitude
• Back or spinal problems: recent herniated disc, vertebral compression (the opening shock loads the spine)
• Recent surgery: wait for clearance from your surgeon (typically 3 to 6 months)

If in doubt, flag any medical history to the centre. They regularly direct people to their GP to confirm compatibility.

Weather Conditions: When Do Jumps Get Cancelled?

Skydiving depends directly on the weather. Cancellation rules are strict:

• Wind: above 30 to 40 km/h (19 to 25 mph) at ground level, the jump is postponed
• Rain or storms: automatic cancellation
• Low cloud ceiling: the aircraft must reach jump altitude (3,000 to 4,000 m / 10,000 to 13,000 ft) in visual conditions

Rescheduling is free at virtually every centre. The best season in the UK runs from April to October, with the most stable conditions in summer. For a jump at Interlaken or in the Alps, the weather window can be shorter.