Skydiving Weight Limits Explained

You may be asking yourself if – or have indeed already heard that – there is a weight limit for skydiving. Yes, there is a weight limit to go skydiving. While there is no minimum weight requirement, the maximum weight for tandem skydiving is 230 lbs. Additionally, you need to be at least eighteen years old and therefore adult-sized. The weight restrictions in skydiving are there for a few reasons and they are important, so let’s have a look…

Airplane Weight Limits and Skydiving

Getting objects into the sky and keeping them there is a complicated business, and success has a great deal to do with the weight of whatever you are trying to get airborne. Compared to what you might be used to when flying places, skydiving aircraft are relatively small – and it is crucial that they are both full of people and also balanced correctly. In order for a skydiving center to function well as a business, it is important that as often as possible every ‘slot’ in the plane is filled before it takes off. A full plane is easily within operational parameters. However, an aircraft’s weight and balance are important and therefore, may impose weight restrictions that affect each skydiver on the plane.

Equipment Weight Restrictions

As with any aircraft, skydiving equipment is a careful balance of strength and size. A parachute system is worn like a backpack and therefore must not be too big. At the same time, it needs to be strong enough to support whoever is using it. Skydiving equipment is well-designed and built – but even so, it still acquires wear and tear from each use. The official weight limit with a parachute is within the parameters laid out by the manufacturers of the parachutes and harnesses we use. To overload, a parachute with too much weight would mean it wears out much faster than it is supposed to – thereby putting pressure on the business side of things with all the extra maintenance on top of the already thorough and regular procedures.   

Human Weight Limits to Go Skydiving

The two main human parts of a tandem skydive are the student and the instructor. The combined weight of these parts must be within the weight restriction parameters described, but also need to do the skydiving part smoothly and successfully. Skydiving aircraft are often smaller than what you’re used to, and getting in and out can be made difficult if either (or both) depending on their size. Going skydiving is supposed to be (and is!) super fun. Getting in and out of the plane with a big grin on your face is an important part of the process, rather than it being a struggle.

Conclusion

Anyone who has experienced the thrill of freefall cannot help but tell others about it and try to get them involved, and here at Skydive Tecumseh, we definitely want everybody to go skydiving, but if you are over 230lbs, then it is perhaps not the end of the world – there is a small amount of wiggle room. If you are over the limit, we can accommodate up to 240lbs, and if you are over 5’9” in height for an additional $25.00 We do this because it is significantly harder on the instructor, the more the person weighs and we compensate them for that. If you do not meet these requirements, you will be refunded your deposit. Yes, we do weigh each of our guests upon arrival.

If you are carrying a few extra pounds that you perhaps don’t need, then maybe let this be motivation for you and a target to aim for. What better way to celebrate getting into shape than by launching that shape from an airplane at 14,000 feet? Skydiving is very much worth the effort, and when you are ready, click that book now button!