Can You Be Too Old to Skydive

If you’ve landed here, then you must be on a quest about the age limit of skydiving. Search no further my friends, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Western New York Skydiving, there is no specific maximum skydiving age limit. However, there are a few things to consider. Join us as we divulge the secrets for the age of skydiving. 

Age Requirements

First things, first – there is an age minimum for skydiving. We are a Group Member of the United States Parachute Association (skydiving’s national organization), thus we are bound to their guidelines. Therefore, the minimum age to skydive with us at Western New York Skydiving is 18. Are there exceptions to this rule? Nope. It’s a definite 18 with proof of age with an ID. 

Age Limitations

Ok, so there is a minimum for the age to skydive, but what about the maximum age limit for skydiving? Check this out: In December of 2018, Irene O’shea made a skydive at the age of 102! Yes, you read that right! She made the record books until recently (as in this week in 2020), a man jumped in Texas born in 1917 did a tandem jump at the age of 103! 

Those are tandem jumps, but what about the age limit for solo skydiving? We want you to meet two spunky and inspiring 80+-year-olds, Dilys Price and Montse Mechó. Dilys has gone on to do TED talks and speaches around the world on her experience as a skydiver. Here is a bit of her story: 

We can’t mention Dilys without mentioning another skydiving sweetheart, Montse Mechó. She’s now 86 years old and a former ballerina who took her love to the skies. 

Age and Health Requirements 

Let’s recap: the minimum age to skydive is 18, and there is no maximum skydiving age limit. 

*However, there are some health requirements to consider no matter your age for skydiving – be it tandem or solo skydiving – but especially for our skydiving seniors. Let’s break it down: 

• Functional Cardiac Health

Skydiving is literally a heart-pumping experience! It is incredibly important to have a clean bill of health for skydiving as we cannot take someone who needs supplemental oxygen, or on an array of medications that may inhibit the safety of the jump.

• Mobility

We jump from Cessna 182’s that require the ability to climb inside (very similar to climbing into a kids jungle gym), pull in your legs as you exit the aircraft, and lift your legs on landing. 

• Mentally present

This is important because for us; tandems aren’t just a thrill ride. They are an interactive experience in which you are very much a part of. The ability to follow directions under pressure is important. We mention this as it is unwise and unsafe to take persons with dementia or similar conditions. 

• Blood pressure

Those with high blood pressure are at higher risk under the normal stress levels and minimal oxygen going up to altitude to skydive. Normal blood pressure is the name of the game in skydiving.

Bottom Line

If you are in question of the above criteria, or you are just not sure, you’re more than welcome to contact us to talk about your unique situation. We’ll have our team evaluate the situation to see if it is possible to skydive. If in doubt, you can and we may request you to consult your doctor. Our primary concern and goal is always safety. 

Now you know the deal on the skydiving age limits here at Western New York Skydiving! If you’re over 18 years old and looking to go skydiving, then we’re ready to take you to the skies!