Skydiving Age Limit: How Old Do You Have to Be to Go Skydiving?

“How old do you have to be to go skydiving?” This is among the most common questions we hear — and for good reason. Age restrictions for skydiving aren’t always straightforward. Rules vary depending on where you are, who you’re jumping with, and what type of skydive you’re planning. 

If you’re wondering when you, or your teenager, can finally take the leap, here’s what you need to know about the skydiving age limit.

What’s the Minimum Age for Skydiving? 

The minimum age to go skydiving depends on a few factors: location, local regulations, and dropzone policies. Around the world, most skydiving centers require jumpers to be at least 16 or 18 years old for tandem skydiving, with some exceptions. 

At Parachute Ottawa, we follow the guidelines set by the Canadian Sport Parachuting Association (CSPA), the national organization responsible for regulating skydiving safety, training standards, and operations in Canada. To jump with us, you must be at least 16 years old to make a tandem skydive, and anyone under 18 needs a parent or legal guardian present to sign the waiver and stay for the duration of the skydiving experience.

Thinking about learning to skydive solo? That comes with a higher minimum age. For student skydive programs like our Progressive Freefall Program (PFF), you must be 18 or older. Solo skydiving requires extra responsibilities and commitment, and the age limit reflects that. 

What About Skydiving Age Limits Around the World? 

Skydiving age limits vary around the world. In some places, you can jump as young as 12. In others, there’s technically no minimum age, though dropzones usually set practical limits. In many countries, you must be 18 years of age or older to do a tandem skydive. 

Here’s a quick look at some of the minimum skydiving age requirements around the world: 

Country	Minimum Age for Tandem Skydive	Notes
USA	18 years old	No exceptions, per USPA regulations
Canada*	16 years old	Parental consent required under 18
Australia	16 years old	Some dropzones may require parental consent
France	16 years old	Parental consent typically required
South Africa	12 years old	Case-by-case, depending on the DZ
New Zealand	No official age limit	No age limit, but most do not recommend skydiving for children under 7
Mexico	No official age limit	Parental consent may be required for minors

* Minimum age to skydive depends on the legal age of majority in the province.

Why Do Skydiving Age Limits Exist? 

Skydiving age requirements aren’t random. They’re set for a few key reasons:

Legal Considerations

Skydiving requires signing a comprehensive waiver that clearly outlines the risks involved. Minors typically can’t enter into legal agreements on their own, and parental consent doesn’t always satisfy those requirements.

Equipment & Fit

While there is specialized gear designed for younger and smaller jumpers, it’s not universally available at all dropzones. Even with properly-sized equipment, other factors like weight, strength, and harness security must be carefully considered.

Mental Readiness

Skydiving requires more than just courage. It takes focus, the ability to follow precise instructions, and the maturity to understand that even with thorough training and experienced instructors, there’s a level of risk that can never be fully eliminated. A big part of participating in skydiving is being able to make an informed choice, knowing those risks exist. 

For solo skydiving, the maturity factor is even more important. You’re responsible for deploying your own parachute, managing altitude awareness, and handling emergencies — which is why solo programs have stricter age minimums. 

What About Maximum Age? 

Good news: there’s no upper age limit for skydiving!

As long as you’re in reasonably good health, you’re never “too old” to jump. We’ve helped first-time skydivers in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s take the leap. The oldest person on record to make a tandem skydive was 106 years old when he last jumped — so you’ve got time! 

Of course, if you have medical conditions, it’s smart to check with your doctor first. Some health issues, like heart problems or recent surgeries, may require medical clearance before you jump. 

Extra Considerations for Younger Jumpers 

For younger participants, extra attention goes into safety, proper training, and equipment fit. Age-appropriate preparation ensures that every skydiver, regardless of experience, understands the process and feels comfortable throughout the experience.

While tandem skydives make things easy by pairing you with an experienced instructor who handles the technical side, younger jumpers still need to follow instructions carefully, stay calm under pressure, and meet the physical demands of the jump.

Our instructors work closely with all first-time jumpers to make sure they’re prepared — and that’s especially true for those on the younger end of the age range. If there are any concerns about physical ability or mental readiness, we’ll discuss them upfront and provide guidance on whether skydiving is the right choice.

Ready to Fly?

If you meet the skydiving age requirements and you’re feeling up for the adventure, we’d love to share the experience with you. Whether it’s your very first tandem skydive or you’re finally checking skydiving off your bucket list, our team is here to make it unforgettable.
Book your jump today, and let’s get you in the sky!