Can You Get Altitude Sickness Skydiving?

So, you’ve decided to throw yourself out of a perfectly good airplane – but now you’re wondering, “Can I get altitude sickness on my skydive?” Fear not, brave adventurer! You’re not alone in asking this question. Let’s explore what altitude sickness is, how it plays out when skydiving, and what to do!

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness – also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS) – is a condition that can affect people when they ascend to high altitude too quickly, especially at elevations above 8,000 feet. This phenomenon happens due to the air at higher altitudes containing less oxygen – the body struggles to adjust to the lower oxygen levels, thus making you sick. Altitude sickness is common among people who aren’t acclimated to high altitude. AMS is rare below 8,000 feet above sea level. Symptoms of altitude sickness include:

• Mild Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Or, more seriously;

• High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): fluid build-up in the lungs
• High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): fluid build-up in the brain

Can You Get Altitude Sickness Skydiving?

Altitude sickness is most commonly associated with mountain climbing, hiking, or being in high-altitude regions for an extended period. However, a common concern for skydivers is whether this condition might arise during a jump.

While it is possible to experience altitude sickness while skydiving, it is quite rare at the typical tandem skydiving altitudes of 8,000 feet to 14,000 feet. 

At Skydive STL, we jump from 10,000 feet. Skydiving planes usually take about 15 to 20 minutes to reach jump altitude, and the rapid descent after exit ensures you’re quickly back to lower levels where there is plenty of oxygen. Unlike mountain climbers, skydivers don’t remain at high elevations long enough to experience altitude sickness symptoms. 

Can You Get Altitude Sickness on a Plane?

Commercial aircraft typically cruise at altitudes between 30,000 and 40,000 feet. So, why don’t we experience altitude sickness while flying commercially? Well, passengers are inside pressurized cabins, ensuring that they do not experience the low oxygen levels of high altitudes. 

Skydivers, however, are not in pressurized environments while riding in the airplane to altitude. However, altitude sickness is still rare while tandem skydiving because the time spent at typical skydiving altitudes is too brief to cause altitude sickness. Skydivers normally spend less than 30 minutes in the plane before jumping, and once they exit it’s usually about a 45 second fall before deploying the parachute at lower (safer for breathing) altitudes.

Altitude Sickness on High Altitude Jumps

The only time altitude sickness becomes a cause for concern for skydivers is when performing High Altitude Low Opening (HALO)  jumps. Luckily, we’ve already thought that through! 

According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), supplemental oxygen is required for jumps that are above 15,000 feet, in order to prevent altitude sickness while on high altitude jumps. The USPA requires that “all skydivers must be equipped with an appropriate on-board oxygen source and compatible bailout oxygen system, preferably with a backup bottle.” 

For extreme-altitude jumps, the USPA requires that skydivers be equipped with compatible on-board and bailout oxygen as well as body pressurization systems.

What You Might Feel During a Skydive

Rather than worrying about altitude sickness, skydivers are much more likely to experience a rush of excitement and adrenaline during the jump. Here are some common sensations that you will most likely experience on your skydive:

• Excitement and Nerves: For many first-time skydivers, nervousness and excitement are a part of the experience. These emotions will sometimes bring about butterflies in the stomach, sweaty palms, and maybe some giggles. Do your best to breathe through it and remind yourself of the safety facts!

• Adrenaline Rush: Thanks to those pesky nerves, you’re in for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime! It’s not just the thrill of freefall that sends adrenaline through your veins, it’s the battle between you and your fight-or-flight mechanism. Push your boundaries, and reap the benefits of a super-tastic adrenaline boost!

• Feeling of Freefall: Freefalling feels more like laying on a bed of wind rather than actually falling. Ever stuck your hand out of a car window going 60+ mph? Yeah, imagine your entire body on that – oh, and times it by two! 

What to Do If You’re Still Concerned About Altitude or Health Conditions

While altitude sickness isn’t a common issue for skydivers, it’s normal to have concerns,  especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult with your healthcare provider before skydiving just to be sure you are good to go! 

Once you’re approved, please feel free to reach out to us! At Skydive STL, our team of skydiving professionals is here to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have about your jump. Whether it is about the altitude, the general process, or something else – no matter how small, or silly you may think it is – we are happy to provide the reassurance you need. Our goal is make sure you are as comfortable as possible and that you are fully ready for the best time of your life!

Ready to feel the rush? Book your skydive today with Skydive STL! Blue skies.