Can I SCUBA Dive and Skydive on the Same Day?

If you’re an adventure enthusiast who loves pushing the limits, the idea of combining two thrilling activities – SCUBA diving and skydiving – might sound like the ultimate adrenaline rush! But can you actually SCUBA dive and skydive on the same day? While the thought of living out your dreams of exploring the world below and up above in the same day sounds amazing, there are crucial safety factors that you’ll need to consider before attempting this feat.

Can You Skydive and SCUBA Dive in the Same Day?

Yes, you can skydive and SCUBA dive on the same day as long as you are SCUBA diving after your skydive. However, you’ll have to be very careful because SCUBA diving before your skydive can be extremely dangerous, we hate to say it … but in all seriousness, it can be deadly.

Scuba Diving and Skydiving on the Same Day Can Be Risky

We’re all about having fun and gaining new experiences while on your adventure, but safety is the primary concern when it comes to SCUBA diving and skydiving. And things can get pretty dangerous when our bodies need to adjust to extreme altitude changes within a short amount of time. Not only does taking on both activities in the same day totally wear you out physically (and mentally), but it also can impact your body in a way that could be detrimental.

Why Can’t You Go SCUBA Diving Before Skydiving?

When you are SCUBA diving, your body absorbs nitrogen from the air you breathe at a high pressure. The deeper and longer you dive, the more nitrogen your body absorbs. As you ascend and the pressure decreases, giving the nitrogen time to slowly release from your tissues. However, if you ascend too quickly or engage in another activity that involves rapid altitude changes (*cough* skydiving *cough*), the nitrogen can form dangerous bubbles in your bloodstream leading to a condition known as Decompression Sickness (DCS), also known as “the bends.”

DCS can cause a range of symptoms, from joint pain and dizziness to paralysis and even death in severe cases. Therefore, it is critical to follow recommended guidelines to minimize the risk of DCS when planning to skydive after SCUBA diving. 

The 24 Hour Rule: Why Waiting To Skydive Matters

The exact waiting time depends on several factors, including the depth and duration of your dive, as well as your body’s ability to off-gas nitrogen. For example, a shallow dive with a short bottom time may require a shorter waiting period, whereas a deep, extended dive could necessitate a full 24-hour wait before it is safe to skydive.

To reduce the risk of decompression sickness, it is widely recommended by the professionals at Divers Alert Network (DAN) and by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to wait 24 hours after SCUBA diving before flying or going skydiving from altitudes above 8,000 ft. 

Since we jump from 10,000 ft at Skydive STL, we highly recommend that you follow these guidelines and wait the full 24 hours before skydiving with us. It’s best to just give your body the time it needs to adjust to the new pressure changes in order to reduce your risk of DCS while on your skydiving experience. We take our jobs very seriously and that is to mitigate as many risks as possible so that everyone can have a successful and comfortable skydive. We promise, it’ll be worth the wait!

Planning Your Epic Adventure

With that being said, SCUBA diving and skydiving on the same day is definitely possible with careful planning and consideration of some key precautions, you can enjoy both activities while minimizing potential risks. Here are some detailed tips on how to ensure your experience is both exhilarating and as safe as possible:

1. Dive First, Skydive Later

Among the other lists of skydiving dos and don’ts, diving before skydiving is a don’t! The sequence in which you enjoy these activities is absolutely crucial to the physiological impact of each activity on your body. So, when planning to engage in both SCUBA diving and skydiving, always prioritize SCUBA diving first, and then skydiving afterwards. 

If there’s absolutely no way of making that happen, definitely allow for 24 hours after your SCUBA dive to give your body plenty of time to off-gas the nitrogen before attempting to skydive.

2. Use a Dive Computer

To add an extra level of safety and comfort, consider using a dive computer to track real-time data of your dive. These devices provide dive depth, time, and ascent rate, helping you manage your nitrogen levels more effectively. They have the ability to track your nitrogen absorption during the dive and calculate safe surface intervals – the time you need to stay at the surface before engaging in activities like flying or skydiving. 

By using a dive computer, you can precisely monitor when it is safe to skydive, reducing the guess-work and enhancing your overall safety. Many dive computers allow you to adjust settings based on your personal dive profile and physical condition. 

3. Local Dive Centers

Skydive STL is located just an hour away from several dive centers in St. Louis, including Y-Kiki Divers where you can learn to SCUBA dive and plan your dive trip to exotic, dream diving destinations. Or if you’re looking for something local to explore, the Quail Quarry dive location is a short 30-minute drive from us.

Start your ultimate adventure by booking your skydive with Skydive St. Louis. Blue skies!