Can You Drink Before Skydiving?

Skydiving is no-doubt an exciting and perhaps, nerve-wracking activity, especially for first timers. Which is why it doesn’t come as a surprise that someone may consider taking a swig (or two) of liquid courage before making their big leap. *skrrrrttt* Pump the breaks! Before you decide to potentially ruin your skydiving experience, let’s talk about if drinking before skydiving is even allowed and why you won’t want to indulge prior to your scheduled skydive.

Skydiving Rules and Regulations

When it comes to skydiving, we have strict rules and regulations that we must follow that come down from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Which means, choosing not to follow these rules could put us (and you) in actual legal trouble. These rules are something we take very seriously at Skydive STL. 

In general, the emphasis on safety cannot be overstated when it comes to skydiving – every precaution is taken to minimize the risks of jumping from a plane in mid-flight and to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants. Adhering to FAA guidelines is not only a legal requirement but also a matter of personal responsibility and respect for the sport and fellow skydivers.

Just as a flight crewmember cannot be under the influence of alcohol, no skydiving participant can be under the influence of alcohol or any other drug for that matter. According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Sec.105.7;

1. No person may make a parachute jump, or attempt to make a jump, if that person is or appears to be under the influence of either;

• Alcohol, or

• Any drug that affects that person’s faculties in any way contrary to safety.

2. No person may make a parachute jump, or attempt to make a jump, within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage.

Can You Drink Before Skydiving?

The answer to this question is straightforward: No. Under no circumstances should you drink alcohol before skydiving. Nobody is allowed to skydive while under the influence, regardless if it is your first jump or your 10,001st jump!

Alcohol can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and negatively impact coordination – all of which are crucial during a skydiving experience. Even a small amount of alcohol can have a significant impact on your ability to make split-second decisions and react appropriately to changing conditions. Safety is paramount in skydiving, so maintaining a clear state of mind is essential for a successful jump. By refraining from drinking alcohol before your skydiving adventure, you’re not only protecting yourself but also those around you. 

If you’re feeling a bit anxious before your jump, please know that it is totally normal and there are resources to help you find other healthy ways to mentally prepare for skydiving.

Can You Drink the Night Before Skydiving?

As stated above, the USPA requires that no person may make a parachute jump, or attempt to make a jump, within 8 hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage. Also, showing up to the dropzone hungover isn’t a great idea. 

Drinking heavily the night before a jump can leave you feeling nauseous, dehydrated, and fatigued – none of which mix well with skydiving. So, unless you want to vomit while skydiving and potentially on your instructor – we suggest saving the celebration for after the jump. 

If you’re reading this and the damage is already done, better to just reschedule your jump for another day so you can come feeling prepared – you (and your instructor) will thank you later! We want you to have a good time, and not feeling well on the day of your skydive can ruin your whole experience. 

To ensure you’re in optimal physical and mental condition for your jump, avoid excessive alcohol consumption the night before. Instead, prioritize getting a good night’s sleep and staying hydrated to prepare your body for the adventure ahead.

Drunk Skydiving Risks

Attempting a skydive while under the influence of alcohol is not only reckless but also incredibly dangerous. Impaired decision-making and coordination significantly increase the risk of accidents and injuries – not only to yourself but also to others in the vicinity.

Drunk skydiving poses a serious threat to the safety of everyone involved, including instructors, fellow skydivers, and ground crew. It undermines the principles of responsible skydiving and jeopardizes the reputation of the dropzone and sport as a whole. 

The best way to enjoy skydiving is by being 100% sober so you can truly take in the amazement of freefalling through the skies, floating blissfully back down to the ground underneath a beautiful parachute, then landing with confidence and a sense of accomplishment – a moment you’ll want to remember forever. Be advised, consuming alcohol or being hungover will absolutely steal this experience from you. Sad face.

Celebrate After Your Jump

After it’s all said and done, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a drink or two to celebrate your great achievement! While celebrating your successful jump is a fantastic way to cap off the experience, it is essential to do so responsibly. While enjoying an alcoholic beverage after your jump is totally fine, be mindful of your limits and how your body may react post adrenaline rush. Be sure to have some water as well, stay hydrated and drink responsibly – cheers!

By prioritizing safety, adhering to guidelines, and making responsible choices, you can give yourself the space to have an enjoyable and memorable skydiving experience. Embrace everything that skydiving has to offer with a clear mind and open heart! 
Sober and ready to take the plunge? Book your skydive with St. Louis’ closest skydiving center – Skydive STL! Blue skies!