What Is the Weight Limit for Skydiving?

Key Takeaways
Tandem skydiving weight limits typically range from 220-260 pounds, depending on the dropzone’s equipment, instructor availability, and safety policies. At Skydive STL, guests can skydive if they weigh up to 260 pounds, with a $1-per-pound surcharge for jumpers over 200 pounds. Weight limits exist to ensure the parachute system, harness, and instructor can accommodate each jump within certified equipment ratings. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, contact the dropzone before booking. Your height-to-weight ratio and harness fit are also important factors.

Figuring out the logistics of skydiving before booking is a priority, and one of the most asked questions is: is there a weight limit for parachuting? At Skydive STL, the tandem skydiving weight limit is 260 lbs, with a $1-per-pound charge for jumpers over 200 lbs.

Tandem skydiving weight limits typically range from 220 to 260 pounds (including clothing and shoes) depending on the dropzone’s equipment. This limit is based on parachute engineering standards and the limits of the gear. Many locations charge a weight surcharge for jumpers over a certain weight to account for the increased physical demand on instructors. 

Let’s dig a little deeper into the weight restrictions for a tandem skydive and why we take them seriously. 

Why Is There a Weight Limit for Skydiving? 

Skydiving weight limits are strictly enforced for safety reasons.

As one might expect, there are limits to how much weight both a parachute and an instructor can bear. Before being approved for use, each component of the tandem skydiving equipment undergoes rigorous testing and is issued a Technical Standard Order (TSO) from the Federal Aviation Administration. Exceeding the weight limit for tandem skydiving gear means exceeding the parameters for which the gear is proven to work correctly. 

Here are the key factors that dictate these restrictions:

• Equipment Limits
  
  Skydiving parachutes have strict, tested weight ratings that come directly from the equipment manufacturer. Most tandem rigs have an overall maximum weight limit of roughly 500 pounds, including the gear, the instructor, and the student. As a general rule, figuring out the weight limit for skydiving means subtracting the weight of the gear and instructor from 500 pounds; the amount that is left is the maximum weight for the student.
  
  
• Harness Fit
  
  A skydiving harness must fit snugly to work properly throughout the jump. While tandem harnesses are highly adjustable, they do have a maximum fit. If a student exceeds the weight limit or does not have a height-to-weight proportion that allows the harness to be secured correctly, they cannot jump.
  
  
• Instructor Workload
  
  Heavier loads under the parachute result in faster descent speeds, harder parachute openings, and more force upon landing. So, dropzones enforce these limits to ensure their instructors can physically manage and steer the parachute under canopy.

What If You’re Over the Weight Limit?

At Skydive STL, we have a few different weight limits. Our first limit is 200 pounds, but don’t worry if you’re above that. You can still jump as long as you’re under our maximum limit of 260 pounds. However, there is a $1 per pound charge for jumpers over 200 pounds. 

This increase in cost is directly correlated to the increased strain on the instructor. Additionally, the dropzone has to make extra accommodations to secure a lighter instructor so that the overall weight remains under the 500 pound equipment maximum. 

We are ultimately able to accommodate guests up to 260 pounds at Skydive STL, so if you’re above that, you won’t be able to jump at this time. However, skydiving may be the perfect motivator to help you reach your weight loss goals. Take your time and celebrate your accomplishment with a skydive when you’re ready. We’ll be here, all smiles, cheering you on!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum weight for skydiving?

The maximum weight at most dropzones is about 220-260 pounds. Every dropzone is different because of instructor accessibility, equipment, and policy, but the overall maximum of 500 pound rating on the equipment is consistent. 

Can I skydive at 200 pounds?

Most dropzones can easily accommodate students up to 200 pounds. However, height and weight ratio also comes into play, so reach out to the dropzone if you’re unsure about your eligibility. 

Can you skydive at 300 pounds?

Unfortunately, 300 pounds is above the weight limit for tandem skydiving. Because of the 

overall equipment maximum of 500 pounds and the weight of the gear and instructor, it would be difficult to safely accommodate a 300 pound student.

Am I too fat to go skydiving?

If you’re unsure about your weight, size, or whether or not you can jump, reach out to the dropzone and have a conversation. Weight isn’t the only factor – your height to weight ratio also comes into play regarding the fit of the harness and your ability to participate in the jump. 

Do you get weighed when skydiving?

Yes! Most dropzones will have students step on a scale before gearing up to determine your accurate weight. In addition to weight limits, airplanes have requirements for weight distribution, and your weight may be used to pair you with an appropriate instructor. 

We’ll be here when you’re ready to book your tandem skydive! Blue skies!