Skydiving is one of those once in a lifetime experiences that sticks with you forever. But if you’re considering jumping out of a perfectly good plane for the first time, it’s natural to have a few questions. One of the most common ones? “Is there a weight limit?” And yes, there is. It’s not there to exclude anyone, it’s purely about safety and making sure everything runs smoothly during the jump. Whether it’s your first tandem skydive or something you’ve been thinking about for years, understanding why these limits exist can make you feel more prepared and confident before your flight.
When we talk about weight in skydiving it’s really about the full picture which includes you, the instructor and all of the gear all combined. Each part of that equation plays a role in ensuring a safe, comfortable experience from take-off to landing. And while the idea of limits might seem restrictive, it’s actually what allows so many people to enjoy this sport year after year without issues. So let’s take a closer look at how it all works and why it matters.
Why Weight Matters in the Sky
Tandem skydiving is a pretty physical activity and our skydivers aren’t just there to guide you through the air, they’re also responsible for maneuvering the both of you during exit, controlling your position during freefall, steering the parachute and landing you safely back on the ground. That’s a lot of responsibility, and the equipment they’re using is engineered to work within a certain range of combined weight. Go too far over that limit, and things can get tricky not just for the gear, but also for the instructor, who needs to be able to handle the full load confidently from start to finish.
For most jumpers, the limit is around 95 kg before surcharges apply. This isn’t about extra fees for the sake of it and it’s simply to account for the additional physical effort required from your instructor and to ensure the gear performs as it should under increased strain. Every parachute system has been rigorously tested and certified with strict maximums for how much it can handle. Exceeding those limits isn’t just discouraged, it’s not permitted. And really, that’s a good thing. It means the gear you’re using is dependable, predictable and safe within the range it was designed for.
Getting the Gear Just Right
Tandem harnesses are built to fit securely and snugly, and they have to distribute your weight evenly across your body so they stay firmly in place throughout the jump whilst also allowing enough mobility for safe exits and landings. If a harness doesn’t fit quite right because say a jumper is outside of the ideal height to weight ratio, it can cause discomfort or even interfere with how the parachute performs. That’s why being proportionate in size is just as important as the number on the scale.
Another thing to keep in mind is landing. Towards the end of the jump, you’ll be asked to lift your legs in front of you, almost like you’re sitting in an invisible chair. It sounds easy enough on the ground, but after the adrenaline of a freefall and the rush of the parachute deployment, it’s not always as effortless as it seems. Having enough core strength to do this comfortably is important not just for you, but also for your instructor, who needs to land you both safely. Think of it as a team effort, when everyone’s working within the right limits, it’s smoother, safer and a lot more enjoyable all round.
A Thoughtful Approach to Adventure
Ultimately, skydiving is about feeling empowered. That rush of air, the breathtaking views, the unforgettable moment when you step out into open sky, those are things that stay with you forever. But like any adventure sport, there’s a responsibility to do it right and weight limits are part of that. They’re not about judgment or exclusion, they’re about giving every jumper the best possible experience with the highest standards of safety in place.
We welcome people from all walks of life who are ready to experience the magic of freefall. If you’re unsure whether you meet the weight requirements or want to ask a few more questions before booking, just reach out to us.
