Is there a weight limit for skydiving?

The short answer is yes. Tandem skydiving has weight limits to help keep both students and instructors safe and ensure that aircraft and parachute equipment operate within their designed limits.

At Skydive Sussex, our standard tandem skydiving weight limit is 200 lbs for women and 220 lbs for men.

However, these aren’t necessarily hard cutoffs. Depending on your height, weight and overall body proportions, we may be able to accommodate guests weighing up to 280 lbs for an additional fee.

There is no minimum weight requirement, but all tandem skydivers must be at least 18 years old. So, why does weight matter when skydiving?

There are a few important reasons.

Parachute Weight Limits and Equipment Safety

Parachute systems are carefully designed to balance strength, size, comfort and performance. Tandem equipment must safely support the combined weight of the student and tandem instructor throughout the skydive.

Parachutes and harnesses also have manufacturer-specified operating limits. Staying within these limits helps ensure the equipment performs as designed during freefall, deployment and landing.

This is why a skydiving weight limit isn’t simply a business policy — it’s an important part of safely operating tandem skydiving equipment.

The Skydiving Weight Limit at Skydive Sussex: Summary

At Skydive Sussex, we want to make the incredible experience of skydiving available to as many people as we safely can.

Our standard tandem skydiving weight limits are:

• Women: 200 lbs
• Men: 220 lbs
• Guests above these limits may be accommodated up to 280 lbs, depending on height and body proportions and subject to an additional fee.

If you’re above the standard weight limit, we recommend contacting us before booking. Our team can discuss your height and weight with you and determine whether we can safely accommodate you.

All guests are weighed when they arrive at Skydive Sussex. These policies aren’t intended to exclude anyone — they’re there to ensure the tandem harness fits correctly, the equipment remains within its operating limits, and both you and your instructor can enjoy a safe and comfortable skydive.

If you’re close to or above the standard limit, give us a call. Depending on your height and build, you may still be able to experience the thrill of jumping from an airplane and freefalling over Sussex County!

HOW MUCH IS SKYDIVING IN NEW YORK?

If you’ve been searching how much is skydiving in New York?, you’re not alone.

It’s another one that we know prospective skydivers search for before planning their first jump in the NYC area. Skydiving is an unforgettable, bucket-list experience — but naturally, you want to know what it costs before you book.

Here’s everything you need to know about skydiving prices in and around New York, what’s included, and how to get the best value for your jump.

Indoor Skydiving – Is It Like The Real Thing?

Indoor skydiving has exploded in popularity across the Northeast. Wind tunnels make it possible to experience the sensation of flight year-round—from New York City to New Jersey and beyond. It’s fun, accessible, and a great introduction to the idea of freefall. But how close is indoor skydiving to the real thing?

The short answer: it’s a taste—not the full experience.

Indoor skydiving takes place in a vertical wind tunnel, where powerful air lifts you off the ground and simulates the feeling of falling. There’s no airplane, no altitude, and no parachute—just steady airflow in a controlled environment. It’s easy to try, requires very little training, and is perfect for beginners who want to get comfortable flying without stepping out of a plane.

Where can I skydive in the New York Area?

Skydiving Near NYC: See New York From a Whole New Angle

New York City is famous for its iconic skyline, legendary landmarks, and nonstop energy—but did you know you can experience it from the sky? Skydiving near NYC offers a perspective on New York you simply can’t get anywhere else.

Imagine jumping from a plane and soaring through the air with views stretching from the city skyline to the Atlantic coastline. If you’re wondering where to go skydiving in New York, Skydive Sussex delivers one of the best skydiving experiences near New York City.

Where to Go Skydiving near New York

New York State offers incredible variety, from mountains and forests to coastlines and cities. While there are several places to skydive in the New York area, Skydive Sussex stands out for location, views, and convenience.

Located just 63 miles from NYC, our dropzone offers breathtaking scenery that includes the NYC skyline,  all the way from 14,500ft.

We’re close enough for an easy day trip from the city, yet far enough to feel like a true adventure escape.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO SKYDIVE IN NEW JERSEY OR NEW YORK?

Skydiving is an incredible adventure no matter how old you are.

While age rules vary around the world, the minimum age to skydive in the United States is a firm 18 years.

These rules are set – in part – by the Federal Aviation Administration, and so this means the age rule is the same for all skydiving centers.

There are a few important reasons behind the age rule, and — as with everything in skydiving — safety is always the top priority.

Let’s dive in!

WHAT ARE THE SKYDIVING AGE RESTRICTIONS?

Once you hit 18, you’re clear to skydive for the rest of your life!

Whether you’re celebrating your 18th birthday or your 80th, experiencing freefall for the first time is way to make it one to remember.

There are even groups like Jumpers Over Seventy (JOS), whose largest skydiving record is 35 people in formation.

We absolutely love jumpers of all ages.

HOW DO I GET READY TO SKYDIVE IF IM 18 ALREADY?

Amazing! We’re so excited for you. Getting ready for your first skydive is easy:

• Get a good night’s sleep
• Arrive on time
• Stay hydrated and eat lightly
• Dress comfortably
• And most importantly, listen to your instructor

If you’re 18 or older and ready to see what the skydiving buzz is all about, we’ve got you!

At Skydive Sussex, tandem skydiving is what we do best — and we can’t wait to share the sky with you. Reach out anytime with questions.

Read more about what to expect on your tandem skydive with us here, and the prices for tandem jumps here.

HOW FAST DO YOU FALL ON A FREEFALL TANDEM SKYDIVE?

So – exactly how fast are you falling when skydiving?

During freefall, you’ve got roughly a full minute of airtime—plenty of time for your body to reach what’s called terminal velocity. That’s simply the fastest speed you can fall. Before you get there, you’re accelerating, but once you hit terminal velocity, you’re basically maxed out.

So what’s that speed for most people? For a tandem skydiver—or an experienced solo jumper flying belly-to-earth—it’s usually around 120 mph, and you’ll reach that after about 12 seconds in freefall.

But, there are a few variables to this, so read on!

EXPERIENCED SKYDIVERS FALL DIFFERENTLY

Tandem freefall speeds are pretty consistent, but experienced skydivers can change their speed a lot by adjusting their body position or wearing special suits. Belly-to-earth skydivers fall at about 120 mph, just like tandems.

But if they switch to a vertical position—head-up or head-down—they present less surface area to the wind and can zoom along at 150–180 mph. On the opposite extreme, wingsuit flyers, with their special suits, add a ton of drag and can slow their vertical speed to around 40 mph!

WHAT ABOUT THE SPEED OF THE PARACHUTE?

Once the parachute opens, everything calms way down.

Your descent slows to roughly 15 mph—just enough to enjoy the view, breathe easy, and even chat with your instructor.

Ready to experience that incredible mix of speed and serenity for yourself? Read more about what to expect on your tandem skydive with us here, and the prices for tandem jumps here.

Dont forget that you can have your own skydive photographer join your in freefall so you can relive the jump with your friends, family, and on socials.