1. Introduction
Tandem skydiving is one of the most accessible forms of aerial activity. Despite its exciting nature, it does not require athletic ability, special training, or perfect physical fitness. Around the world, people of many ages, body types, and physical abilities—including individuals with mobility limitations, missing limbs, or other disabilities—regularly experience tandem skydiving with appropriate preparation.At Skydive Swahili, we aim to make skydiving available to as many people as possible. Eligibility criteria exist to ensure safe equipment fit, predictable parachute performance, and appropriate instructor workload. These guidelines help create a safe, enjoyable experience for every participant.
2. Age Requirements
· The guidance value for minimum age is 12 years.
· Participants aged 12–17 must present parental or guardian consent and identification.
· There is no fixed legal minimum age for tandem skydiving. Suitability depends on body size, because the tandem passenger harness must be able to fit securely.
· Children grow at different rates; some younger minors may be physically suitable while some older minors may not. Instructors assess each case individually.
· There is no strict upper age limit. Many older adults jump safely. Suitability depends on comfort, mobility, and individual health.
3. Weight and BMI Guidelines
Weight limits help maintain safe parachute performance and manageable instructor workload.
Standard price weight thresholds: - Men: up to 100 kg - Women: up to 90 kg
Weight above these thresholds is permitted but subject to an additional charge of 2 USD per kilogram.
Non‑negotiable BMI limits: - Men: BMI ≤ 30.0 - Women: BMI ≤ 27.5
These BMI limits ensure correct harness fit and safe distribution of forces during freefall and landing.
All jumpers are weighed on the day of the jump, with clothing on, to ensure accurate assessment.
Participants close to the limits may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
4. General Physical Requirements
Tandem skydiving requires only simple, basic physical abilities. Participants do not need to be athletic, but they must be capable of: - Lifting and holding their legs up for landing (typically 5 seconds) - Following instructor guidance throughout the jump - Performing basic movements required for gearing-up and boarding the aircraft
Certain mobility limitations do not prevent skydiving. Around the world, tandem skydiving is safely performed by people who cannot walk, people with limited mobility, and individuals missing limbs. However, in cases of severe difficulty with movement or balance, instructors may determine that participation is unsafe.
5. Medical Conditions Affecting Eligibility
Skydiving is accessible to most people in reasonably good health. However, certain medical conditions may increase risk. It is important to inform Skydive Swahili about any condition that could affect your safety.
Skydive Swahili is not a medical authority and cannot provide medical advice. If you are unsure whether a condition is compatible with skydiving, you should speak with your doctor.
Conditions that may make participation unsuitable include: - Cardiac or cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, chest pain - Pulmonary conditions (asthma, COPD) - Neurological disorders (seizures, fainting, blackouts, vertigo) - Psychological or emotional disorders that may impair judgment or trigger panic - Diabetes requiring insulin or conditions associated with loss of consciousness - High or low blood pressure, circulatory disorders - Kidney or metabolic diseases - Recent or recurrent joint dislocations (e.g., shoulder) - Any condition that may cause sudden incapacitation or loss of physical control
Participants must disclose: - Recent injuries - Surgeries - Medications that affect balance, alertness, or judgment
Skydiving may be refused if instructors or management determine that conditions present a safety risk.
6. Additional Restrictions
Pregnancy: Skydiving is not permitted during pregnancy due to risk to both mother and child.
Scuba diving: Skydiving is not allowed within 24 hours after scuba diving. Scuba diving affects nitrogen levels in the body. Rapid ascent to high altitude during a skydive may increase the risk of decompression-related issues.
Alcohol and drugs: Skydiving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Impairment affects judgment, coordination, reaction time, and overall safety for the jumper, other participants, instructors, and pilots. Skydive Swahili reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated or hungover.
Health disclosure: Accurate, complete disclosure of health information is essential for safe operations.
7. Corrective Lenses
Good eyesight is not required for tandem skydiving, and participants are encouraged to use their corrective lenses so they do not miss the view. If you normally wear glasses, you can keep them on during the jump. Skydive Swahili provides large skydiving goggles designed to fit comfortably over eyeglasses.
If you wear contact lenses, you may use them as well. Standard skydiving goggles provide full protection from airflow, and most participants experience no issues.
8. Instructor Authority and Final Decision Instructor Authority and Final Decision
Instructors are responsible for safety in freefall and under canopy. They may refuse a jump if: - The participant appears medically unfit - The harness cannot be fitted safely - Weight or BMI limits are exceeded - The participant is impaired, intoxicated, or unable to follow instructions
The final decision always prioritizes safety for the participant, instructor, and flight crew.
9. Summary
Skydiving at Skydive Swahili is accessible, inclusive, and designed for a wide range of people. Eligibility guidelines ensure proper harness fit, safe parachute performance, and a smooth experience. Age, health, and weight requirements exist to protect participants and maintain safe operational standards.
If you have questions or unique health considerations, the Skydive Swahili team is always available to help.