What’s the Skydiving Age Limit

Published: June 22, 2017

Across the world there are a variety of age restrictions for skydiving, but for Skydive Long Island and the rest of the U.S., the minimum age to skydive is 18.

But what if you’re a bit older — is there a maximum age limit? Nope! You can skydive with us as long as you’re in good health.

In fact, some of the most well-known skydivers are older. This sport tends to grab people and hold them for a lifetime. At dropzones around the world you’ll routinely see people in their 60s and 70s jumping out of airplanes.

It also tends to attract newcomers at later stages in life who are trying to check off their bucket lists. Recently a 101-year-old Englishman set a world record for being the oldest person ever to skydive. Bryson William Verdun Hayes jumped for his 100th birthday and loved it so much he returned for 101.

Then there’s 82-year-old Dilys Price, who jumps regularly and can’t imagine life without it. She started jumping at the ripe age of 54 and has since racked up more than 1,100 jumps. A retired teacher, she began skydiving to conquer a fear of heights. She currently holds a Guinness World Record for the oldest female skydiver.

Young at heart

The great thing about skydiving is you can do it for years without taking a large toll on your body. It helps to be strong and flexible, but what’s most important is having a youthful mentality.

Skydivers love to play. We love to experience life. We realize life is short and believe the only way to spend it is doing the things we love.

As Dilys Price once said: “I think sometimes we get pulled down by fear, we get pulled down by the necessity of work and it’s a mistake. That having done skydiving, I learned courage. I learned to go. And that has been the biggest turning point in my life.”

Have a positive mental attitude, be in good health and come join us on a skydive.

“You’re a bird for 50 seconds. It is unbelievably wonderful,” said Price. “I won’t stop until I know it’s not safe. But for now, I’m safe and I can do it, and I will do it for as long as I can.”