Can Wheelchair Users Go Skydiving?
At Airborne Petawawa, we offer accessible tandem skydiving in Canada for individuals who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. Using specialized adaptive equipment and highly trained instructors, people with paralysis, amputations, or mobility restrictions can safely experience the thrill of skydiving.
We started Airborne Petawawa with a simple belief: skydiving should be shared with everyone. Adventure should not be limited by physical challenges, and the experience of flying through the sky should be available to anyone who dreams of it.
For many participants, an Accessible Tandem skydive becomes far more than an adrenaline rush, it’s a powerful moment of freedom and possibility. We are absolutely here for that in every way!
ADAPTIVE SKYDIVING IN THE OTTAWA VALLEY
Accessible skydiving opportunities remain rare across Canada. Many drop zones simply do not have the specialized equipment or training required to safely accommodate individuals with mobility restrictions.
At Airborne Petawawa, we are proud to be helping lead the way in adaptive skydiving in Ontario.
Our program allows individuals who cannot walk independently to participate in a fully supported tandem skydive. Whether you are searching for skydiving for wheelchair users, adaptive adventure sports, or a truly inclusive skydiving experience, our team is trained to deliver a professional and safety-focused jump.
As a USPA-affiliated drop zone, we are committed to expanding accessibility within the sport and demonstrating that the thrill of skydiving should be available to anyone with the desire to experience it.
THE FREEDOM HARNESS: A CUSTOM BUILT SPECIALIZED HARNESS
Central to our Accessible Tandem program is our specialized FREEDOM Harness system.
Originally designed by legendary skydiver Jay Stokes, this system supports safe skydiving for individuals with limited or no lower body mobility.
The FREEDOM Harness uses custom harness pants that secure the tandem student’s legs to the instructor’s legs during freefall. This configuration provides stability and controlled body positioning throughout the skydive.
When the parachute deploys, the same system allows the instructor to lift and support the student’s legs for landing, ensuring a smooth and controlled touchdown.
The result is a safe and structured system that allows individuals with mobility challenges to participate in a tandem skydive with confidence.
For many people, it transforms skydiving from something that seemed impossible into something entirely achievable.
| “Ensuring a smooth and controlled touchdown.”
PROFESSIONAL VIDEO INCLUDED
Every Accessible Tandem skydive includes our Deluxe Video Package at no additional cost.
This package features both handcam footage from the tandem instructor and outside video from the jumpmaster who will accompany the pair on the skydive. The entire experience will be captured from multiple angles!
The result is a cinematic record of a moment you’ll be able to look back on for years to come. Being part of someone’s first skydive is something we never take for granted, and our team takes real care in capturing that experience on film.
For many participants, this video becomes a lasting reminder of a life-changing achievement.
| "You will have your own private plane for this jump!"
DEDICATED JUMPMASTER SUPPORT
Accessible Tandem skydives require additional preparation, equipment, and personnel to ensure the highest safety standards.
For this reason, Accessible Tandems at Airborne Petawawa are conducted only by our most experienced tandem instructors and include the involvement of a dedicated Jumpmaster. You will have your own private plane for this jump!
The Jumpmaster plays a key role in the operation by assisting with:
• Aircraft boarding and positioning
• Gear checks and harness setup
• Exit coordination from the aircraft
• Additional support during landing
This extra layer of oversight ensures the skydive remains structured, controlled, and professionally managed from start to finish.
Because of the additional equipment, personnel, and operational planning required, Accessible Tandems include an additional $335 Jumpmaster support fee when conducted from our Cessna 182 aircraft, which is reserved exclusively for the tandem pair.
SAFETY AND PERSONALIZED ASSESSMENT
Every Accessible Tandem skydive begins with a conversation.
We recognize that each person’s mobility and physical needs are different, which is why we encourage participants to contact us before booking so we can discuss their specific situation.
Safety remains our highest priority. In certain cases, if we determine that the level of risk is too high, we may not be able to proceed with the jump. These decisions are always made carefully and professionally, with the participant’s wellbeing as the top priority.
Our goal is to make skydiving accessible, empowering, and safe for everyone involved.
MORE THAN A SKYDIVE!
Skydiving is often described as an adrenaline rush. We know it's much more than that.
Jumping is proof that limitations do not define capability.
At Airborne Petawawa, we are honoured to help people step beyond the boundaries placed on them and experience something that once seemed impossible.
Because everyone deserves to know what it feels like to fly, so let's get airborne!
Learn more about our Accessible Tandem program or email us if you or someone you know wants to make an Accessible Tandem skydive with us.