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What's the Age Limit to Skydive?

One of the most common questions we get at Airborne Petawawa is, 'What’s the age limit for skydiving?' Instinctively, I jump to our minimum age requirement: 16 years old. But what surprises me is that more and more people are curious about the upper age limit. And here’s the best part—there isn’t one! Whether you’re 16 or 100, if you’ve got the spirit for adventure, we’re here to take you on the ride of a lifetime.

WHY SKYDIVING IS EASY ON THE JOINTS

 

Civilian skydiving has come a long way in terms of technology, especially when it comes to the canopies used today. Modern skydivers, including those at Airborne Petawawa, use ram-air canopies, which are nothing like the old, round parachutes of the past. These advanced canopies are rectangular, allowing for far greater control and precision during the descent. Ram-air canopies inflate to form an airfoil shape, giving the skydiver the ability to steer, slow down, and land with pinpoint accuracy. This means soft, controlled landings are not just possible—they’re the standard. 

 

So, whether you’re a first-time jumper or a veteran of the skies, you can rest assured that modern skydiving gear is designed to provide a safe, soft landing every time!

 

THE ROLE OF EXPERT INSTRUCTORS

 

For those participating in a tandem skydive, where you’re securely attached to a highly trained professional, the experience is even smoother. Tandem instructors are skilled at managing the descent and ensuring a comfortable landing. More often than not, a tandem skydive results in a gentle, almost effortless touchdown, thanks to the instructor’s experience and the advanced equipment in use.

Tandem skydiving is designed to be a simple and enjoyable experience, especially for older passengers who may be concerned about the complexity of the jump. Tandem instructors are experts not only in skydiving but also in making sure you feel confident and comfortable throughout the process. They explain each step clearly and in easy-to-understand terms, breaking down what’s going to happen during the jump in a way that’s reassuring and stress-free.

From gearing up to exiting the plane, your instructor handles all the technical aspects while keeping you informed and at ease. They’ll walk you through basic body positions, what to expect in freefall, and how the landing works, but there’s no need to worry about mastering complex techniques. The instructor takes care of everything, guiding you smoothly through the air and ensuring a safe, soft landing at the end.

 

WHY AGE IS JUST A NUMBER 

 

Age truly is just a number when it comes to skydiving! Recently, a 102-year-old woman in the UK made headlines when she took the leap and completed a tandem skydive, proving that the thrill of adventure doesn’t have an expiration date. Her incredible story reminds us that it’s never too late to try something new and experience the adrenaline rush of freefall.

For many older skydivers, it’s about breaking free from the limitations often associated with age and proving that they’re still full of life and excitement. Whether you’re in your 60s, 80s, or, like this courageous woman, over 100, skydiving is an empowering way to challenge yourself and embrace the unknown. Modern equipment and highly trained instructors make it safer and more accessible than ever, so you can feel confident about taking the leap—regardless of your age. If you have any concerns, please speak to your healthcare professional.

At Airborne Petawawa, we’ve seen countless older jumpers walk away from their skydive with huge smiles, feeling like they’ve conquered the world. The sky is the limit, and stories like this 102-year-old woman show us that life is meant to be lived boldly, at any age!

 

BREAKING BARRIERS: SKYDIVING IN YOUR GOLDEN YEARS

 

"I’ve never felt more alive! I can’t believe I waited this long to try skydiving. It was exhilarating, and the landing was as gentle as could be!"

"I thought I’d be scared, but the team made everything so easy. The view, the freefall, the landing—it was all incredible. Definitely something I'll be talking about for years!"

"The instructors were fantastic, and I felt completely safe the whole time. It was the best decision I’ve made since retiring!"

 

At Airborne Petawawa, we recently had the privilege of introducing a student in his late 60s to the world of skydiving. What started as a tandem jump quickly turned into a life-changing passion—he loved it so much that he enrolled in our AFF student program to learn how to skydive solo and work toward earning his licence. But what makes his journey even more remarkable is that he’s doing all of this while managing a PIC line and undergoing dialysis.

His story is a true testament to breaking barriers and proving that age and health conditions don’t have to limit your potential for adventure. With determination, the right support, and the thrill of the skies, he’s showing everyone that it’s never too late to embrace new challenges and soar to new heights.