Have Questions About Your Skydive?
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Skydiving FAQs: What You Need to Know
Most people have a lot of questions before their first skydive, and we’re here to answer all of them! Below is a list of answers to common questions we’ve gotten over the years that will help you prepare for your jump. Don’t see your question? Give us a call at (305) 396-8806 or contact us and we’ll be happy to answer it.
Is there a minimum age to skydive?
You must be 18 years old or older to skydive in the U.S. There is no maximum age.
Is there a weight limit to skydive?
You must weigh under 270lbs. to skydive. In some cases, depending on body shape, it may be unsafe to take a passenger even if they are under the weight limit. Everyone that jumps with us is evaluated in person by an instructor before boarding the plane. If you are unsure please call us on (305) 396-8806
I have an injury – can I still skydive?
If you’re concerned about a current, recent, or past injury, please consult your physician and have them clear you for skydiving. We’d love to take you safely, but we can’t give any medical advice regarding your skydive.
How can I make a reservation?
You can make a reservation online or call us at (305) 396-8806.
Is it free to make a reservation?
Phone reservations are free to make, free to reschedule, and free to cancel right up until your plane takes off. We ask for a credit card when you book your reservation to ensure that you are a real person.
Is it free to reschedule or cancel?
It is free to reschedule and free to cancel your reservation right up until your plane takes off. If you don’t show up for your reservation and don’t contact us to cancel, we reserve the right to charge $50 to the credit card used to book the reservation.
Why is a credit card required if it’s free?
We need to ensure that you are a real person and that you intend to come to our facility to jump. If you don’t show up for your reservation and don’t contact us to cancel, we reserve the right to charge $50 to the credit card used to book the reservation.
What if I come out and decide not to jump?
Not a problem. If you come out and decide not to jump, you will not be charged.
What should I wear for my skydive?
There is no special clothing required to skydive. We suggest wearing whatever combination of shirt and pants or shorts you’d be comfortable walking around in outside. We suggest wearing tennis shoes vs. sandals or flip flops. If you don’t have a pair of tennis shoes, we’re happy to lend you a pair free of charge.
Can I wear my glasses while skydiving?
Yes, we want you to be able to see all the beauty the Florida Keys have to offer! We have special larger goggles that are designed to fit over prescription eyeglasses. You can also wear prescription contacts when you skydive – please let your instructor know you’re wearing them before you take off.
What if the weather is bad?
We only jump when we’re able to provide a wonderful experience while staying safe. That said, we jump 350 out of 365 days a year! We occasionally have thundershowers, but we typically just wait 20-30 minutes until the shower passes and the skies are clear to jump again. In the unlikely event that weather doesn’t allow you to skydive, you will not be charged and you have the option to reschedule or cancel.
How long will I be there?
Groups of 2 or less should anticipate being here for 1 hour. Groups of 12 or less should expect to be here for less than 2 hours.
I’m coming with friends – can we jump at the same time?
Yes! Each plane holds 2 students and 2 instructors, so groups of 2 can always jump together. For larger groups, you will always get the option to jump with someone from your group, but you will be asked to form smaller sub-groups of 2.
Can my family and friends come watch?
Of course! We have a lounge where they can relax for the 15 minutes it takes you to climb to altitude. Once it’s time for you to jump, we will take them out to the landing area in our 8-passenger golf cart where they can watch you land!
I don’t have a car – how do I get to you?
There are several options for getting to Skydive Key West:
- Take the bus for $4 per person each way. Call us and we will pick you up from the Sugarloaf Key Lower / Lodge Bus stop and take you back to the bus pick-up after your skydive. Click here to check out the schedule.
- Uber or Lyft is approximately $50 each way from Key West. Taxis are not recommended since they generally cost twice as much.
Rent a Jeep at Key West Jeep Adventures. They will deliver the Jeep right to you! Reserve at keywestadventures.com or 305-615-6750.
How long is the flight up?
Your flight up is a 15-minute sightseeing tour of the beautiful Florida Keys, and a preview of the amazing views you’ll experience during your skydive. Keep your eyes peeled for spotted eagle rays, dolphins, and sharks swimming in the shimmering turquoise water below.
What kind of parachute do we use?
The parachutes we use today bear little resemblance to the classic round parachutes of years past. Today, nearly all jumpers use “ram-air” parachutes. These are rectangular in shape and, when open, act like an airplane wing. They are more like gliders than umbrellas. The aerodynamics of the parachute provide it with exceptional maneuverability, allowing the jumper to land almost anywhere he/she wishes. This wing shape is also what makes the tiptoe-soft landings possible.
Skydive Key West uses only UPT Sigma Tandem Systems. These systems are top of the line and the best in the industry.
How fast is the freefall?
During the 40-second freefall we will reach speeds of approximately 120 miles per hour!
How long does the skydive last?
Once your plane takes off, you’ll enjoy a 15-minute sightseeing tour over the beautiful Florida Keys. When the door opens and you leave the plane, there are 40 exhilarating seconds of freefall followed by a breathtaking 5-minute ride under canopy once the parachute opens!
What will the skydive feel like?
Because of the wind resistance, the sensation of freefall is more like flying than falling and doesn’t give you that rollercoaster stomach-in-your-throat feeling. It is intensely exciting and liberating! Once the parachute opens, the canopy flight is peaceful and relaxing.
Where do we land and what is the landing like?
We land in a grass field on the airport property. Most landings are quite soft, with most people doing a gentle stand-up landing. Under certain conditions, and at the discretion of the instructor, some people make a gentle sit-down landing.
Can I get photos and video of my jump?
Most people want video and photos to remember their skydive forever – and to post on social media to impress family and friends! Skydive Key West operates a freefall cinematography business right here on site. We can provide you with a high-definition video and 50+ crystal-clear photos of your skydive. If you would like to purchase your video and photos, we’ll put them right on your phone for you.
Can I bring my own camera to record my jump?
No, you’ll be much too busy with your skydive to look after your camera or phone. It can very easily get lost or broken, and it’s a danger to the residents below. USPA regulations require that even experienced jumpers have 200 jumps prior to wearing any type of camera system.
Can we get one video for our whole group?
You are welcome to shoot video of your group on the ground together before the plane takes off and during your landing. But the time/distance gap between jumpers leaving the plane prevents a camera person from being able to film more than one student at a time.
Can I jump solo?
No. At Skydive Key West you must jump with a certified tandem instructor.
