Drunk Skydiving: Can You Drink and 'Dive?

Let's be real, nobody really says "dive" when talking about skydiving but we just couldn't miss out on the punny opportunity! Get it?!?!

Anyway ... the question is: can you drink before skydiving? The answer is, no. Some people are totally ready to take the plunge and go all-in for their first time skydiving experience, but some others feel the need to fuel up with a little liquid courage to muster the bravery to go skydiving. However, it is PROHIBITED to have any alcohol in your system the day of your skydive.

Skydiving is not just an amusement ride; you're not just a passenger. As a tandem skydiver, you're considered to be a student and you'll play a very important and active role throughout your entire skydiving experience. You need to bring your best self to the dropzone, and yet many people assume it's no big deal to have a drink before skydiving. Not cool ... and not legal.

The rules and regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Parachute Association (USPA) require everyone involved to remain 100% sober and cognizant during skydive operations.

SAFE & SOBER SKYDIVING

The reason why Skydive Long Island forbids drinking and skydiving is not only because we believe it is unsafe, it's also because we are a USPA- and FAA-regulated dropzone. Skydivers are technically pilots of their parachute, therefore we are required to follow the rules of the FAA.

The Federal Aviation Regulation Part 105 Sec. 105.7 states:

"No person may conduct a parachute operation, and no pilot in command of an aircraft may allow a person to conduct a parachute operation from that aircraft if that person is or appears to be under the influence of -

Alcohol, or Any drug that affects that person's faculties in any way contrary to safety."

Therefore, if we suspect that there is any sign of alcohol or drug use (and trust us, we'll know), you will not be permitted to skydive. We swear we're not trying to be party poopers, it's just the rules!

This isn't the only reason why drunk skydiving isn't ideal, it also can potentially ruin the experience for you and your instructor.

DRUNK SKYDIVING RISKS

Skydiving is all about calculated risk. Skydiving safely means finding every way possible to mitigate the risks. Being under the influence is a risk that's absolutely non-negotiable. It is extremely important that we are acutely aware of our surroundings so we're ready to react quickly from take off to touch down.

As we all know, alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and heavily impacts the body's coordination skills - all of which you need intact in order to have a successful and enjoyable skydive, even for the tandem student.

Not to mention - drinking alcohol severely dehydrates the body, which can majorly compromise your physical comfort and potentially cause you to pass out while skydiving.

Arriving at the dropzone well-rested, hydrated and with a normal meal in your belly, is the best way to prepare for your jump - not knocking a few back to steel your nerves! Being present and intentional will enable you to get the most of your training and help you follow instructions from your tandem instructor.

HUNGOVER SKYDIVING

Alright, so you can't drink on the day of your jump ... but can you drink the night before skydiving? Skydiving after a night of heavy drinking is not recommended for several reasons, chief among them being that skydiving while hungover is quite possibly the worst experience ever and you will definitely regret it.

Hangovers are normally accompanied by a righteous headache, nausea, dizziness, and dehydration. Add skydiving into the mix, and your grand adventure just might turn into a vomitrocious misadventure. Vomiting under canopy is horrific for you and your instructor, and leaves you no choice but to land in a bad-smelling heap. Your skydive is all but ruined! So, please, no skydiving drunk, OK? Save the drinks for the celebration and reap the full benefits of your incredible accomplishment!

Book your skydive with Skydive Long Island - and truly experience the thrill of a lifetime! Blue skies.