Can You Drink Before Skydiving?

It’s completely normal to get the jitters before your skydive, whether it is your first jump or your 1,000th. Yes, even seasoned skydivers still get nervous before their jump! 

There are many different ways of coping with that overwhelmingly anxious feeling you get from time to time. Some use breathing techniques *wooo-saahhh* and others use substances to help them keep calm.

It’s understandable that you may feel compelled to sip on a little bit of liquid courage before attempting your first skydive. But wait! Let’s talk about how alcohol could affect your skydive and if you’re even allowed to drink before skydiving.

What to Know About Alcohol and Skydiving

At Skydive Tecumseh, we follow the rules and regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Parachute Association (USPA). According to the Federal Aviation Regulation Part 105 Sec.105.7:

“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, all participants at Skydive Tecumseh are not permitted to drink prior to skydiving.

Not only that, but alcohol and skydiving just do not mix well. It’s pretty well-known that alcohol impairs judgment and coordination which are two of the most important capabilities you will need while on your skydive (even as a tandem student!). The tandem instructor will be giving you specific directions leading up to and during your jump that you will be required to understand and perform in a safe, timely manner. Not being sober and 100% cognizant increases the risk and probability of an injury. So please, come sober and ready to go – it is simply just not worth it!

Can You Drink the Night Before Skydiving?

Okay, so we know you definitely cannot drink before skydiving… but we are frequently asked, what about the night before skydiving?

At Skydive Tecumseh, we ask that you not consume any alcohol after midnight the night prior to your skydiving reservation. If we suspect that you have any alcohol in your system or are hungover, we will not permit you to jump. The reason for this is that it poses a safety risk for you and all other individuals involved.

Not only does it create an unsafe situation, but it also leads to just not a good time. Doing anything hungover can be quite miserable, which is especially true on a skydive. Not taking care of yourself, being hungover and dehydrated is a sure way to vomit or even pass out while skydiving! Trust us, NOBODY wants that.

What Not to Do Before Skydiving

Here are some additional tips on what not to do before skydiving. If you avoid these things, we promise you will have a much better experience and you’ll FEEL better too!

Do NOT consume alcohol/drugs.

As we said, alcohol and drugs can ruin your skydive and even prevent you from doing the whole thing altogether. This isn’t our first rodeo, we’re pretty good about spotting intoxicated participants and will refuse to let you jump. Which would be disappointing for you, your friends, and us! We want you to have the best experience possible!

Do NOT skip a meal or eat too much.

Some people think that they shouldn’t eat before their scheduled jump out of fear of vomiting. When actually it does the opposite. Not eating can make you pretty sick and lethargic, and your body needs the fuel to handle the rush of adrenaline you’re about to encounter while on your skydive. Eat a healthy, well-balanced meal, and try not to overindulge.

Do NOT stay up too late.

Take care of yourself and get your rest, your body will thank you later as you prepare for one of the best days of your life!

Alcohol has a way of ruining your skydive in many ways. Sober skydiving is the best skydiving because you get to experience the natural high from the rush of endorphins and happy hormones that flood your body after your skydive. However, there’s no reason why you can’t have a celebratory drink after your skydive – cheers!

Book your sober skydive with us and jump at Michigan’s #1-rated skydiving center – Skydive Tecumseh! Blue skies.