When Not to Do a Tandem Skydive

If you want to try skydiving, and have never done it before, your first jump will probably be a tandem skydive. That’s where you are harnessed to an experienced skydiver, who controls the entire dive. He or she may have some simple instructions for you to follow, but the experienced diver can take over if you forget what to do. It is also a very safe way for you to take your first skydive.

Not everybody should do a tandem skydive, however. There are also some health risks involved in skydiving. Not just the risk of jumping out of an airplane. In fact, the jumping out part is not very risky at all. The health risks come mostly from anxiety and the high altitude, where there is very little oxygen and the air pressure is low.

Contraindications to a Tandem Skydive

Neurological problems: Anybody who has epilepsy, black outs, or who has had a head injury or stroke should at least check with a physician before trying a tandem skydive. The low air pressure can cause various tissues in your head to expand or contract and can cause neurological damage. On the other hand, people who are partially paralyzed can safely do a tandem dive, as long as the paralyzed limbs are securely immobilized.

Hypertension: Anyone with uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) should stay on the ground. The anxiety, oxygen lack and changes in air pressure can precipitate a hypertensive crisis. If you have hypertension that is controlled and that you take medication for then you should still check with your doctor before doing a tandem skydive.

Cardiovascular disease: If you have any kind of cardiovascular disease, including heart problems or a history of a stroke, check with your doctor first. Lack of oxygen at high altitudes could cause you to have a heart attack.

Pulmonary or lung disease: Once again, you should check with your doctor before trying a tandem skydive. Having chronic bronchitis, emphysema or asthma doesn’t mean that you cannot do a tandem jump, but there will be less oxygen available to you when you first jump out of the plane. If you have had a pneumothorax (collapsed lung), it may not be safe for you to do a tandem skydive.

Musculoskeletal problems: You need to be in good enough shape to land. As well, if you have had previous fractures, back problems or have arthritis, make sure the master diver knows about it.

Chronic ear or sinus problems: Doing a tandem skydive can be extremely painful if you have ear or sinus problems. Check with your doctor first.

Emotional problems: If you are very anxious or tend to freak out when you are anxious, a tandem skydive might not be safe for the master diver.

If you are in good health and reasonably good physical condition, doing a tandem skydive is safe and can be a lot of fun. If you have any health problems, take any medications regularly or are pregnant, however, there may be risks involved. In those cases, it’s wise to check with a physician first.