Can You Drink Before Skydiving?

We get the question pretty regularly: can you drink before skydiving? The answer is a hard-and-fast no. Admittedly, it may seem like a downright appealing proposition to imbibe a little bit of liquid courage to settle the flutter of prejump butterflies in your belly, but under no circumstances should you drink alcohol before skydiving. 

Before you are tempted to believe we are nothing but a bunch of fuddy-duddies here at Skydive New England, allow us to explain why alcohol and skydiving just don’t mix.

Them’s The Rules

The no alcohol and skydiving rule isn’t one we made up here at Skydive New England. No, it comes from the very tip-top: the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Because it involves aviation, sport parachuting is under the purview of the FAA, and as such, we have to follow the rules of that governing body.

In the case of alcohol and skydiving, 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-

1. Alcohol, or
2. Any drug that affects that person’s faculties in any way contrary to safety.”

In order to maintain strict safety standards and remain in good standing with both the FAA and the United States Parachute Association, participants are not allowed to drink before skydiving with Skydive New England. Likewise, if an instructor at Skydive New England suspects that you have been drinking or you are visibly intoxicated, you will not be permitted to skydive.

Aside from violating the rules, there are many reasons why drunk skydiving is a bad idea.

Mixing Alcohol and Skydiving Increases Risks

Skydiving is a sport where we strive to mitigate risk, and so the added risk of mixing alcohol and skydiving simply doesn’t make sense. Alcohol impairs judgment, dulls reflexes, and impacts coordination. Even as a tandem student, you have responsibilities during your skydive, and, under the influence of alcohol, you may not be able to respond appropriately to the instructions your tandem instructor provides. You are substantially increasing risk ups the probability of injury. 

If an injury isn’t enough to dissuade you from drinking, consider also that for many, skydiving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; an experience to be cherished for years to come. With an alcohol-clouded mind, not only will you miss out on all the skydiving experience has to offer but you might not even remember it! Don’t waste your time and money by combining alcohol and skydiving!

Hungover Skydiving: A Recipe for Disaster

Many also wonder, can you drink the night before skydiving? Truthfully, unless you want a second take of your breakfast, hungover skydiving should be avoided. Drinking heavily the night before skydiving puts you at an increased risk of dehydration, and, unfortunately, the symptoms of dehydration are often exacerbated by skydiving. A few symptoms you will likely experience if you skydive hungover are headache, dizziness, and nausea. 

Skydiving is supposed to be memorable, but if you skydive hungover all you’ll remember is being miserable the whole time.

Save the Adult Beverages for After Your Skydive

Skydiving is a momentous occasion, and it’s certainly a reason for celebration. Just be sure to save the celebrations for after your skydive. Aside from skipping all the undesirable side effects from drunk skydiving, waiting to celebrate gives you the satisfaction of a cool victory sip after you land (which is likely to be the best sip you’ve ever had–hands down!).

Set yourself up for the best experience possible and skydive stone-cold sober. Trust us, it’s well worth it to be clear-headed, well-rested, and hydrated on the day of your jump. 

Ready to skydive? Contact us to schedule your jump with Skydive New England today!