ryan_d_sucks 0 #1 July 26, 2006 Hey... I'm really new all of this, but I've been reading around a good bit. I have searched the forums and found one question similar to this, but it was over 4 years old and I thought perhaps the sport may have changed in that time... My question is this: I weigh about 214 pounds, is this an acceptable weight to do a tandem jump? I'm going to NM soon and thought it would be a good place to do a first tandem jump. Thanks a lot, Ryan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #2 July 26, 2006 Most dropzones seem to have a weight limit of around 220 or 225 lbs. Some will make an exception for higher weights if you are physically fit, but the outside limit is really the gear's capability. At any rate, at 214 you will most likely be fine but your best bet is to call the dropzone you're interested in jumping with and ask them what their policies are."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #3 July 26, 2006 Quote My question is this: I weigh about 214 pounds, is this an acceptable weight to do a tandem jump? A few out there have a 200lb limit, or charge a dollar per pound over up to 220 or so. A rare few will exit lower and not go to terminal velocity. At 214, you should be able to find a full featured ride. Of course, don't go eat at Claimjumpers the night before. You'll almost certainly get weighed when you arrive. I once dressed lightly and hit the bathroom just before when I was at 217. Are you reasonably fit at that weight? Aside from the gear limits, the more overweight you are the higher the chance of a hard landing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #4 July 26, 2006 214lbs really shouldn't be a problem. Literally just about any TI should be able to take 214. There are some exceptions and there will be some that won't want to take you if its a hot summer day with no wind, though. Call the DZ that you want to jump at and ask. If you don't get to jump, come to my DZ and we'll definately get you in the air.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryan_d_sucks 0 #5 July 26, 2006 I was rushed when I wrote my original post, I apologize... I am 19 years old and weigh 211 empty, 214 with food. I am in good physical shape, muscular phyisque and box anywhere from 5-7 days a week. My main concern was that the equipment would not be able/not be designed to facilitate a person of my build/weight. Seriously, I am just barely getting my nerve up enough to do it. I just want to know that the gear actually will work for a person of my size, and not that the company I will go with will sacrifice my safety for their money. I appreciate ANY information. Thanks, Ryan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #6 July 26, 2006 QuoteSeriously, I am just barely getting my nerve up enough to do it. I just want to know that the gear actually will work for a person of my size, and not that the company I will go with will sacrifice my safety for their money. Ok first of all, skydiving is not a safe activity. Understand that. With that said, your TI is going to do everything he/she can to make it as safe as possible. Remember its their life too. Unless you're 4'5" and 215lbs it most likely won't matter, the student tandem harness can most likely be adjusted to fit you. Have you called the DZ that you want to jump at yet? The reason is, no matter what you're told on the net, they're the ones that will or won't jump with you.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #7 July 26, 2006 Quote Seriously, I am just barely getting my nerve up enough to do it. I just want to know that the gear actually will work for a person of my size, and not that the company I will go with will sacrifice my safety for their money. You're looking for a way out!!!! Sorry, Buddy, but your very much in the middle of the "average person" graph. In fact, as good of shape as you're in, it'll fit you better than most. I had a friend's friend, your exact weight, try to get out of jumping 2 weeks ago because he was afraid he "weighed too much." He didn't and you don't. Have a great jump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
psipike02 0 #8 July 26, 2006 yeah dude you'll be fine. Just call the DZ first and make sure and usually if its a problem, they'll leave the decision up the TM. I did my tandem 3 years ago and I weigh 235 and the limit is 210 here in Colorado. I am also 6'5 and work out 3x a week, so he had no problem taking me and I had a blast as did he... Have a great jump man! Let us know how it goes!Puttin' some stank on it. ----Hellfish #707---- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
