LEARN TO SKYDIVE

Para tandem Skydiving, learn to skydive and para skydiving event

Leanring to skydive with disbailities (AFF courses) and some specialised equipment

There are people with a range of disabilities that are qualified skydivers in the UK and abroad and some have gone on to compete in various disciplines in the sport, medal at world championships and gone on to instructing. Some of these disabilities include:

  • Amputations (upper and lower limb)

  • Paralysis of upper or lower limbs

  • Deafness / Hard of hearing

  • Restricted Growth

  • Neurological conditions i.e spinal bifida

  • Leaning disabilities (i.e, dyslexia)

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders (i.e ADHD)

Although all sports aim to be as inclusive there may be times where it is not suitable/safe for someone with a disability to learn skydive. This may be deemed too high a medical risk by a doctor, or there may be a high risk to the safety of the instructor. Due to the risks associates with skydiving it is also crucial that the tandem passenger/student has the mental capacity to understand the risks and has capacity to consent.

It is likely only certain centres in the UK and abroad will have the specialist equipment or training of instructors to be able to offer learn to skydive courses for someone with a disability.

Things to be aware of/Understanding of additional risks:

  • In the UK and many other countries you will require a medical to learn to skydive if you have a disability

  • At the altitudes of a tandem skydive your oxygen saturations may drop, this may cause risks/dangers to someone with specific medical conditions (i.e cardiac or neurological conditions).

  • The stress/force on the joints/body during the freefall of the skydive (at around 120mph), on the parachute opening and when landing can cause a risk if there is underlying medical conditions i.e shoulder instability (dislocations), joint hypomobility, and risks of fractures with conditions such as reduced bone density (osteoporosis).

If you have any additional questions or would like support to find a skydive centre please contact us via Facebook messenger.