Most tandem skydives happen from about 10,000 feet, but the really popular spot is 13,500 to 14,000 feet. That’s roughly 2.5 miles straight up in the air.
To put that in perspective, imagine stacking about 40 football fields end to end on top of each other. That’s the height you’re falling from. It’s high enough that the air gets thin and the world below looks like a patchwork quilt.
Why 14,000 feet? It gives you a solid 60 seconds of freefall before your parachute opens. Isn’t that a wild thing to say out loud?
Why Not Higher? The 15,000-Foot Limit
You might wonder, why not jump from 20,000 feet or even higher? Actually, you can, but it’s rare and requires special gear. For most casual jumps, 14,000 feet is the sweet spot.
Above 15,000 feet, you need oxygen because there’s not enough to breathe. Your brain gets fuzzy without it—not the best state for enjoying a freefall with a stranger strapped to your back.
So, 14,000 feet is the maximum for a standard, oxygen-free jump. It’s the perfect balance of thrill and safety.
