Can You Drink Before Skydiving?

Jumping out of an airplane takes guts. Nerve. Chutzpah. Whatever word you use, you need a lot of it to make the leap. And it can be tempting to supplement your natural bravery with some liquid courage before making your skydive. Everyone can use a little help now and then! But the question is, can you drink before skydiving? That’s a hard no.

Drinking before skydiving is not only a bad idea, it’s not allowed! (We’re talking about alcohol, of course. Drinking water and staying hydrated is highly encouraged.) Alcohol can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, and these are all elements that are crucial to having a safe skydiving experience.

Skydiving is an extreme sport that demands full attention and physical capabilities. You’re much more than just a passenger on your skydive. You’re going to be actively participating in every single part of your jump, and that means you want to be fully mentally and physically present.

What should you avoid before skydiving? Read on to learn more about why you shouldn’t drink and dive, and when you can finally lift a glass to your adventure!

Drinking While Skydiving Increases Risk

Intoxication can increase the risk of accidents and may jeopardize your safety and the safety of those around you, including your instructor. People who’ve been drinking don’t always have the best judgment. If you’re acting in unpredictable ways or not following instructions, you can cause serious safety risks to everyone involved in your jump.

Alcohol also causes increased reaction time, which isn’t the best thing when it comes to extreme sports. Sure, your instructor will be in charge of the jump, but they’ll also be counting on you to listen and do your part. You may need to react to new directions during your skydive, or you might find that you’re more involved in the jump than you expected to be. Being on your mental A-game is a must. 

Ok then, how do you know when you shouldn’t skydive? The easy answer to that is if you’re questioning it, you probably shouldn’t. There really is no gray area – the limit is zero. 

It Gets in the Way of the Real Fun

Sure, drinking can be a good time. Especially in the right context. But when you’re going skydiving, the fun you want to focus on is the jump. And anything that gets in the way of enjoying your skydive has got to go. 

Skydiving is all about the razor focus, the letting go, and the extreme mental presence that you feel in the sky. It’s a feeling like no other, and being buzzed or drunk would put a damper on that mental experience. You might not even remember the jump depending on how much you drank!

It can also make you sick. If drinking can cause nausea on the ground, imagine what it would do in an airplane, freefall, or under a parachute. Your body will be falling, floating, gliding, and turning all over the place. There’s no need to add an extra element of dizziness into the mix. 

Skydiving is a big investment, mentally, physically, and even financially. It’s not worth throwing all of that out for a simple drink! 

Drinking While Skydiving is Against the Rules

Even if you don’t care about all of those other reasons (hint: you should!), here’s one you can’t get around: it’s against the rules. Skydive Monroe is a USPA member dropzone, and that means that we follow all the rules and regulations that the USPA and the FAA set out for skydiving. And Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 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.

If you’re planning to go skydiving, it’s essential to follow the guidelines and recommendations at all times to ensure your safety and the safety of your instructor. These rules are in place for a reason! We want to be able to land safely so that we can get up in the air and do it all over again.

Can You Drink the Night Before Skydiving?

Drinking the night before skydiving is a question that is less about when you can and more about whether you should. Think about how you feel the day after drinking. Depending on how much you drank, it might not even have been worth it. But even if you didn’t party hard, chances are you aren’t feeling your best the next morning. 

Alcohol has a way of making our bodies pay for our parties, and feeling hungover isn’t going to make your skydive all that fun. There’s a lot that goes into skydiving, both mentally and physically. You want to have a clear head and a capable body. 

Being tired, nauseous, and achy is only going to take away from the incredible experience you invested so much of yourself in. It’s also not safe! You need to be alert and ready to react to directions from your instructor. Groggy heads don’t make for good skydivers. 

This might leave you asking, “How do I prepare my body for skydiving?” Get lots of rest, eat a nutritious meal, and get in a good headspace for your adventure. Doing all the things you would normally do to prepare for a big day will set you up for success! 

When is a Good Time to Have a Drink?

After your jump is over is the perfect time to enjoy a celebratory drink or two … or three. You do you! We don’t judge. Skydiving is a big deal! Celebrate your huge accomplishment! Just make sure to wait until you are back on the ground to enjoy.

Are you ready to have the most fun you’ve ever had? Come spend the day with us and see why skydiving is the best party you can have!