Skydiving in 2025: What’s the Average Height & First-Time Tips

By Jamie Regehr on Nov 27, 2025 in Collect Moments Not Things

Nothing is as exciting as jumping out of an airplane several thousand feet off the ground and experiencing the wind as you fall to the earth. Anyone who wants to do something adventurous in 2025 should consider skydiving, as it has the right combination of excitement, perspective, and freedom.

It is a good idea to know a few fundamentals before you book your jump with Spur Experiences, such as the normal skydiving height, average parachute jump height, and the normal skydiving height. What to expect during takeoff and landing is broken down, and tips that can make it memorable for first-timers are provided.

How High Are Skydives, Really?

Altitude is everything in the case of skydiving. The majority of jumps occur at an altitude of 10,000 -14,000 feet above ground, depending on weather, type of aircraft, and place of landing. Two and a half miles high, two and a half miles up, that is, you can fall a mile and a half, and one mile and seventy, and then your parachute will open.

The sweet spot is usually at or around 13,000 feet, where the tandem jumpers are first-time jumpers. This is its elevation that gives you the best degree of adventure and safety.

Advanced jumpers or those who are licensed skydivers may go higher still, as far as 18,000 feet, which involves the use of additional oxygen.

At Spur Experiences, you can find skydiving packages in beautiful scenic locations around the U.S, where every second of free fall gives you an unbelievable view - desert expanses, coastal cliffs, and green country drop zones.

Knowing Parachute Height

The normal parachute jump height is the height at which the parachute actually opens, not when you get out of the plane. Generally, the canopy is opened between 3,000 and 5000 feet in the air.

The quick freefall then becomes a more gradual, controlled fall at that altitude, which lasts another 4 to 6 minutes. You will get to take a breath and appreciate the scenery, and hopefully be ready to land softly.

The magic actually occurs in this stage, commonly referred to as the canopy ride. It is described by many first-timers as peaceful, completely different from the adrenaline rush of free-fall. Average height for parachuting is such that you will not run out of time to maneuver safely and to take in the scenic gliding.

Your professional tandem instructor handles all these when you book using Spur Experiences, so you can just have fun with the ride.

Normal Skydiving Height vs. Parachute Height

  • The average height of a skydive is easily confused with the height of the parachute, which is a very different aspect of the same adventure.

  • The altitude of the jump (or exit height) is the height you jump off the plane at, usually 10,000-14,000 feet.

  • The parachute opening altitude occurs significantly lower, typically 4,000 feet, when your instructor opens the canopy to allow a safe glide to the landing zone. That’s your answer on how high do you parachute from.

Thus, when anyone asks the question How high are skydives or how high parachute jump, keep in mind: both the jump and the parachute phases of it are very important; the first one makes it happen, and the second one makes it look so beautiful.

Why Jump Altitude Matters

The altitude you jump is directly related to your free-fall time - and that is what a skydiver lives to do.

  • Between 10,000 and 15,000 feet, you will fall for approximately 30 seconds.

  • Between 13,000 feet, it is more like 50 seconds.

  • At 18,000 feet, this could include up to 80 seconds of freefall at heart-pounding speeds.

  • That 13,000-foot range is ideal for most first-time flyers. 

You will enjoy the adrenaline rush without the adrenaline rush. Spur Experiences cooperates with licensed operators that utilize this standard height to reach the best safety and enjoyment.

First-Time Skydiving Tips

Scared to jump? Totally normal. The following are the tips that have been tested and proven to help you enjoy your adventure:

  • Choose reliable source

An experienced company for a perfect experience is a must. Under Spur Experiences, all participating skydiving partners are screened as safe and professional. You will jump under USPA-qualified instructors who make sure that every second of your dive is safe and easy.

  • Dress Smart

Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows free movement - athletic gear or tight layers are preferred. No loose clothing, such as scarves or hanging jewelry, should be worn because it can be distracting during landing.

  • Listen to the Introductions.

You will be given a full safety and positioning briefing before boarding. It includes information on body arching, leg lifting, and parachute deployment. Being aware of this information will assist you in remaining calm.

  • Don't Forget to Breathe

It is natural to instinctively take a breath during free fall, and the trick is to breathe normally. When you dive into the fall, you will realize that you enjoy this experience more than you had imagined.

  • Capture the Moment

The majority of Spur Experiences have optional photo and video records. There is nothing like reminding yourself (a few years later) that you experienced flying through the clouds - and a great story to tell.

Skydiving Safety: What You Need to Know

The core of any Spur Experiences adventure is safety, and skydiving is not an exception. Here’s how it’s handled:

  • Professionally trained Instructors: All tandem jumps are conducted by highly trained professionals who have thousands of jumps.

  • Modern Equipment: Each jump, the parachutes are inspected and repacked with back-ups available.

  • Weather Checks: The flights are only operated in clear weather and visibility.

  • Pre-Jump Training: You will be informed of the altitude you are jumping off of, the parachute off of, and what to expect on the descent.

Skydiving is statistically safer than ever today - and at Spur Experiences, with our hand-picked destinations, you will be in expert hands from takeoff to touchdown.

The Golden Mean of Rush and Peace

The peaceful nature of skydiving is one of the most unexpected aspects of the activity. The standard skydiving distance puts you in a freefall that will leave you breathless, then as the parachute flies, it is all peace and calm. The clatter subsides, the rhythm slows down, and within several minutes, you and the wide sky are the only two things present.

It is this combination of excitement and calm that makes skydiving such an intense experience. It is never exactly the same leap, whether it is the first or the fifth jump.

How high do you jump on a Tandem jump?

When you are skydiving on a tandem, your teacher will normally release the parachute at approximately 4000 feet. The normal parachute jump height of a parachute drop is sufficient to stabilize, control, and have a breathtaking landing.

Under ideal conditions, certain instructors might fly a little higher with a longer canopy ride - ideal to see the sites with the best view possible. All of our deployments are conducted under professional altitude guidelines designed to ensure your comfort and safety.

Why Spur Experiences?

Spur Experiences is a company that introduces individuals to unique experiences around the U.S., and they have more than 4,000 experiences, including skydiving and ziplining, spa getaways, and food tours.

Booking through Spur means:

  • You are connected to authentic, secure, and quality operators.

  • There are scenic jump zones available in different states.

  • You will be given online vouchers, which are easy to gift or book.

Regardless of whether you want to go skydiving on your own, buy a gift, cross something off your list, Spur can help you make the most out of your dreams.

Final Thoughts

Skydiving is not only an adventure but also a reminder that the world is an awakening large and beautiful awakening. Knowing the facts, such as the average height of a skydive, the average parachute jump height, and the height at which you jump on a parachute, will give you assurance and appreciation before you jump.

Booking with Spur Experiences doesn’t mean that you are merely booking a jump, but rather a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’re entrusting to professionals who care about both safety and experience equally.

In 2025, be it chasing an adrenaline rush or tranquility, at 13,000 feet, make the sky your tower, and make Spur Experiences your ticket to the top.