Skydiving is already a rollercoaster of emotions, adrenaline, and windburn—but what happens when you add a stuffy nose, nausea, or a fever into the mix? Spoiler: it’s not pretty. Before you gear up and take the plunge while under the weather, here are seven things that can happen when you skydive sick.
- Extreme Ear Pain (Barotrauma)
When you’re sick, congestion can block your Eustachian tubes, which are responsible for equalizing pressure in your ears. The rapid altitude changes during skydiving can cause severe ear pain or even damage your eardrum. Expect a splitting headache to accompany that scenic freefall—definitely not the vibe you signed up for.
- Nausea on Steroids
Already queasy from your cold or flu? The intense spinning, freefalling, and sudden jerks of a skydive can turn that queasiness into full-blown nausea. If you’re unlucky, you might just leave a mess for your tandem instructor to clean up—mid-air.
- Difficulty Breathing
Skydiving can be physically demanding. Add in a blocked nose, sore throat, or coughing fits, and it becomes a challenge to breathe properly during the freefall. The rush of air at 200 km/h doesn’t help your already-compromised respiratory system either.
- Dizziness and Disorientation
Fever or dehydration—common symptoms of being sick—can make you feel lightheaded. Pair that with the adrenaline rush of skydiving, and you might experience dizziness or confusion, making it hard to fully enjoy or even safely navigate the experience.
- Weakened Reflexes
Your body’s reaction time and coordination take a hit when you’re under the weather. If you’re skydiving solo, this could spell trouble when it’s time to pull the parachute cord or handle any mid-air emergencies.
- Prolonged Recovery Time
Skydiving demands energy and physical endurance. Attempting it while you’re sick can drain your already-depleted reserves, potentially prolonging your illness. That post-dive exhaustion will hit harder and linger longer.
- A Forgettable Experience
Let’s face it: skydiving is supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Being sick during the jump will likely overshadow the fun with discomfort, pain, or even regret. You’ll remember the nausea more than the incredible views or the adrenaline rush.
Should You Postpone Your Jump?
If you’re feeling unwell, it’s best to wait until you’re fully recovered. A healthy body ensures a safer, more enjoyable skydive—and no tandem instructor wants to deal with a mid-air sneeze attack.
Skydiving while sick might sound like a testament to your determination, but it’s a gamble that could ruin the experience for you (and your instructor). Take the time to recover, and the skies will still be there waiting for you—along with the thrill you deserve.