Why Can’t I Bring My GoPro On My Skydive?

You’re ready to skydive, and you want video evidence. You have a nice little camera at home, so naturally you’re thinking, Can you bring a GoPro when skydiving? Unfortunately, no. Bringing a camera with you on your skydive requires a significant amount of experience. In this article, we will discuss why, tell you about our video services, and share some tips for great skydiving videos!

Can I Bring My Own GoPro Skydiving? 

Yes — once you have at least 200 skydives under your belt. Until then, your skydiving video and photos will need to be left to the professionals. Here’s why it’s not allowed.

USPA Regulations 

The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is a non-profit governing body that establishes safety regulations and best practices for skydiving. As a USPA Group Member dropzone, we follow their rules and recommendations, one of which states that a jumper must complete 200 jumps before being allowed to wear or operate their own camera equipment. 

Distraction Risk 

One of the biggest reasons cameras aren’t allowed for first-time jumpers is that they can be a major distraction. Novice skydivers have found themselves in dangerous situations because they were focused on their video instead of their skydive. It may sound unlikely, but in freefall, things happen fast — and distractions can lead to serious consequences. 

Even as a tandem student, your participation in the jump matters. You’ll be trained on things like body positioning, altitude awareness, and landing procedures. Your job is to focus on your skydive — not fumble with a camera.

Tandem Instructor Qualifications 

Tandem instructors go through extensive training before they can take students on jumps. To become a tandem instructor, a skydiver must complete at least 500 skydives and undergo rigorous certification processes. 

Even after earning their tandem instructor rating, they typically complete 200 tandem jumps before adding a GoPro to their setup. This ensures they have the necessary experience to manage the complexities of freefall, student safety, and camera operation simultaneously. Safety is always the top priority when making these decisions. 

Liability Concerns 

While rare, GoPros can be lost in freefall or under canopy, and if they land on something — or someone — they could cause damage. As a USPA dropzone, we follow strict liability guidelines, and allowing students to bring personal cameras adds unnecessary risks. 

Additionally, tandem instructors are highly trained to handle the dynamics of freefall while capturing incredible footage. They know exactly how to position the camera, frame the shot, and most importantly, prioritize safety. 

A student holding a GoPro — potentially unaware of their movements — could accidentally hit the instructor or interfere with equipment. This is the same reason cell phones and other loose objects aren’t allowed: falling objects can be dangerous. You’ll have to leave it to your instructor to get that perfect skydiving selfie. 

Snag Hazard 

Another major concern is that cameras create a snag hazard. Skydiving equipment is designed to be as streamlined and secure as possible, with no unnecessary protrusions. Anything extra — like a camera — can become entangled with parachute lines, risers, or handles, potentially interfering with the parachute deployment. 

Instructors are trained to handle their own equipment and mitigate these risks, but an untrained student with a camera adds unnecessary complications. Even a minor snag can escalate into a hazardous situation, making it essential to minimize risks by keeping gear simple and unobstructed. 

Skydive Palm Beach Video Package

At Skydive Palm Beach, we offer a professional skydiving video package that delivers high-definition footage and 50+ crystal-clear skydiving photos. Is it worth paying extra for a skydiving video? We might be a little biased, but the answer is 100% yes! You only get one first skydive, and for many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Why wouldn’t you want to document that? 

Skydiving Video Tips

So, while you can’t bring your own GoPro, you can still take home an epic video of your skydive. Here are some tips for making it Insta-worthy! 

• Wear bright colors or black to contrast against the blue sky
• Pull your hair back or into braids to keep it from standing straight up during freefall (and out of your instructor’s face!)
• Smile to keep your cheek-flapping to a minimum 
• Look around, not down, so the camera can see your face, not just the top of your head
• Remove jewelry so it doesn’t flap around in the wind (or get lost in the sky!)

Ready to Capture Your Skydive? 

Now that you know why personal cameras aren’t allowed, book your jump with a video package today! Let our experienced professionals capture every exhilarating moment, so you can relive your adventure and share it with friends and family. We can’t wait for you to see yourself accomplish something few people on the planet experience: human flight! Blue skies!