Can You Take a GoPro Skydiving?

You consider your GoPro camera your #1 adventure buddy. That little piece of digital ingenuity has been with you on every wild escapade, capturing some of your most epic memories. Now that you’ve scheduled a tandem skydive with Boston Skydive Center, you might be thinking, “Can I take my GoPro skydiving?” After all, if there’s one thing that pairs perfectly with skydiving, it’s a GoPro…right?

Skydiving with a camera isn’t completely out of the question, but can you bring your own GoPro? Unfortunately, no. Here’s why we have to say no to bringing your own camera skydiving, along with how we ensure your epic adventure is still captured in all its glory.

Big Trouble Comes in Small Packages

Skydiving is an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime experience—but it’s not a carnival ride. During a tandem skydive, you’re more than just a passenger; you’re a skydiver. And while you’ll be strapped to one of our USPA-certified instructors, you still have responsibilities in free fall. Trust us, your first skydive will already be overwhelming (in the best way!) without the added distraction of operating a GoPro.

Let’s break it down:

1. Distraction Equals Danger:
   When you’re falling at 120 mph, the last thing you need is to fumble with gadgets. Your full attention needs to be on following your instructor’s guidance—especially during key moments like parachute deployment and landing.
2. Emergencies Can Happen:
   While skydiving is incredibly safe, emergencies, though rare, can arise. Cameras have been proven to interfere with response times during such situations. And when seconds count, that’s a risk we can’t afford.

Cameras Are Snag Hazards:
During parachute deployment, multiple lines unfurl with precision. If a camera gets tangled with these lines, it could create a potentially dangerous situation. Even highly skilled tandem instructors complete hundreds of jumps before they’re allowed to add a camera to their gear.

The Rules Are Bigger Than Us

The skydiving world runs on a rulebook called the USPA Skydiver’s Information Manual (SIM). These rules and recommendations are based on decades of data, ensuring safety for everyone in the sport. The SIM makes it clear: flying with a camera is a privilege earned through experience.

Here’s what the SIM says about skydiving with a camera:

• 200 Jumps Minimum:
  Before using a camera, skydivers must have at least 200 jumps and the skills to handle emergencies without stress.
• Practice with Your Gear:
  Skydivers must complete 50 jumps using the same parachute system they’ll fly with their camera.
• Extra Requirements for Filming Students:
  To film tandem students, a skydiver must have 300 group free-fall skydives and at least 50 jumps with a camera while working with experienced jumpers.

At Boston Skydive Center, we follow these rules to the letter. Why? Because safety is our top priority, and we believe every skydive should be as smooth and fun as possible.

Leave It to the Professionals

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! At Boston Skydive Center, our team of professional videographers ensures every second of your jump is captured, from your pre-jump jitters to your post-landing high-fives.

Here’s why leaving the filming to us makes sense:

• Live in the Moment:
  Skydiving is about feeling the rush and soaking up the views, not worrying about getting the perfect shot or whether your GoPro is even turned on.
• Capture Every Angle:
  Our video flyers have the experience to anticipate and capture all the best moments, ensuring you get epic footage from start to finish.
• No Extra Worry:
  Without the distraction of managing a camera, you can fully enjoy your tandem skydive and focus on the adventure.

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Bring Your GoPro Anyway

Just because you can’t take your GoPro on the skydive doesn’t mean it has to miss out entirely. Bring it along to the drop zone! Hand it to a friend or family member and capture behind-the-scenes moments before and after your jump. From the excitement on your face as you gear up to the huge smile after you land, those moments are just as priceless as the skydive itself.

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Why Safety Matters

Our strict camera policy isn’t about rules for the sake of rules—it’s about creating the safest, most enjoyable tandem skydiving experience for everyone. By sticking to USPA guidelines, we minimize risks and maximize the fun. Your skydiving memories should be filled with joy, awe, and excitement—not unnecessary stress or safety concerns.

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Ready to Capture the Adventure?

Your skydive will be a memory you’ll want to relive over and over again. At Boston Skydive Center, we’ll handle the footage so you can focus on enjoying the moment. Whether it’s your first jump or one of many, we’re here to make your skydive experience unforgettable.

Ready to lock in your tandem skydive? Book your tandem jump and skydiving video package today, and let us take care of the rest. See you at the drop zone! Blue skies!