firefighter8253 0 #1 March 10, 2012 Sorry if this is posted in the wrong spot let me know I'm having trouble finding a place to jump I'm about 280 pounds I'm still in good shape for my size I'm a firefighter and an avid outdoorsman with a huge urge to get into skydiving any suggestions where to go near Baltimore md at my wieght and what it would cost thanks y'all Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gonzalesna 0 #2 March 11, 2012 ClickySome people refrain from beating a dead horse. Personally, I find a myriad of entertainment value when beating it until it becomes a horse-smoothie. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davelepka 4 #3 March 11, 2012 QuoteI'm having trouble finding a place to jump I'm about 280 pounds It is a problem. The gear we use is mostly certified up to a max weight of 254 lbs, and that's 'exit weight' which included jumper and the gear, leaving about 220lbs for body weight. Some gear is certified up to 300 lbs, but again, that's exit weight, and you would be looking at more like 310/315lbs out the door. There are some options, like using military gear which can take higher weights, or using a converted tandem rig which can haul a lot more weight. The problem is finding a place that offers those services. They're out there, but few and far between. Do a search for 'big boy rigs' or 'overweight jumpers' on this site, and you should find some info on places that can help you. The good news is that once you get trained, licensed, and buy your own gear, you should be able to jump at any DZ. They generally don't care what you jump once you're licensed, but as a student it's tough for them to hand you a rig they know you're too heavy for. As an aside - your chances of gear failing on you based on your weight is very slim (no pun intended). The certified weight is one thing, what a harness or canopy can handle in the real world is generally much higher. If you use components certified to 300lbs, you should be fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snowwhite 0 #4 March 16, 2012 Don't be discouraged because of what you are hearing! There are actually alot of the big boys jumping. They have a skydiving family called the "Anvils". Look on the dropzone.com website or on Facebook and you will find quite a few of them over the country. They will be very encouraging to you, and you make make some friends who will help you with gear selection, dropzone acquaintainces and other questions you may have. See you at a dz soon!skydiveTaylorville.org freefallbeth@yahoo.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
