How many drop zones operate in Louisiana?

Skydiving Hubs lists 3 drop zones and tandem operators in Louisiana, covering tandem, AFF, fun-jump, and (where available) wingsuit and canopy progression.

Skydiving · Louisiana

Skydiving in Louisiana

Jump 3 drop zones across Louisiana. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Bayous, the Atchafalaya, and the largest river delta in North America.

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About Louisiana

Louisiana's ground shifts as you cross it. The Mississippi Delta lies dead flat and laced with water; the north climbs into pine forest. Drop zones scattered across that range run tandems for first-timers and full Accelerated Freefall (AFF) programs for anyone chasing a solo license. The mild climate keeps the sport alive most of the year, summer heat and humidity aside, and with New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport spread across the state, a drop zone is rarely a long haul from home.

On a tandem you're clipped to an experienced instructor and along for the freefall and the canopy. It's the introduction that asks the least of you, and the view earns its keep: bayous curling through the marsh, wetland stitched with open water, the far Gulf catching light at the edge of things. Operators run modern rigs and certified instructors, and the whole show is built around getting a first-timer down safe and grinning.

For jumpers who want the license, Louisiana's drop zones run the AFF progression, one or two instructors flying beside you in freefall, drilling the skills a solo jump demands. Outside the peak summer months the weather cooperates enough to knock out curriculum jumps at a good clip. Licensed fun-jumpers land in a welcoming crowd with well-kept facilities, events on the calendar, and plenty of chances to sharpen up.

The whole operation runs on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and United States Parachute Association (USPA) safety standards. Drop zones tend to sit at smaller airfields, clear of dense traffic, so the jump run has dedicated airspace. That structure holds from the first ground briefing a nervous tandem student hears to the advanced coaching a veteran signs up for, the safety culture is the constant underneath all of it.

Best time to go

When to jump in Louisiana

Full seasonality

Best Sep–May

PeakGoodFairOff

October through May. Summer is brutal.

Year-round operations with the most consistent winter weather
Summer: jump early to beat heat and afternoon storms
A great winter destination for jumpers from colder regions

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Quick facts

Drop zones listed: 3
Best season: October through May

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3 drop zones

across Louisiana

Cloud Chasers Skydiving

Cloud Chasers Skydiving, Slidell, LA

Tandem and AFF drop zone in Slidell, Louisiana serving the New Orleans metro. Rated 5.0 by 309 reviews.

Tandem JumpAFF Training

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Gold Coast Skydivers

Gold Coast Skydivers, Abita Springs, LA

Drop zone in Abita Springs, Louisiana with tandem progression and sport-jumper operations. Rated 4.9 by 336 reviews.

Tandem JumpAFF Training

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Skydive Louisiana

Skydive Louisiana, Springhill, LA

Skydive Louisiana is a skydiving drop zone based in Springhill, LA. They offer tandem jumps and advanced skydiving courses. Jumpers must be over 18 years old and weigh under 230 pounds.

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Jumping Season and Weather Windows

Skydiving in Louisiana is possible year-round, with peak seasons in spring and fall due to optimal weather. Summer months are active but often require early morning starts to avoid heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Always check with your chosen drop zone for current weather conditions and operational schedules before planning your visit.

Tandem vs. AFF vs. Licensed Jumper Options

First-time jumpers typically opt for a tandem skydive, which requires minimal training and allows you to experience freefall with an instructor. Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is a structured program for those seeking a solo skydiving license. Licensed jumpers must hold a valid USPA license and adhere to drop zone specific rules and FAA regulations.

Age and Weight Requirements

All skydivers, whether tandem or solo, must be at least 18 years old on the day of the jump. Most drop zones also have weight restrictions, typically ranging from 220 to 240 pounds, with some variations or additional fees for jumpers nearing the upper limit. Consult your chosen drop zone for their specific policy.

What a First Jump Involves

A first tandem skydive typically begins with a ground briefing covering safety procedures and what to expect. You'll be fitted with a harness and securely attached to your instructor. The jump includes a plane ride to altitude, approximately 60 seconds of freefall, and a 5-7 minute parachute ride, culminating in a soft landing.

Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Progression

The AFF program is designed to teach students to skydive solo. It involves ground school followed by a series of jumps with instructors. Students learn body control, canopy piloting, and emergency procedures. Upon successful completion of all levels, students can apply for their A-license after accumulating the required number of jumps and skills.

Confirm current requirements with the state agency before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

Minimum Age for Skydiving
In Louisiana, as across the United States, all individuals participating in skydiving activities, including tandem jumps and student programs, must be at least 18 years of age. Parental consent does not override this industry-wide USPA standard.
USPA Membership for Solo Jumpers
While not legally mandated for a first tandem jump, individuals pursuing an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) progression or licensed fun-jumping at most Louisiana drop zones are required to become members of the United States Parachute Association (USPA). USPA membership provides third-party liability insurance and access to instructional ratings and licenses.
Medical Fitness for Skydiving
Participants are generally required to self-certify their medical fitness for skydiving. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart conditions, severe obesity, or epilepsy, are strongly advised to consult a physician before attempting a skydive. Drop zones may require a doctor's note in certain circumstances.
FAA Equipment Standards
All skydiving equipment used in Louisiana, including parachutes, harnesses, and automatic activation devices, must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) technical standard order (TSO) requirements. Equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained by FAA-certified parachute riggers to ensure airworthiness and safety.

01
Research Drop Zones
Start with USPA-affiliated drop zones in Louisiana that fit your location and your goal, tandem or AFF. Read up on their safety records, instructor credentials, and what services they actually offer before you settle on one.
02
Choose Your Jump Type
Decide between a one-time tandem and committing to the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program toward a license. They ask for very different amounts of training and time, so pick based on how far you want to take it.
03
Book Your Skydive
Once you've picked a drop zone and jump type, book ahead, especially in the busy spring and fall stretch. Lock in the date and time, and note any specific instructions the drop zone hands you.
04
Prepare for Your Jump
Wear comfortable athletic clothes and closed-toe shoes, skip the alcohol and the heavy meal beforehand, and bring a valid government-issued photo ID, every participant needs one, no exceptions.
05
Arrive Early and Complete Paperwork
Get to the drop zone at least 30 minutes to an hour before your slot. That buffer covers the waivers and registration and keeps the start of your day from feeling rushed.

01Is skydiving safe?

Skydiving carries real risk, but the sport takes safety seriously. USPA-affiliated drop zones run to strict protocols with trained, certified instructors, and the gear is inspected and maintained by FAA-certified riggers to keep it reliable jump after jump.

02What should I wear for my skydive?

Comfortable athletic clothes suited to the day, with layers in the cooler months. Closed-toe, lace-up shoes are required, no sandals, no hook-and-lace boots, nothing loose enough to snag or fall away. Many drop zones give you a jumpsuit to pull on over your clothes.

03Can I skydive in Louisiana during the winter?

Yes, plenty of Louisiana drop zones run year-round. Winters stay mild, though a cold front can drop the temperature and pick up the wind. Check the drop zone's schedule and the forecast before you drive out, and layer up warm.

04What is the difference between a tandem skydive and an AFF jump?

On a tandem you're harnessed to an experienced instructor who flies the whole jump, minimal training, guided the whole way. An AFF jump is part of a training program where you learn to skydive solo, with instructors coaching you in freefall on the road to a license.

05How long does the entire first tandem skydiving experience take?

The freefall and canopy ride are only a few minutes, but the full experience runs 2 to 4 hours from arrival to departure. Check-in, ground briefing, gearing up, the climb to altitude, the jump, and the debrief. Plan on giving it a half-day.

06Do I need a license to skydive?

Not for a first jump, as long as you go tandem, a certified instructor handles all of it. If you want to jump solo without an instructor, you'll need to work through an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program and earn a license, typically issued by the USPA.

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