Skydiving · West Virginia

Skydiving in West Virginia

Jump 1 drop zone across West Virginia. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Mountain State. Monongahela, the New River Gorge, and the Allegheny Plateau.

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About West Virginia

West Virginia jumps you over old mountains. The Appalachians here are ancient and worn soft, folding into ridge after ridge with deep valleys between and rivers (the New River, the Potomac), threading the bottoms. From altitude it reads as endless green corrugation, and in October, when the foliage turns, the whole thing lights up beneath the canopy. It's a different kind of descent than the coast or the flatlands offer.

Tandem is the easy way in. You ride out the freefall and canopy flight harnessed to an experienced instructor, and the drop zones put real weight on the pre-jump briefing so a first-timer boards the plane knowing what's coming. The pitch is simple: the thrill of the jump set against the rugged sprawl of the Mountain State.

For those who want more than one jump, Accelerated Freefall is offered at select drop zones. The program moves you through a sequence of progressively demanding jumps, teaching the skills to eventually fly solo. The state's generally clear flying conditions and a welcoming local scene make for a good place to learn, and the payoff at the end is a license. It's a demanding progression, but it's the road to jumping on your own terms.

Licensed fun-jumpers tend to find West Virginia drop zones friendly and tight-knit. The facilities cover the basics experienced jumpers need (manifest, gear rental, coaching, group jumps), and the broken terrain gives you plenty of visual reference on the way down. Because the seasons swing so hard here, the same drop zone offers a different challenge and a different reward depending on when you show up.

Best time to go

When to jump in West Virginia

Full seasonality

Peak season Jun–Aug

PeakGoodFairOff

April through November.

June–September: the heart of the season, most events and loads
Spring and fall jump well on clear, calm days
Winter: many DZs limited, so call ahead

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Quick facts

Drop zones listed: 1
Best season: April through November

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1 drop zone

across West Virginia

West Virginia Skydivers

West Virginia Skydivers, Huntington, WV

A drop zone near Huntington, West Virginia, offering tandem skydives and student training along the Ohio River. Rated 5.0 by 34 reviews.

Tandem JumpAFF Training

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Jumping Season and Weather Windows

Most West Virginia drop zones operate primarily from spring through fall, with summer being the busiest period. Operations are strictly weather-dependent; conditions like high winds, heavy rain, or dense cloud cover will lead to delays or cancellations. Always check with the drop zone directly for real-time weather updates and operating schedules.

Tandem, AFF, and Licensed Jumper Options

Tandem skydiving is ideal for first-timers, requiring minimal training as you jump harnessed to an instructor. Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is a comprehensive training program for individuals pursuing a skydiving license. Licensed fun-jumpers must hold a valid USPA license and adhere to drop zone specific rules for gear and experience.

Age and Weight Requirements

All skydivers, regardless of jump type, must be at least 18 years old. Weight limits vary by drop zone and equipment, typically ranging from 220 to 250 pounds, often with surcharges for heavier individuals. Participants must also be in good general health; consult your doctor if you have any medical concerns.

What a First Jump Involves

A first tandem jump begins with a safety briefing and gear-up, followed by a scenic plane ride to altitude. You'll exit the aircraft attached to your instructor, experiencing freefall before the parachute deploys. The instructor handles all critical aspects, allowing you to enjoy the descent and landing.

Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Progression

The AFF program involves a series of coached jumps designed to teach solo skydiving skills. Students progress through different levels, mastering body position, canopy control, and emergency procedures with instructors assisting in freefall. Successful completion leads to eligibility for a USPA A-license.

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

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations
All skydiving operations in West Virginia, like the rest of the United States, are governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, specifically Part 105. These rules cover everything from equipment standards to aircraft operation and air traffic control interactions. Drop zones must comply with these federal mandates.
FAA eCFR Part 105
United States Parachute Association (USPA) Basic Safety Requirements
While not a state law, most reputable drop zones in West Virginia are USPA-affiliated and adhere to the USPA's Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs). These BSRs cover age limits (18 years old for all skydiving), medical fitness recommendations, and equipment standards for licensed jumpers, ensuring a consistent level of safety and training across the sport.
USPA Basic Safety Requirements
Drop Zone Specific Policies
Beyond federal and industry standards, each individual drop zone in West Virginia establishes its own specific operating policies and procedures. These may include additional weight restrictions, specific gear requirements for licensed jumpers, booking and cancellation policies, and local safety briefings. Always confirm these details directly with your chosen drop zone prior to arrival.

01
1. Research Drop Zones
Find USPA-affiliated drop zones in West Virginia that run the jump you want (tandem or AFF). Factor in their proximity to scenery worth seeing, and read reviews to make sure they measure up.
02
2. Choose Your Skydiving Experience
Pick a tandem for a thrilling introduction, or the Accelerated Freefall program if you're set on a license. The two differ sharply in time and training.
03
3. Check Requirements and Book Your Jump
Confirm the age, weight, and health requirements with your drop zone, then book, ideally a few weeks out, especially for weekend slots or the busy summer and fall stretch.
04
4. Prepare for Your Jump Day
Wear comfortable athletic clothes for the weather and closed-toe shoes. Steer clear of alcohol and drugs for at least 8 hours prior, get a good night's sleep, and eat a light meal before you arrive.
05
5. Arrive Early and Embrace the Experience
Show up on time to knock out the paperwork and your safety briefing. Listen hard to your instructors, ask what you need to ask, and get ready to jump over West Virginia.

01How many drop zones operate in West Virginia?

Skydiving Hubs lists 1 drop zone and tandem operator in West Virginia, covering tandem, AFF, fun-jump, and (where available) wingsuit and canopy progression.

02What are the age and weight limits for skydiving in West Virginia?

Every jumper must be at least 18, per USPA Basic Safety Requirements. Weight limits run with the drop zone and its equipment, typically 220 to 250 pounds, and some places add a surcharge above a certain weight. Check the exact policy with your drop zone.

03What should I wear for my skydive?

Comfortable athletic clothing that lets you move freely. Layers help in the cooler months, since it's colder at altitude. Closed-toe, lace-up shoes are essential, no sandals, no hooked boots, nothing that could come off in freefall.

04How long does the entire skydiving experience take?

The freefall and canopy ride run only minutes, but the whole visit takes several hours: check-in, paperwork, training, gearing up, the climb to altitude, the jump, and landing. Plan on at least half a day.

05Can I jump in West Virginia during the winter months?

Winter jumping is limited by cold, snow, and ice. Some drop zones may run on a mild, clear winter day, but it's not the main season. Call the drop zone directly to ask about their winter schedule and conditions.

06What's the difference between a tandem jump and the AFF program?

On a tandem you're harnessed to an experienced instructor who runs every part of the jump. The AFF program is a structured course for people who want to learn to skydive solo and earn a license, built on progressive instruction across multiple coached jumps.

07Do I need a special license to skydive in West Virginia?

Not for a tandem, you jump with a certified instructor. To go solo you complete the Accelerated Freefall program and earn a license, typically a USPA A-license. Licensed jumpers visiting the state must show their valid USPA license at the drop zone.

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Skydiving in West Virginia

When to jump in West Virginia