Bringing A GoPro On Your Skydive

Who can bring a GoPro, who can't and why.

Tandem Students and GoPro

"Can I bring my GoPro on my skydive?" This is the number one question we receive from tandem students.  And the answer is no. No exceptions. Our goal is to keep everyone safe in the skies. And there are a number of reasons why tandem students with GoPros present a risk.

As a tandem student, you're with a skilled, experienced, USPA rated instructor who controls the jump, but you still have responsibilities. You need to maintain a head position at exit, you need to hold an arch, you need to lift your legs on landing.  It sounds simple enough, but when you're looking out the door of a plane at 13,000 feet for the first time, or flying through the air at 120 mph, it's easy to lose your focus. The last thing you or your instructor needs is the distraction of a camera.

Look at the experienced jumpers with GoPros. They're all on helmet mounts that are made to withstand 120 mph. Odds are, that's not the kind of mount you have, besides tandem students cannot wear helmets. If you crack heads with your instructor, it presents a real hazard.  Additionally,  an improperly-mounted GoPro in the sky poses a safety issue for those below.

If it makes you feel any better, know that shooting video in freefall requires training and skill. Without it, it looks pretty crappy. We have USPA-certified videographers on our staff, should you want to capture your experience.

AFF Students and GoPro

Again, the answer is no, No, NO.

An AFF student with a GoPro is a recipe for disaster.  You need to be focussed on your jump, on your body position, altitude, canopy control, flaring, landing... There is absolutely no time when you can take a break from thinking about your jump and think about your camera.

If you want video of your jump or jumps to watch later, (always a good idea with AFF), we have certified videographers on staff.

 

Licensed Skydivers and GoPro

Can licensed skydivers bring a GoPro on their jump? The answer is yes. And no.

If you are an experienced skydiver with a C-license and 200 jumps or more, yes, you can wear a GoPro. We have a TV for you to view your jump afterward.

If you have less than 200 jumps, then the answer is still no. You need to hone your skills and manage your distractions. Besides, the USPA says so.

USPA and GoPro

Here's the bottom line, the final word:  The USPA requires anyone operating a camera in freefall to be a C-licensed skydiver with a minimum of 200 skydives.  'Nuff said.