TL;DR

Naked skydiving is not illegal, but it is subject to dropzone rules, safety considerations, and indecent exposure laws – meaning it’s usually reserved for experienced jumpers at private events. For first-timers, tandems are strictly clothed, and the real thrill is the skydive itself.

Why Naked Skydiving Gets So Much Attention

Every now and then, skydiving inspires questions that are as entertaining as they are head-scratching. Near the top of that list? Naked skydiving. Believe it or not, it’s one of the most Googled skydiving curiosities, right up there with “How safe is tandem skydiving?” and “How does a parachute work?”

On the surface, the idea sounds wild – jumping out of a plane into 120 mph winds without a stitch of clothing on! But the topic of nude skydiving comes up so often that it’s become part of skydiving lore and culture, inspiring myths, and legit traditions.

So, what’s the real story? Is nude parachute jumping legal? Is it common? And, maybe most importantly, is it something you can do if you really want to? Let’s separate fact from fiction and get into the deal with naked skydiving.

Is Naked Skydiving Actually Allowed?

The short answer: yes, but with conditions.

Contrary to what you might assume, there’s no Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation that requires skydivers to wear clothing. Parachute systems must meet strict safety standards, but your outfit (or lack thereof) isn’t part of the FAA’s rulebook. Likewise, the United States Parachute Association (USPA) doesn’t have a line in its guidelines banning freefall in the buff.

That said, where and how you skydive matters a lot. Individual dropzones set their own policies, and most lean toward a family-friendly atmosphere. After all, tandem students, spectators, and even kids hang out at the hangar. For that reason, many dropzones don’t allow naked skydives on their aircraft at all – or only permit them at certain private events or boogies (skydiving festivals).

Another important factor: indecent exposure laws. While being naked at altitude isn’t the same as streaking through your local park, you’re still visible when you land. If your touchdown happens in a public area (or even near one), you could easily find yourself in hot water with local law enforcement.

So, while naked skydiving isn’t illegal in and of itself, it’s not a free-for-all either. Whether it’s welcomed or forbidden usually comes down to the culture and discretion of the dropzone.

Why Do People Skydive Naked?

So if there’s no rule requiring (or forbidding) clothes, why would anyone want to skydive naked in the first place? Turns out, there are a few reasons, and they’re not as outrageous as you might think.

• Tradition & Folklore
  Like many things in skydiving, naked jumps have roots in community traditions. Some boogies host full-moon jumps where daring jumpers shed their suits under the stars. It’s more about lighthearted camaraderie than shock value.
• The Hundie Undie
  The Hundie Undie is where a skydiver doing their 100th jump (woo hoo!), dons only their underwear … or only their birthday suit if the dropzone allows. Another 100th jump tradition is pie-ing. Imagine being stark naked and then smashed in the face with like 10 pies. Amazing.
• Personal Thrill
  Skydiving is already an adrenaline rush, but some jumpers say ditching their duds adds an extra layer of vulnerability, literally. For them, it’s about freedom, pushing comfort zones, and doing something so exhilarating it’ll be remembered forever.
• Charity & Fundraising
  Believe it or not, some naked jumps have been organized for good causes. Jumpers use the wow factor to raise money or awareness for charities, turning an unusual stunt into an opportunity for positive impact.

At the end of the day, most who try it do so once, laugh about it with friends, and then happily return to wearing clothes.

Naked Skydiving – SANS & Records

Believe it or not, naked skydiving isn’t just a quirky tradition – it has its own records and even a dedicated group of enthusiasts! From goofy rites of passage to official records, naked skydiving has earned a strange but enduring place in the history of our sport.

• Society for the Advancement of Naked Skydiving (SANS)
  Founded in the 1980s, the Society for the Advancement of Naked Skydiving (SANS) is a tongue-in-cheek “organization” of jumpers who’ve taken the plunge without clothing. Membership is simple: make a naked skydive! While not an official governing body, SANS has kept the playful spirit of naked skydiving alive for decades.
• Naked Formation Skydiving Record
  In 2023, a group of 26 jumpers in Sebastian, Florida, set a record for the largest naked skydiving formation, proving that even sillier traditions can inspire serious coordination.
• Most Naked Jumps In 24 Hours
  Another notable feat: Rian Kanouff, a Nebraska skydiver, set a Guinness World Record by completing 60 naked skydives in 24 hours in 2022. He used the attention to raise awareness and funds for mental health, showing how unconventional stunts can support meaningful causes.

Risks & Practical Considerations

Naked skydiving may sound like the ultimate expression of freedom, but there are some very real factors to think about before leaving your clothes in the hangar.

• Safety First
  Skydiving gear is snug. Without clothing, there’s less protection between your skin and the harness. That can mean pinching, rubbing, or awkward pressure points in places you don’t want them. Clothes also act as a protective barrier if you slip on the plane floor or brush against the door frame on exit.
• Weather & Temperature
  At altitude, it’s not balmy beach weather – even on a hot day. Temperatures can be 30 to 40 degrees colder at exit altitude, with wind from 120 mph freefall making it even more extreme. Brrr!!
• Skin Exposure
  With no layer of fabric, your skin takes the full brunt of sun, wind, and cold. Jumpers have reported everything from windburn and sunburn to uncomfortable chafing. Imagine a high-speed, full body exfoliation treatment you never asked for.
• Legal & Decency Issues
  The biggest non-physical risk is on the ground. Depending on where you land, you could be subject to indecent exposure laws. Even on private land, if families are around, it may not go over well.

Naked Skydiving vs. Tandem Skydiving

If you’re picturing your first tandem jump as a clothes-free adventure … think again. Clothing is non-negotiable for tandem skydivers.

• Tandem Policy
  Dropzones do not permit naked tandem skydives. Tandem instructors are trained professionals responsible for your safety. You are physically harnessed together during the jump – nudity would create an uncomfortable and inappropriate situation.
• Licensed Jumpers vs. First-Timers
  The nudity tradition belongs strictly to licensed skydivers who jump solo. They’ve already completed extensive training, know the culture, and (crucially) make the choice for themselves. For a first-time skydiver, the thrill of freefall is more than enough; no extra “adventure” required!
• Respecting the Dropzone
  Remember, a dropzone is a community space. Respecting the DZ culture means keeping things professional and family-friendly. If a DZ ever allows a naked jump, it’s typically limited to experienced jumpers at a private event.

Ready to feel the freedom of human flight? Book a tandem skydive with us today! And if getting more than just your knees in the breeze is on your bucket list, learn how to skydive solo and then seek out the SANS community! Blue skies!