Too old?

[Dogbowl]

I really like the attitude going on in this thread! I’m somewhat younger and have had thoughts like, “Am I too old to do this or that?” Now I know those are just my own stupid thoughts. Banish them! And go for it!

 

[Wingy]

Nope. You are very young

One of my best ever dives was being buddies with a 77 year old Canadian man who was fulfilling his lifelong dream to dive.

Ignore husband - you only get one life.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Age 61? Could lose a few pounds? Congratulations--you have the makings of a typical diver these days.

 

[Bert van den Berg]

I guess that you got your answer - everyone thinks you should go for it.

My wife got tired of following me around in the dinghy and decided to get certified at age 64. She's now 69 (closer to 70) and loves scuba diving.

Rent equipment first and if you decide that it's not your cup of tea then stop diving.

 

[yle]

I am extremely interested in starting to scuba and get certified. I am 61 years old and havent been in the water for several years. Is it too late to start, honestly? Should i spend the money on classes, gear etc? My spouse is negative toward me swimming but yet he wants to scuba and is certified.

Liz, my mother took her first scuba class and was certified at age 62. That was 7 years ago. In those past 7 years she retired and has spent as much time as possible underwater; I think she's getting close to 300 dives. She completed her AOW and Rescue class several years ago also. We just returned from a trip yesterday during which she did 30 dives over 10 days.

Anecdotal, of course... but evidence that 61 is definitely not too old to start diving. Find an instructor that you're comfortable with and be sure to have fun. You'll be glad you did.

 

[msinc]

Definitely NOT too old...I am 56 and most of the people that either dive with me or I see out diving have several years on me. I would suggest that you go to which ever shop or instructor you intend to certify with and get a copy of the checklist of medical issues. Then go get a physical if you haven't had one in a year or so. Talk to your doctor about any concerns and as long as he will sign off on any possible issues you are good to go. Next I would suggest you practice or at least try out the 200 meter swim if you are going to cert with PADI. I went thru the class with my son last year and again with a nephew and both classes had older divers. They all passed, but it was the swim that they had the most trouble with. Best of luck, there is still way too much diving fun that you could miss out on if you don't do it. We just got back from Bonaire and cannot wait to go back!!!!!

 

[TrimixToo]

I have posted this story before but it bears repeating. I met an 80+ year old woman on the Garloo several years ago. She needed some slight help to climb the ladder but she was solid underwater. She told me that her only regret was waiting until her 70's to get certified.

And I was certified in 1972.

You are not too old to start!

 

[Liz Shumaker]

Seriously you sound like a great candidate. The swim test for your OW isn't really all that difficult.
Reasonable health and the right attitude are the important qualifications. Once you get certified the most important thing is to dive within your training and comfort. As you get experience and gain confidence you can work out what type of diving is best for you.

Have you noticed this Grumpy Old Divers

No i havent as i am just starting, i will check it out. I am excited and thank you

 

[drbill]

I'm 71 and have been diving for 56 years. As long as you are in reasonably good health, I see no reason for you not to dive. You may want to choose less challenging sites initially (little surge or current, warm water), but there are plenty of great sites with those characteristics.

I've known divers in their 80s and know of divers who kept diving until they were 100 so you're just a spring chicken!

 

[Liz Shumaker]

Thank you for the info. Well, am in washington state; water might not be the warmest. Different mil suit ?
I am in good health. No heart issues, blood pressure is good.