Children & Scuba when to start?

[gonetobaja]

Great info!

Can you give me the info on where you got the special kid BCDs and such?

My kid has been asking me but I have been shuting him down on it. But I would love to accomadate him.

This is super cool, I thought 14 was the limit. Should I just ask my local instructor friend about a Jr. class or is it the same one?




GTB

 

[Jeff Toorish]

Here's a link for the BCD: http://www.aquatecusa.com/bc-3s.htm

It is the only child sized one I found. I spent time on the phone with equipment manufacturers, such as ScubaPro, and even their smallest BCDs were too big for Sammi.

I found the rest of her equipment it my LDS.

Jeff

 

[tjc]

The age is 12. The reason for that is the lungs are fully developed by then. The brain maybe not? But neither is mine.

 

[Footslogger]

I had tanks on my kids when they were 9. Never actually took them on a dive trip until they were certified but by the time they took their OW course they were familiar with the equipment and the safety aspects of the sport.

I say, as soon as a youngster shows definite interest and is willing to sit still long enough and pay attention then they are ready to learn about diving. As a parent, I never felt that anyone was responsible for them other than me.

My kids are now 27 and 29 and both still dive. They treasure the fact that I introduced them to Scuba and only wish that more of their friends were divers.

'Slogger

 

[ZzzKing]

So I guess 20 months is a little too soon.

I can't wait for her to be old enough. OTOH, she's sooooo cute and funny right now!

 

[freediver]

My son will be 10 shortly and he and I both are excited to start his training. Of course he has been "teaching" scuba, lifeguarding and CPR with me since he was 4 so I figure he will be well prepared. As others have stated, two primary concerns are maturity and stamina but I suppose all the overtime he is putting in at the factory will do him well with his stamina. The full load he is taking at the University will likely help out as well. heehee...really all seriousness aside, he is an accomplished freediver ready for the next step...... uhhhh.......plunge.

 

[superstar]

My daughter did the dolphin camp at AKR when she was 5. I took her to Key Largo with a sassy unit at age 6. She's doing the seal team next. I think it's good for them to start young.

 

[Scuba Jerm]

The minimum age for PADI Jr Open Water is 10 years old. There are certainly distinct physical and, in some cases, mental/emotional differences between children and adults. However, many kids are quite capable of mastering the basic skills required obtain a certification and subsequently dive in a safe manner.

My 10 year old obtained his last summer. He's now logged about 40 dives (mostly in So Cal and Costa Rica) and is quickly becoming a pretty good little diver.

Awesome Pics Riguerin, Thanks for sharing.

My 6 year old is showing some real interest. We have a pool at "Papa's" house and occasionally we suit up for fun and he always likes to check it out. He will breath for like 30 seconds on the octo and then be done, but he is really interested, I'll have to show him your pictures.

 

[spstar]

Just got back from Florida with the family and got my daughters 4 OW check out dives done she did a great job even though we had some not so happy surf 6-8 footers.
She has been diving in the pool for over a year and finally decided to get the book work and pool work out of the way Being I had bought her books over a year ago I totally left it up to her when she was ready to make the comitment to it. she did a great job on her tests and water skills.
She is going to make a great diver

 

[spstar]

PS: she is eleven