Diving in Thailand with 10 year old

[Jai Bar]

In terms of getting certified in Thailand, that'd be great, but I would only want to do the open water dives in Thailand, and the elearning and pool courses locally so I don't waste time doing this while on vacation

Well, the whole thing is 3-4 days and is quite fun, know of lots of families who enjoyed this, but whatever suits you. After all, this is your vacation and you should enjoy it and spend your time however you wish.

My son is less interested in diving than I am, but perhaps because he had a hard time equalizing when we went diving in Belize. I certainly enjoyed it. He's also not so interested in getting certified right now, but I might be able to convince him.

I don't know what exactly you did in Belize, but there shouldn't be a problem teaching a 10 year old kid (and even much much younger ones) to equalize properly.

About convincing children to scuba, we never tried to convince our kids, although it is a family thing and we have been diving every other weekend since before they were born- or one can say they were into this. But we never pushed them and took them diving only when they asked for it, usually around the age of 6. All of them eventually did their certifications at 12, but my daughter is nowadays less interested and prefers other topside activities, so we let her be. Maybe she will come to her senses, may be not. But I think never push or convince, it has to come from them

 

[orioncyg]

Well, the whole thing is 3-4 days and is quite fun, know of lots of families who enjoyed this, but whatever suits you. After all, this is your vacation and you should enjoy it and spend your time however you wish.


I don't know what exactly you did in Belize, but there shouldn't be a problem teaching a 10 year old kid (and even much much younger ones) to equalize properly.

About convincing children to scuba, we never tried to convince our kids, although it is a family thing and we have been diving every other weekend since before they were born- or one can say they were into this. But we never pushed them and took them diving only when they asked for it, usually around the age of 6. All of them eventually did their certifications at 12, but my daughter is nowadays less interested and prefers other topside activities, so we let her be. Maybe she will come to her senses, may be not. But I think never push or convince, it has to come from them

We went diving with a 4 person group + 2 instructors in Belize earlier in the year, and he didn't do too well. He wasn't scared, but struggled with descent because he said he couldn't equilibrate properly, and consequently he stayed at the surface for most of the dive.

The 2 instructors kind of just ignored my kid the entire time, and one of them was having a 1:1 with the 12 year old daughter of the other parent the whole time... Maybe he just needs a better and more attentive instructor.

I'm trying to chalk it up as him not having a good instructor.

 

[orioncyg]

Sounds like you’re trying to fit in more locations than is practical, for a holiday trip. These places will still be there another year, after all isn’t a holiday a time to chill out.

I don't think so? I said in a previous comment that I don't think I can fit both Surin and Lipe in to the 12 days and that it'll probably be just one of them.

 

[orioncyg]

@orioncyg
There are at least three companies, Bundhaya, Satun Pakbara and Tiger Line, running trips between Phuket and Koh Lipe.
You need a minimum of two full days to cover the round trip journey from Koh Surin to Koh Lipe and back to Phuket.
Taking three days to cover two places within 12 days is a bit too much to me personally.

Yeah I think we might just do one of Surin or Lipe, but not both. I'm hoping to have things finalized in the next 2 weeks.

I'm spending 22 full days + 2 half days (the arrival and departure days) in Thailand, and allocate 10 of those days to Bangkok + North, and the rest of the islands.

 

[Saffadiver]

You can only be a little bubbler from 12 years old. I would recommend checking PADI,SSI,RAID etc websites.

 

[Centrals]

Yeah I think we might just do one of Surin or Lipe, but not both. I'm hoping to have things finalized in the next 2 weeks.

I'm spending 22 full days + 2 half days (the arrival and departure days) in Thailand, and allocate 10 of those days to Bangkok + North, and the rest of the islands.

Surin is a lot nearer to Bangkok.
Overnight train to Chumphon and then either bus or van to Khuraburi.
Visit Khao Sok National Park afterward and return to Bangkok via Surat Thani by train.
Train is not fast but a lot comfortable than bus. There is only one line running between Chumphon/Surat Thani and Bangkok. The AC sleeper is exceedingly cold(blanket is provided). I had tried couple of time on AC 2nd class sleeper and it was FREEZING.

10 days for Bangkok +North! Bangkok and its surrounding has plenty to offer for first time visitor.
Chiang Mai is far touristy nowadays.
Sukhothai which is the first capital in Thailand is much better.
Ayutthaya is another old capital.
Trekking in northern Thailand is very good. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Mae Hong Son. A bit off the beaten trek from Chiang Mai.

 

[Centrals]

You can only be a little bubbler from 12 years old. I would recommend checking PADI,SSI,RAID etc websites.

PADI Junior Open Water is for 10 yrs old and max depth is 12m.
PADI Junior Advanced Open Water is for 12-14 yrs old and depth limit is 20m. When the diver turns 15, the certification will automatically upgrades to Regular Adv Open with max depth extends to 30m.