Question How old are you and how long certified? Poll- please take part!

[WillieJustice]

My only regret is that I didn't get involved with diving a lot younger. I had opportunities growing up close to the ocean, but I also had a helicopter mom and she would have had no part of it.

I grew up in central Ohio. Diving just wasn't anything any of us thought about. It took forever for me to think of doing it. Like you, it would have been great to start sooner, but better late than never.

 

[elgringoperdido]

I notice that the instructors are keen on deciding whether teens want to dive or are pressured to dive. My son was certified at 16. We went on many family vacations when he was growing up where I went diving and they met me at the dock when my boat returned. My wife is not into diving. Or kayaking. Or sailing. Or anything that puts her on a boat. (Even a ferry ride makes her reach for the barf bag.)

When my son was growing up he always wanted to dive with me. We started snorkeling together when he was around 8. And we rented kayaks, paddleboards, sunfish sailboats, etc. She finally let me get him certified at 16. During that time I remember that the first question his instructor asked him was "Do you want to do this or are you doing this because your Daddy wants you to dive with him?" Also, at my local dive shop, one day when I took my son in to try on some BCDs the owner asked him the same question. At first it surprised me, but now I think it is probably a good idea.

 

[TheSnowBeast]

35, certified in 2018, working into tec diving.

 

[JMBL]

I notice that the instructors are keen on deciding whether teens want to dive or are pressured to dive...

At first it surprised me, but now I think it is probably a good idea.

It seems to me to be a very sensible idea when you're getting certified to partner with someone close to you.

All the kids have met on dive boats were diving enthusiasts, but as far as ladies are concerned, it's another story. Many were diving to be close to their old man but had little fun from diving, so it was more of an ordeal than anything... and the guys didn't even notice it. Jerks...

Btw, don't take me wrong, I do not imply that women divers have no other motivation for the activity.

 

[LOUDCoach]

33 with just over 50 dives. OW =4 dives in 2023 followed by a moto accident that put me out for months. AOW/drysuit and most of those dives in 2024.

 

[fisheater]

67, >500 dives, certified for 17 years.