Is it better to be tall or short in scuba diving?

[Aljon]

Hello divers, I'm 6'3" and new to scuba diving. I was just wondering if being tall is advantageous in scuba diving because it gives me more leverage and longer limbs to propel on water?

 

[rongoodman]

I can’t see why it would make any difference.

 

[Rilelen]

In open water? I don’t think it matters. Taller people may have advantage finning, but shorter people tend to have better air consumption. Average-height people are most likely to find gear that fits off the shelf.

I will say, I’ve personally found being small to be a nice little advantage when it comes to cave and tight restrictions, but that’s a highly niche area that’s not going to be relevant to 99% of divers.

 

[DanBMW]

If you are average, whatever that is, finding a wetsuit that fits correctly is an advantage. I'm 5-10 and weight about 160. I can eaisly wear off the shelf.

 

[rhwestfall]

being tall in scuba sucks....

 

[Aljon]

being tall in scuba sucks....

Sucks?

 

[RIHappyDiver]

---

Being short will make it harder to climb the ladder on the dive boat. Otherwise, can’t think of any pros or cons.

Erik

 

[rhwestfall]

Sucks?

• gear rarely fits correctly (wet suits/dry suits/plates/bc/gloves/boots/fins) - or costs a fortune for custom made.
• benches are not the correct height (fun to get into and stand a set of doubles)
• "short" tanks throws off trim...

lots more, but these are the basic ones....

 

[Scott G. Bonser]

…not really. Being 6’1” with a 29” inseam was my biggest challenge as I had to have a custom wetsuit as ‘off-the-shelf’ suits just didn’t ‘cut it’. My trim was just fine…suit or no suit.

 

[lexvil]

I may like to point out Mr. Westfall is tall 6’3” is tallish.