older newbie

[marpac]

I recently completed my OW cert. and have a few dives under my belt, any oppinions on my going on to complete the AWD and RESCUE certs. at my age, (57). I have no medical issues other than I take cholesterol meds daily. I run 3.5 miles 3x/week and swim regularly. I have read several articles about the dreaded DCS issues and the older diver. My goal is to get to rescue diver status to make myself a better safer diver, so that by relaxing I can enjoy the diving experience more completely. I understand that there are many divers out there older than myself, I just don't know how many of them are new to diving and not just older divers who have been diving for decades.

 

[katdiver]

I certified a guy this year born in 1947! You are as young as you feel. You run much further than I do, but I'm lugging tanks and diving every day and I'll be 50 next bithday.

Good for you, get out there and dive! The certs AOW to Rescue Diver give you that bit extra in skills to enjoy your diving and further your confidence.

 

[Scubadad1]

I started diving at 53, became an instructor at 55 and am still working in the Red Sea. No problems with age - diving keeps you fit, mentally alert and I still love every dive.

Go for it!

 

[dkktsunami]

Did my OW at 57, DM at around 60, still going strong doing 200 - 300 dives each year, most of them solo. For he same reasons that you mentioned, to enjoy diving more and to increase confidence and comfort. I am 64 and still loving diving.

 

[rongoodman]

Did my OW at 59, will probably be doing Trimix at 63. Have fun!

 

[sam1]

Certified at 54, then AOW, Rescue, and DM at 56. 57 now.

 

[Colliam7]

I recently completed my OW cert. and have a few dives under my belt, any oppinions on my going on to complete the AWD and RESCUE certs. at my age, (57).

As you can tell from the responses, there are quite a few 'mature' gentlemen out here who have done certifications later in life (I no longer use the word 'old' for anything). I certified at 52, started DM at 55, finished OWSI and trimix at 58. Yes, I have finally (and reluctantly) accepted the fact that I am not quite as strong or energetic as I was in my 40s, but I am looking forward to teaching for quite a while, and continuing to dive deep, dark and cold for quite some time to come.

 

[Dux]

Just go for it, marpac

I started diving last year as I approached 59. I gained my Open Water then and was so incredibly elated with my achievement.
I am not one to feel pleased with myself in general and this gave me a real feeling of pride.
Most of my friends think I am nuts or brave

This year I started on my AOW and should finish that very soon with a Deep Dive

My son who is 33 has just about completed his OW and as our whole family is going over to Aus next year, for my daughter's wedding, then my son and I shall dive at the Great Barrier Reef.

I am female and at my age couldn't be the fittest or the quickest learn even if I wanted to be.
I have done many things wrong in the diving and I bet there aren't many that can equal my blunders, but I see it all as a learning curve....bit like life really.

I shall carry on and I admit that I have wondered about the rescue course as everyone who takes it, says it is the best ever.


All the best to you marpac and here's to a great diving future.

:fish:

 

[Garrobo]

Got certified a couple years ago at 66 and now have over 100 logged dives. All ocean reefs and wrecks in southern Florida and the Keys. Have a heart arrythmia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, bad breath and can't hold my pee more than 15 minutes. No problemo.

 

[cudachaser]

Though I started diving at 16...I'm now a Master Instructor/Instructor Trainer @ 58 years. I think most people past 50 take cholesterol busters!