Oldest Age to Learn Diving

Max Age for Diving

  • 50-60

    Votes: 1 4.3%
  • 60-70

    Votes: 2 8.7%
  • 70-80

    Votes: 2 8.7%
  • 80-90

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • 90+

    Votes: 2 8.7%
  • No limit

    Votes: 16 69.6%

  • Total voters
    23
  • Poll closed .

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GDI

Artificer of Havoc & Kaos
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Scuba Instructor
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# of dives
I'm a Fish!
:doctor:
I have a student who had learned to scuba dive years ago. For a man who is in his mid 80's he is in very good shape. He claims his daily drink of rum before going on a 5 mile run every morning is the reason. He has been given a clean slate of health and an OK by his Doctor,whom is also a diver, a tech diver at that. Bill my student understands the issue of age and DCI wants to learn again so that he can enjoy something with his great-grand and grand children, who are also learning to dive. the youngest is 18 yoa. So here then is my question to you all - Do you think that there is anything wrong with teaching an older senior person to dive? and What would be the maximum age you would consider to teach?
 
I'm not an instructor, but my opinion is that if the person is in good physical and mental shape-why not?
 
My Grandfather is 94. I tried and tried to teach him how to dive. The only reason I couldn't certify him was that he couldn't equalize. He was willing and in good health though.

He was dissapointed about not being certified, but he wasn't so depressed about it that he gave up sky diving. He still jumps at least once a year (tandum). The moral? Do anything you are able to and want to do.:boom:
 
I don't understand the issue. If someone is in good health with no factors that would prevent diving, why would age be a consideration? Do you dislike the elderly? Are they unworthy? I think this question is similar to one that asks should a black person be allowed to dive. The factor is irrelevant to diving. Sex, race, age, etc. should never be an issue. I understand that elderly people often have health issues that would prevent them from diving, but you've already stated this is not the case. Treat everyone fairly.
 
The person who certified me three years ago in the pool was 74 at the time: although I changed a few clubs since, I think he's still diving.
 
If he's physically capable, why not?

I dove with a gentleman in his mid-80's a couple months ago. He was certified about two years ago, and could keep up with any of us.
 
I belong to a bicycle club and we do rides twice a week. (road biking). I am forty two and I admit I'm not the fastest. I can however keep up an average over seventeen miles an hour. There is a guy who is eighty eight years old who kicks my ass just about everytime he shows up. And these are thirty mile rides. If he wanted to become a certified diver I would dive with him.
If your physically able why not. God didn't put us on this planet to veg out. And if I make it to that age I sure hope I can still dive. I'd rather make new memories then talk about old ones.

Jim
 
Like everyone's comments above, I agree that as long as they are capable and want to dive, then let them. :)

Heck, my grandmother still rides rollercoasters. :D
 
:doctor: I had lasik surgery on my eyes 11/2000. Once I could see underwater I started OW classes in 2/01. Certified in May 01.
AOW & Rescue 7/02 and turned 62 a month later. Going to Coz in Jan. That said, age does make a difference. I don't get into the boat like I could 20 years ago. I don't have the stamina I had. Trust me, nothing works as well at 62 as it did at 42. Still I dive Great Lakes wrecks and think I'm pretty safe. I have more sense and will abort a dive if it doesn't feel right...you don't get so much ego tied up in recreation as when you're older.
 
As long as they are in good health, are truely interested and are physically able to perform I see no problem in them learning to dive.


The guy who originally certified me was 62 at the time. He could easily out swim me then as well as now. He has since retired from teaching but still runs a charter boat and dives non stop. Great Instructor and diver!
 

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