Parent of a future diver from TX

[carbonf00tprint]

Howdy, my name is Paul, I'm mid 40's with horrible gramer ( sorry ) and a 12 yr old son who shares hardley any of my interests. We are to completely differtent people, but I do my best to feed his enterests.

I have no desire to dive, but he does, so I have found a school that is within our driving distance.
The school is called scuba sphere, it is in FT. Worth.

I have many worries, and wont be taking him out to do anything I consider too dangerous ( ocean ) for the near futur at least.
But I have told him I will deffinatley make it possible for him to get dive time with groups at the rivers and lakes that
are close enough to make.

Right now I'm just absorbing info....just pretent my mind is a sponge.
I know the guys at the scube shop are probably knowledgeable....but I like well rounded opinions
that are available from forums ( just got to weed through it )

I dont mind spending coin on the good stuff he wont out grow...like computer, ect...
Mostly looking for input at the moment on tank, computer, ect for a smaller diver ( 100 lbs ) roughly 5'
Ease of use, size/weight proportionate and saftey are all top concerens.

Thanks,
Paul

Post Script: If your aware of a good thread on the topics please post it, it will save me some search time.
( It sux reading 10 bunk threads just to run across the one good one )

 

[JamesK]

Hi Paul,

I would consider renting everything for now to ensure your son actually likes the sport and wants to continue with it. At that age kids change minds as often as Lindsay Lohan goes to rehab.

When you do consider buying I would recommend some Aluminum 72's for tanks. They are a smaller size and give a decent amount of gas. For computers wait and see what is out by that time. Older models will be on sale and the latest greatest will be out.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

You don't buy scuba gear until after you are both certified... unless you are really wealthy.. then what the hell...

Second.. 12 yrs old is young to pursue diving and he will be relying upon you to make sure your future diving exploits will be safe and enjoyable. The ocean is not "unsafe" and rivers and lakes are not "safe" environments. It takes training, experience and some common sense to dive anywhere without being unsafe. So there is going to be a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, a 12-yr old probably does not have the ability to analyze conditions to ensure safe diving....

Also, is the kid athletic? Does he have a healthy respect for other dangerous activities? Can he ride a bike on a residential street without scaring you? Can he swim well? Can he snorkel well with mask and fins and snorkel? Can he climb a tree 20 feet in the air without giving you a heart attack? Can he surf? If he is this type of kid, then scuba MAY be something he should pursue.

If neither you nor he can snorkel in the pool, I suggest that the two of you work on mastery of these skills BEFORE you pursue scuba diving. The dive shop will not say this is essential, but for my kids it was absolutely essential.

This is a video of my 14 yr old daughter snorkeling a few days ago. She is comfortable in the water, athletic, smart and can swim well and runs like the wind... but she does not feel ready for scuba, so I am not pushing her. Scuba diving is a great sport for the right kid, but in my opinion it is NOT appropriate for most 12 yr olds. Snorkeling is great for kids not ready for scuba..

My daughter.. not a scuba diver snorkeling....

Blue Heron Bridge Snorkeling with Joan - YouTube


Her twin brother.. "snorkeling" he is also a scuba diver)

John Freediving 12-26-12 - YouTube

Edit: Aluminum 72 tanks would be a HORRIBLE choice... they have terrible buoynacy characteristics..

 

[carbonf00tprint]

Dd:
I'm not going to be diving, so I'm going to be looking for groups foro him to dive with. He has sorkled some, but wants to dive.
As far as him maturity....its opinion. I'm a worry wart and overly cautious....he is not.
I wont get in the ocean past my ankles...he will swim way out. He is a strong swimmer very, very strong legs. ( aba to thank for that )

I said what ( I ) consider safe....I will make this call..
as of right now I'm good with entertaining the comal river in sam marcus tx...though I dont know if it will satisfy his cravings.
I will also do my best to get him to lake Athens os often as possible...
Also the groups will make a difference IMO...being around people who are like minded.

If it ends up too much for him to handle, then it will show him his current limitations, and where he needs to improve.

My son wants to be a marine biologist...so thats where this started, any limitations will not be from my lack of support.

My purchase will be june-july he will have already taken the class by then..
I dont wait last minute to learn, and it takes time to digest, consider all options...

Also you mention the boyancy...it seems this would be a bigger issue with a lighter diver?
I can see the steel are better, but that weight is high and on your back.

if you used alum over steel, and added additional weight at belt...it seems it could be a better option?

( place 10 lbs on shoulders and do set ups.....place 10 bls at small of back and do same )

Again, I'm thinking smaler framed individual, that weight placment could be a bigger deal.

But I have found forums are the best way to see various opinions from multiple points of view.
I appreachiate yours, very insightfull, thanks.

 

[Rodman500]

My daughter is 16 now and started when she was 14. We rented everything until we both were sure it was for us. We now own our equipment and are taking advanced classes. Ocean diving is great but lake and river diving can be dangerous unless you are trained.

 

[carbonf00tprint]

My daughter is 16 now and started when she was 14. We rented everything until we both were sure it was for us. We now own our equipment and are taking advanced classes. Ocean diving is great but lake and river diving can be dangerous unless you are trained.

drowning is a silent death...and scares the hell out of me now that I have a kid.
I know the comal, and I'm fine with my son doing that.

I dont know Athens, but have heard good things...I think this will be where my son will want to go most, for the wrecks.

I see your from TX..have you been to athens by chance?

 

[kierentec]

It's great your son is interested in diving, and also great that you are supportive of his interest even if you do not share it. I think your biggest problem, however, will be finding people for him to dive with. Check with the dive shop to see if they know families in the area that may have kids his age that will be willing to take your son with them.
as for equipment, I suggest looking into the Dive Rite travel pac, they offer a youth program where they upgrade the BCD as your son grows. all they ask is that your son email them with a few words about why they love diving, and they send replacement parts to make the unit bigger. http://www.diverite.com/products/kids/

good luck to you and your son, it's always refreshing to hear parents supporting their children's interests.

---------- Post added January 1st, 2013 at 04:06 PM ----------

also, look into the broadreach summer programs http://www.gobroadreach.com/

I know several instructors who have worked on these trips, and they say it's an amazing experience for the kids.

 

[JamesK]

Edit: Aluminum 72 tanks would be a HORRIBLE choice... they have terrible buoynacy characteristics..

I disagree.