As usual you have already gotten some good advice from both sides of the thought process so I only post this to add my experience (thus far).
Saniflush 2.1 is about to be 12 and she is certifying over the next couple of months.
Saniflush 2.2 is about to be 10 and probably will not certify until next year.
Both have been in and around scuba for the past four years and in pools with the gear so there is already a comfort level there.
Saniflush 2.1 would absolutely have NOT been ready to certify at 10. Her head was all over the place but over the last 6 months she has become more focused about everything from household chores to school so I think she is ready.
Saniflush 2.2 is my detail orientated child and truth be told he probably certify with relative ease as soon as he turns 10 but because of when his birthday is we will probably wait until next Spring so we can have a full warm season for him to dive with us in and work on the basics he will learn in OW.
The elongated point that I am trying to make is that one size will not fit all on when to certify kids and just use your best judgement to decide. I would add this note though, get him a mask, fins, and snorkel. Snorkeling will give him a taste of diving and begin to develop some amount of skill set and solidify his comfort level in the water.
Saniflush 2.1 is about to be 12 and she is certifying over the next couple of months.
Saniflush 2.2 is about to be 10 and probably will not certify until next year.
Both have been in and around scuba for the past four years and in pools with the gear so there is already a comfort level there.
Saniflush 2.1 would absolutely have NOT been ready to certify at 10. Her head was all over the place but over the last 6 months she has become more focused about everything from household chores to school so I think she is ready.
Saniflush 2.2 is my detail orientated child and truth be told he probably certify with relative ease as soon as he turns 10 but because of when his birthday is we will probably wait until next Spring so we can have a full warm season for him to dive with us in and work on the basics he will learn in OW.
The elongated point that I am trying to make is that one size will not fit all on when to certify kids and just use your best judgement to decide. I would add this note though, get him a mask, fins, and snorkel. Snorkeling will give him a taste of diving and begin to develop some amount of skill set and solidify his comfort level in the water.