Teenagers and Diving

[diverdownAg]

My parents gave me my OW certification as a gift last christmas. That has turned out to be the best gift I have ever recieved because it turned me on to a passion that was missing in my life for a few years. They have been kicking themselves ever since because I have been diving every chance I get and I now spend 90% of my income on diving and equipment

 

[almitywife]

...... They have been kicking themselves ever since

........ I now spend 90% of my income on diving and equipment

hmmmm - coincidence i think not

 

[craborn]

As an instructor I have to say that I LOVE teaching kids. I have had one that was not mature enough so I had him come back the next year and I did some pool diving with him but the others have been great. I have had adhd kids and dislexic. The love the sport so they concentrate hard. I have two 12 year olds who safety for me in some of my classes. They are the best help.
I am looking forward to my two little girls one day diving with me and my wife though they are in diapers now. I hope I handle it right and they develop interest in scuba.

 

[Cheekymonkey]

Its a good addiction to start early, while your living at home, and before you have to start spending your own money

 

[RayJayJr]

I have been patting myself on the back ever since I signed up for my OW course earlier this year. I've progressed a great deal already, and enjoy every second I get to go diving.



My only regret is that it's hard to find other people to dive with who are not < 25 which can be a bit of a downer.

 

[ZzzKing]

I am looking forward to my two little girls one day diving with me and my wife though they are in diapers now. I hope I handle it right and they develop interest in scuba.

Me and the baby girl rebuilt my backplate/wing rig last night and changed my reg configuration.

She kept asking: "What are you doing Daddy?"
Me: "Removing this hose."
Her: "What are you doing Daddy?"
Me: "Reconnecting this hose to the regulator."
Her: "Regalatr."
Her: "What's that?"
Me: "It's called a mouthpiece. You put it in your mouth to breath underwater."
Her: "Underwater. I go underwater in (swimming) lessons."
Me: "Yes, you did. Can I have that wrench back? Thank you!"
Her: "Rinch"
Me: "Maybe you can go diving with Mommy and me when you're bigger. Would you like that?"
Her (nodding): "Sharks and Turtles! Spotted Eagle Ray!"

I only have ten more years or so to wait!

 

[Cheekymonkey]

Very nice training them young.

 

[wvjohn]

Absolutely what the OP said. Me, my wife and 17 year old got certified this summer. It was a struggle for him, but he really gained a lot of confidence. We've only had the chance to dive once since then - but he showed good responsibility. He's certified but he's still working on his driver's license.

When we were doing our pool work I had one of those "fatherly moments" as we shared air and swam around the pool several times.

My younger ones 14 and 13 aren't quite ready.

I'm looking forward to having everyone certified.

If only the lottery will cooperate and make "Christmas in Coz 2007" possible

 

[djb_1965]

Diving is a hobby that teaches great life skills. You must rely on yourself, but at the same time rely on your buddy. Trust, disipline, good judgement. Plus it gives them a chance at a good addiction.

Any time you can find a common interest with your kids is great. Ours are getting certified this spring (yes they have already tried it). It teaches them to be concerned for the environment, and appreciate nature.

Plus kids that dive have the right to brag a little and when asked what they did over the summer, instead of saying "played video games, or computer" they can say " I went down 40' and saw a bunch of cool stuff, looked at sunken boats, and found some cool things".

Some may even have a jump start on a career--Marine Biology, Instructor, or somewhere in between.

 

[Tortuga James]

Some may even have a jump start on a career--Marine Biology, Instructor, or somewhere in between.

My 17 year old, a senior in HS has applied to UNCW and wants to go into Marine Biology. He used his diving experiences very well in his essay during the application process. I can't really see him doing a lot of lab work, but underwater field work would be right up his alley.

I hope he gets in, it will be fun to go visit him and go diving.