Requesting expert/shop owner input re: obese diver

[superbuoyant]

Hello all,

I have been fascinated with the deep my entire life, even though it scares the bejesus out of me. The oceans and its creatures are magnificent and awe inspiring. I saw whales once. I cried for an hour.

I haven't done much of anything in my life, and the older I get, the more I realize how stupid I've been. I have to live now. One of the things I want to do is scuba dive. I already know that I will never be a divemaster or anything like that; even if I do it once, that's better than never.

I have a holiday booked for December of this year, during which I hope to try it. But then there's the subject of my thread. It's a bit of a lie; I'm not obese, I'm morbidly obese.

I'm 43, female, 5'7", and 385 lbs, and not to brag, but I'm a 20 year smoker as well.

I have ZERO knowledge of diving, and I already know I won't be going down deep or into caves or wrecks or anything. And I know I can take the classes, but would anyone actually let me out on a boat? Is there anything 'safe' for me, for example, can I just restrict myself to nothing deeper than like 10 feet? Would that be safer, or is there nothing that would make me + tank + ocean = a good idea.

Thanks in advance for your input,
Lori

 

[oneshotshooter]

It is a wonderful sport that can provide lots of low impact exercise. FUN EXERCISE! I would start with something like snorkeling to get comfortable in the water, then progress into your certification for scuba. My only regret is I didn't start sooner! The most dangerous part of my diving is the commute to the dive site....

 

[Skittl1321]

Here is the health form required by PADI: http://www.padi.com/english/common/courses/forms/pdf/10063-ver2-0.pdf
That's what my shop requires to take classes (so honestly the "I know I can take the classes" might not be true for you.) There were a number of obese divers in my class, but none quite to the extreme you describe. I'd talk with your local shop, and your doctor.
In addition to the health liability, rental equipment might also be an issue for someone who is very large.

Most of the dive ops we looked at only wanted a cert card, so if you can take the classes, you should be able to dive. It seems like it would be up to your doctor to evaluate the health risks on that. Obesity is considered one relative risk condition on the health form.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

You also need to be aware that instructors have to evaluate the risk to you and others in the class. It is possible that someone may have to assist you out of the water and risk injury to you or them or both. It is not impossible but some instructors may not want that risk. There is also the issue of how mobile you are. Can you climb the ladder in and out of the pool? Could you climb a boat ladder? Shore dives are an option but you'd have to be able to walk with upwards of 80 lbs of gear on or more depending on how much lead you needed to use.
My GF is a therapist and her specialty is working with large people. I would have no problem with the weight issue if you could do the above AND get clearance from a doctor that knew diving and knew about problems related to obesity. As I'm sure you know many GP's have little idea of how serious it is.

Actually the smoking is a bigger red flag for me.

 

[Wookie]

Smoking is definitely a bigger deal as far as I'm concerned, but at that weight, not all dive ladders will support you. I certified a couple in St. Lucia many years ago. He was over 500, she was in the mid 300's. They were relatively young and active, but getting them back on the boat was a trick.

 

[DevonDiver]

The medical/fitness side of issue is really a matter for discussion with an MD. I would suggest that you take every reasonable measure to confirm your medical fitness to dive before enrolling on lessons. Every scuba course comes with a medical questionnaire, which will probably need MD approval anyway... but go beyond that and make sure you satisfy yourself (not just your instructor's liability) that you are fit to dive.

You should also be aware that obesity is a pre-disposing factor to decompression illness ("the bends"). That shouldn't necessarily prevent you from diving, but you should aim to take every feasible measure to make your dives conservative in nature. You will be given tips on how to do this during scuba training.

The issue of scuba equipment fit is also realistic. You shouldn't accept ill-fitting rental equipment for your training. This may necessitate buying your own equipment prior to enrolling on a course. There are many options to do this; custom-fitted wetsuits, backplate/wing style BCDs which are virtually unlimited in adjustment etc... I once had to do a full in-water rescue of a non-breathing diver; an incident that primarily arose from obesity/lack-of-fitness coupled with badly fitting (much too tight) equipment. Do take this factor seriously.

 

[superbuoyant]

Thank you guys. I do have the health form, and obesity (and smoking) are my only known risks; I go to the doctor regularly, get all my tests done, have healthy genetics, etc. etc. I'm trying to help myself, but only recently; I don't think there will be any helpful difference by the time I go on vacation.

Sorry, didn't mean to sound presumptive, I just meant that I know I can take the classroom part, and I'm sure someone would continue to teach me stuff even if they never let me set foot in the water.

Thanks Jim, I meant to mention that, that I am aware of the instructor/fellow diver safety and mobility issue. I wouldn't dream of risking someone else's life for mine, but if I can safely participate somehow , however basic, I'd like to. As far as mobility, I'm what one would call a functional obese person. I have a normal life; work full time, go out with friends, like photo hiking, that kind of stuff. (Just didn't want to give the idea that I'm bed-bound and waiting for my reality show or anything.) But yes, I do need to 'test' my abilities before we go.

 

[jord1990]

Edit--

If you really want something there is (almost) always a way. But like the other repliers said watch out for your own safety.
I hope you'll get in the water soon

Ps: I've seen allot of divers putting out their last cigarette 1 minute before they enter the water.
It's not something that won't let you dive.
It's not good though

 

[ams511]

I am not sure where you live but in South Florida many dive shops have "Discover Scuba" sessions where you could see if this is for you. At one of those sessions you could discuss your concerns with the instructor. Also if going to a resort they have resort courses where you spend a few hours going over the basics and then a guided dive with the instructor.

 

[WhiteSands]

When there's a will, there's a way.

Set your goal, and remove each obstacle one by one. I'm sure you can find someone who will help you reach your goals.

Go for it!