Question for instructors; Am I too Old?

[Sharkbait2005]

Having finished my instructor training at 46, my 'classmate' 41, go for it. Age with your experience, + stories to tell will earn the respect of your students. Even as a relativly new instructor, I have enjoyed the teaching, and look forward to developing more friends as well.

[scubajim 1]

I agree...age can be an advantage...I'm in my 50s and my students have no trouble with my age.
But seriously, if your friend hopes to make a good income from instructing he will need to plan on being a full time instructor.

[jscott099]

I was in my mid 40's when I became an instructor and still teach now that I'm 50. It would never pay my bills however. However, if I retire early I would imagine me still teaching flying and scuba.

It does help encourage me to stay fit so I present a good model to students. While I don't have proof of it, I think the students like a teacher that appears a little older and potentially carries more knowledge and experience around with him.

[Robert Gillcash]

I got OWSI at 52....MSDT at almost 53. If you are in good shape age is not a factor.

[CAVDVR93538]

This is an older thread, but there is alot here to weed through.
I became a PADI DM in 1995, I was 43. The reason was to learn the "Physics". At that time I didn't have any desire to teach. I was still learning myself and I was going in the "cave diver" direction.
After a while, living where I do (Chicago burbs) the trips back and forth to "cave country" I wasn't getting alot of dives in to keep my skills in top shape. So, I thought I would become an Instructor, not only to teach classes, share my experiences, but also to dive more frequently and refresh my own knowedge every time I teach. I did this in 2006. When I was 54. It has been a great experience and every time I renew my insurance and other fees, I ask myself am I getting to old for this.
I hope not, I'm 58 and I really enjoy this. So, don't let age get in the way of your desires. If you enjoy what your doing and are in good health, both mentally and physically, GO FOR IT!
I only wish I would have done this sooner!

[Rick Murchison]

I love to learn and to teach, to share interesting stuff with interested folks.
I have a hard time feeling like anyone's "too young" or "too old" for that.
Started my "formal" teaching as a swimming instructor at "Y" camp at age 15.
'Director of horseback riding' at age 17.
CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) at age 19.
-- Navy flight instructor at various levels off & on (in between fleet assignments) for 21 years after college.
Scuba Instructor at age 49...
Still teaching at 63, loving it, don't plan on stopping any time soon.
When I figure out how old "too old" is, I'll let ye know
--
One of my favorite uncles was an entomologist and general outdoorsman who knew "everything." Even in his 80's he almost always had a pack of youngsters following him around in the woods and on the beach where he'd keep 'em enthralled with interesting facts and stories about all the plants and animals and shells and artifacts and rocks and weather and astronomical phenomena and geological formations and "stuff" he came across just walking around.
--
Go for it...
Rick

[BonaireDan]

Go for it - tell your buddy. Get experience, DM for a while before the IDC, etc. I gor my OW at age 17 then finally DM at age 43. Finally IDC at age 55! Now IDC Staff at age 59.

Age is only a number so long as other factors work out in favor of diving safety and fun.

Our LDS started a 70+ guy in OW and he is one of the more fun and gregarious seekers of dive opportunities of any one at the shop.

[Islandheart]

Yes, I know it's an old thread but still very relevent. I did notice in the replies no one addressed the last part of his question and this still applies to many folks.

As an older instructor (60) with 39 years of dive experience, when I've looked for employment in the Scuba industry, I have met with age bias against older DMs and Instr's.

At one shop, a younger Instr at shop staff meetings would "bark" at the owners about them hiring an Old Guy (me) and that I would scare off young divers. His out look was, I was only good for customers over 50.

Kinda funny that a year later as an Independent Instr, I've had over 100 certifications just this year, not including Bubble-Makers and DSD's.

If you look in PADI employment section you'll see the age bias I'm speaking of, in nearly every ad there.

Like others say, if you're fit enough, go for it !

[gtto]

I know this is an old thread but..... I just got my OWSI and MSDT and am 60. I will be looking for a job somewhere in a few months so I hope I am not too old. I will keep you posted. Gary

[scubajim 1]

I know this is an old thread but..... I just got my OWSI and MSDT and am 60. I will be looking for a job somewhere in a few months so I hope I am not too old. I will keep you posted. Gary

There is no reason why you shouldn't get a job! You go Gary. Welcome to the ranks.