Question for instructors; Am I too Old?

[Jim Lapenta]

I was Pm'd this today and posting for a friend. What say you all? Becoming an instructor myself at 48 I'd say go for it. I would look at how much diving I'd be able to do, what is my potential student base, work for a shop or independent, and what can I bring to my students in the way of experience, judgment, and safety?

"Being in my late 40's I want to become a scuba instuctor over the next few years.
As it Stands right now, I live in a place where diving is a summer activity for the most part, and as of right now I just have my OW certification.

I would like to retire some place warm and possably teach Divers part time to suplement my income.
Do I stand any chance what so ever of fulfilling this goal, or would resorts and dive centers consider me to old at 55 or so.

I would appreciate your input."

[tstormdiver]

As long as your friend is reasonably healthy, can pass the physical & has the stamina needed to teach,.... yes, he should go for it, if that's what he wants to do. Age is a relative thing. Older instructors, I've seen, *tend* to be more safety conscious & patient.

[pir8]

Go for it!!!

[Quero]

I was figuratively the "granny" in my IDC. There was no attention paid at all to my relatively advanced age. My students--many of them less than half my age--don't seem to be bothered, and in fact some students prefer a more mature instructor.

[cudachaser]

I'm 60 years old, disabled but a very active instructor

[BurhanMuntasser]

As long as the medical history is OK and has the stamina to do all of the required skills, go for it!!

[scubamarketing]

I would definitely vote yes. Especially as a new instructor, an older person knows more people, so they can frequently get some students lined up pretty quickly. Some people see older as more experienced (even though we know that isn't necessarily true, when I was 19 I had more certifications than plenty of 40+ year olds I met) so that can also help at times.

[TSandM]

I know that, when I have gone to Maui to dive, it has seemed to me that the majority of the instructor/dive guides on the boats are older folks, and I have suspected they retired to the island and are working on the boats to augment their retirement. It does not seem that there is any prejudice against older instructors there.

My one piece of advice to the person who PMed you, Jim, is not to rush into instructor training. We have far too many instructors who had the minimum number of dives when they got certified, and know virtually nothing beyond the narrow confines of their specific classes. What we need is experienced divers with a broader perspective and better skills.

[dgreenh]

I was 47 when I decided to become an instructor. I don't think it is unusual for 40+ year old divers to become instructors. I can't speak for making a supplemental retirement income in a warm climate.

[jepuskar]

I think older instructors (like Walter) are more respected from both seniors (like Walter) and young divers...(not like Walter).