When the world returns to normal, perhaps consider a trip to Grand Cayman because Dive Tech offers a variety of experiences and programs for families and kids, see link below:
https://www.divetech.com/kids
son wants to scuba for his 8th birthday
- Thread starter Limey
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When the world returns to normal, perhaps consider a trip to Grand Cayman because Dive Tech offers a variety of experiences and programs for families and kids, see link below:
https://www.divetech.com/kids
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Most on SB know my thoughts here. I've taught kids Band for 19 years from ages 11-18, mostly age 11s & 12s-- hundreds of them. Wait 'til he's 15. That's when I THINK I would've been ready to deal with on the spot life threatening decisions. What's the rush? There's a reason kids can't drive 'til age 16-- same kind of decisions when things go sideways. If nothing happens a 10 year old probably can successfully drive a car. But, most will disagree with me to some degree, citing how mature some kids (like their own) are/were at age 12. I don't buy it. I don't think my education course professors would either, regarding brain development (which is probably somewhat different than "maturity" development).
KDAD
Contributor
I don't disagree with waiting until a child is older, say in the 15 year old range, for a specific reason. That said, I didn't feel my daughter was ready at age 10 but did certify her at 11. She was at the point that she could learn how to dive but there is more to it.
My concerns are that she is fine under water, especially with me as her buddy. But what if the tides are turned and something happens to me where I need her as my buddy. Can she handle any situation that arises? Can yours?
For an 8 year old at a party in a pool only, sure sounds like fun.
My concerns are that she is fine under water, especially with me as her buddy. But what if the tides are turned and something happens to me where I need her as my buddy. Can she handle any situation that arises? Can yours?
For an 8 year old at a party in a pool only, sure sounds like fun.
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Thanks, that "reverse" situation was something I forgot to rant about. I've read on SB more than once where parent & child got certified together so they could dive together. Is that even crazier or what? Parent dies, kid couldn't save him/her, has to live with that rest of life.
Again with the driving thing--most kids want to drive well before age 16 and we don't let them (I was an exception and didn't drive until 17, due to lack of interest and need to). In fact, for the last 20 years many states/provinces have gone the other way with the "graduated drivers licenses" starting at 16. I see how that has worked...notice how much safer the roads are today....
Sorry to digress and not simply answer the OP, who simply asked about maybe a place he could try. But as happens, people just throw out their opinions and I'm guilty.
pauldw
Contributor
Kids cannot drive ON ROAD until 16 (in Italy 18 on cars, 16 only motorbikes):
But of course then can drive OFFROAD safely since much younger.
My kids started with motocross motorbikes at 5 years old, but of course had some experience as passengers earlier. Here my two sons, Adriano here is 6, Giacomo is 2:
Of course they were wearing helmets and gloves when the bike was running...
caydiver
Contributor
We were hard core diving parents. Our son certified at 12. A couple years later PADI dropped the age to 10 and our daughter was desperate to certify. Someone we trusted as an instructor who cared more about diving than the payout advised us to wait as there was no knowledge on the affect of gas bubbles in immature or developing tissue. Please don’t do it because someone offers it. As a parent I might say that if it was my kid as an 8 year old I would have definitely cut it down a bit. I have two that have grown up to be remarkably successful individuals. One was a world class athlete. She was already super good at 8 at a sport totally outside diving and our family experience. We were super proud but realized there was an appropriate time for her wings to develop appropriately. As a dive op owner, we wouldn’t consider certifying an 8 year old. Lots of ops can offer Bubbles etc, but your child is just too young to be certified or to be a creditable buddy
When my kids were that age I got them a good wetsuit (critical for warmth and buoyancy) and took them on a dive boat out to the Southern California Channel Islands we had a great time snorkeling, teaching them about the wildlife above and below the water, introducing them to diving culture and boat etiquette etc. In the long run I think it probably helped to further their interest in diving rather than introducing them to scuba in a pool at that age but I am not going to tell anyone else what's best for their kids. Only a parent can be the judge of that.
DogDiver
Contributor
Don’t get me wrong. An 8 year old in a pool or pool like open water site with a hard bottom at less than 15 feet. Under direct instructor or dive master supervision is fine. Heck, my son was open water certified at 12, cavern at 14, intro to cave at 16 and full cave at 18. Note the progression with 2 years in between.
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