Active Divers over the age of 50

[scubadada]

I must have missed this thread, 50 is just a youngster.

I was recertified in 1997, when I was just 43. I have about 2,200 dives since I turned 50. I have been to the Red Sea, Cocos, Galapagos, Revillagigedos, and Malpelo after I turned 60. I solo drift dive in SE FL out of my home north of Boynton Beach, FL very frequently. I am 69 now, I am going back to Malpelo in July.

 

[rhwestfall]

I've always wanted to buy a DHR. Probably a bit hard to get parts to maintain and service them?

It wasn't, but we are in uncharted territory with the untimely passing of Bryan (owner of Vintage Double Hose). There are still places to go to for parts with good folks keeping out passion alive, but it badly impacted at this time...

 

[Johnboy70_99]

Not sure if this is the right place for this thread. I am curious as to how many SB members, who are still active divers, are over the age of 50? Also, how long they have been diving, how often they dive, and what types of diving they do?

I started at age 48. 53 now, I don’t plan on slowing down soon. Strength train 3 days a week, can bench and deadlift more than I could in my 20s. Cardio 2 days a week. Also just got back from skiing with my teenage kids. Skied 4 days straight, they couldn’t keep up with me because my legs are in better shape.

 

[NitroxSam]

It wasn't, but we are in uncharted territory with the untimely passing of Bryan (owner of Vintage Double Hose). There are still places to go to for parts with good folks keeping out passion alive, but it badly impacted at this time...

I first saw his website a few years back. Did a little reading and was wanting to get one of the DH's he builds. Was it Aqualung that put out a new one out a few years back?

 

[CWK]

65 years. Certified about 35 years ago. Dive every month. Check out my YouTube channel (WK’ Gone Diving) for my more recent dive trips.

 

[MikeHoncho]

I turn 50 in two weeks and have been diving since August. 36 logged dives in water no warmer than 50f.

 

[Scubagolf]

I am 72, wife/buddy is 68. Active for 22 years, all over the Caribbean and the Pacific. Used to do some SoCal diving but not for the last 10 years. We are back to Cozumel for 10 days in April.

 

[DavidFL]

I first saw his website a few years back. Did a little reading and was wanting to get one of the DH's he builds. Was it Aqualung that put out a new one out a few years back?

The most well known "new one" was/is the Argonaut Kraken, which was developed by Bryan and Luis and others and sold exclusively through Vintage Double House (Bryan's company/site). Bryan also 'built' double hose regulators by servicing older ones and providing upgrades. I have an original Royal Aquamaster that I sent to Bryan several years ago, and it came back a "Phoenix Royal Aquamaster"; new first stage with LP and HP ports, new second stage, new hoses and wagon wheels and mouthpiece, duckbill eliminator....I think the can is the only original part remaining.

 

[rhwestfall]

I first saw his website a few years back. Did a little reading and was wanting to get one of the DH's he builds. Was it Aqualung that put out a new one out a few years back?

That Aqualung thing was a disaster. Not worth $0.10...

The most well known "new one" was/is the Argonaut Kraken, which was developed by Bryan and Luis and others and sold exclusively through Vintage Double House (Bryan's company/site). Bryan also 'built' double hose regulators by servicing older ones and providing upgrades. I have an original Royal Aquamaster that I sent to Bryan several years ago, and it came back a "Phoenix Royal Aquamaster"; new first stage with LP and HP ports, new second stage, new hoses and wagon wheels and mouthpiece, duckbill eliminator....I think the can is the only original part remaining.

^ this...

Bryan (and some impressive designers, machinists, and testers) over the years developed the Cyclone and Phoenix first stages and the HPR second stage to add some impressive performance to the original double hose regulators. From that the Argonaut Kraken was born. A fantastic breathing modern double hose.

He was also involved in coordinating the manufacture of diaphragms, improved wagon wheel non-return valves, the DSV Mouthpiece, the DBE, and various other parts.

He also brought to market wings and other gear that was well thought out, and constructed with quality.

There is a massive void in his absence. Not sure how it can be continued...

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I'm 64, been scuba diving since 1989. The majority of my diving is in a drysuit. Merry is 74 and has been diving since 2005. Most of our buddies are in their 70s and 80s, all diving cold water.