Am I too old to get certified?

[Mike Boswell]

Obviously this age question is a matter of opinion. I therefore propose the following definitions, for your review and acceptance:

"Old" means a person who is 20 years older than you.

"Too old" means you are either dead, or might as well be.

 

[pjhansman]

My wife and I were certified at 53 and 56.

You're definately not too old to start...or re-start....so git 'r done, you ain't ever going to be younger

 

[DizzyDallasDi]

. . . wait a minute - your gender is unspecified . . . . guy or gal?

I'm a proud Texas gal....Di = Diane :blinking:

 

[Jax]

I'm a proud Texas gal....Di = Diane :blinking:

Me, too! Expatriated . . . I married out of the Faith . . . He's Arizonan.


You need your own bike, woman! Check out my profile pic . . . .

 

[DizzyDallasDi]

Me, too! Expatriated . . . I married out of the Faith . . . He's Arizonan.


You need your own bike, woman! Check out my profile pic . . . .

Wicked bike! Where do you live in AZ? I spent 8 long HOT years in Phoenix. I thought Texas was hot until I moved there....couldn't wait to get back to the nice cool summers in Dallas.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Do an honest medical. I've trained several divers over 70

 

[JTinSD]

As several members already posted, it is more about health than age. I certified in December '09 at age 63, after clearing it with my doctor. The certification dives for OW were all shore dives at La Jolla Shores, and were doable, though difficult for me. My AOW dives took place at LJS (2) and Catalina's Casino Point Marine Park (3).

I am now a big fan of diving that does not require the considerable effort of a long walk wearing all my gear, an entrance through the surf and a long surface swim, all before beginning the dive, then repeating the journey in reverse after the dive. This means I am diving from boats and at Casino Point. I tried a La Jolla Shores dive on Sunday and although I completed the dive, I will probably not be going back anytime soon. For me, it is too much effort for too little bottom time.

The obvious drawback to boat diving is the price, but I belong to Power Scuba, and Bill Powers negotiates some sweet prices for the group from local dive operators. I can afford to go on two or three trips a month, 2 and 3 tank dives, so I get in six or eight dives a month at some really great sites.

I think any healthy person can learn to dive under the appropriate conditions, regardless of age. My wife is considering learning to dive, but if she decides to do so, will do it from boats or at Catalina. This is after watching me get my rear end kicked at LJS the other day.

My $.02.

 

[Randy43068]

You "old farts" are an inspiration to me. Seriously.

 

[funrecdiver]

Being "older divers" has a number of benefits, for some of us. First of all, we tend to plan our dives so the "youngsters" are carrying our gear on and off the dive boats, LOL. Before that, we plan our dives to dive on "slack days" as we build our dive fitness, and take it easy on the ripping current days, unless we are drift diving. We also enjoy honing our navigation skills so we end the dive right underneath the boat ladder, being lazy "old timers" we avoid surface swims. As "older divers" we always love to encourage the "youngsters" because what is more inspiring to a young diver than an older diver having a great time?

As others mentioned, age is not the main factor in diving, it is dive fitness. You can be 70 years old and be in better shape than a 20 year old couch potato, hands down! Regardless of age, one secret to enjoy diving is to always be properly trained for the dive you are planning and always dive within your ability and dive-fitness level. If you are not comfortable swimming against current, as are most of us, make sure you tell your DM and dive team how you want to dive. All your DMs and buddies will be more than happy to create a dive plan that meets your requirements to have a great day based on your dive fitness level.

Also, like any sport, take it step-by-step and rest muscle groups between dives. A 10th degree grandmaster once told me the top martial artists workout hard and then take it easy for a day or two to give their bodies time to repair and grow. This makes them stronger and less prone to injury. The same is true for dive fitness. Take it step-by-step, enjoy the journey, don't worry about collecting certification cards (it's the journey not the destination), just enjoy every dive of perhaps the greatest recreational sport on the planet.

(and do see a doctor and check your heart completely, as others have mentioned)

 

[Mike Boswell]

As several members already posted, it is more about health than age. I certified in December '09 at age 63, after clearing it with my doctor. The certification dives for OW were all shore dives at La Jolla Shores, and were doable, though difficult for me. My AOW dives took place at LJS (2) and Catalina's Casino Point Marine Park (3).

I am now a big fan of diving that does not require the considerable effort of a long walk wearing all my gear, an entrance through the surf and a long surface swim, all before beginning the dive, then repeating the journey in reverse after the dive. This means I am diving from boats and at Casino Point. I tried a La Jolla Shores dive on Sunday and although I completed the dive, I will probably not be going back anytime soon. For me, it is too much effort for too little bottom time.

The obvious drawback to boat diving is the price, but I belong to Power Scuba, and Bill Powers negotiates some sweet prices for the group from local dive operators. I can afford to go on two or three trips a month, 2 and 3 tank dives, so I get in six or eight dives a month at some really great sites.

I think any healthy person can learn to dive under the appropriate conditions, regardless of age. My wife is considering learning to dive, but if she decides to do so, will do it from boats or at Catalina. This is after watching me get my rear end kicked at LJS the other day.

My $.02.

I agree completely. My wife and I dive LJS if we are taking a class or want to try new gear. But it does mean a little hike with heavy gear, dodging the stingrays, a surf entry, and then a nice little swim. I think if we did it more often it would get easier.

Getting my wife certified was the best thing I ever did! She loves it.