How young can you be to get open water certfied?

[navyhmc]

Originally Posted by db83

Whenever the kid is physically capable I guess. Those tanks + weights aren't exactly easy to lug around.

That is true db, but if I was going diving and had the opportunity to help out a young up and coming diver, I'd be more than happy to make a second trip for their gear-we can work a deal: He carries my fins and light stuff, I'll get his heavy stuff!

If my son wanted to learn, I figure he could probably use my 40 and still have great bottom time. He's got ear issues no I don't know if he will be able to.

[db83]

I don't think it would be safe to dive with anyone who could not handle themselves and be self sufficient. If something were to happen, someone who can't handle themselves would certainly not be able to help others.

[ScubaCaveman]

My son got certified last year at age 11. He has over 35 dives and is excellent. Better than some adults I have seen, but I agree it really depends on the maturity and responsibility level of the individual.

[rayaa3]

Originally Posted by navyhmc

That is true db, but if I was going diving and had the opportunity to help out a young up and coming diver, I'd be more than happy to make a second trip for their gear-we can work a deal: He carries my fins and light stuff, I'll get his heavy stuff!

If my son wanted to learn, I figure he could probably use my 40 and still have great bottom time. He's got ear issues no I don't know if he will be able to.

My daughter is 10, and did a 2 tank resort day in Cancun last spring. She used a 40cf tank...she used 1 tank for both dives...and still had 1000lbs left after her 2nd dive (I on the other hand used ~1500lbs per dive, of my 80cf)

As far as weight is concerened, she wore a 3mm shortie, she is 4'10" and 90 some pounds - she wore 2lbs of lead to dive.

So - actually - those tank and weights aren't that heavy at all

HOWEVER - an extra set of fins and wetsuit did push the dive bag that my wife and I use over 50lbs, which required a little shuffling at the airport check in counter

[navyhmc]

That is totally cool Rayaa! You are hereby nominated as Scuba Dad of the year!

[klauricella]

My twins sons got certified when they where 10 years old, I had to lug all their equipment to the water but once they started it was hard to keep up. The toughest part was getting equipment to fit. Now they are 17 and are impossible to keep with.
And as far as "I don't think it would be safe to dive with anyone who could not handle themselves and be self sufficient. If something were to happen, someone who can't handle themselves would certainly not be able to help others." unless you dive with the same buddies all the time chances are you will dive with someone who can not handle them selves. I trusted my sons at 10 and 11 more then alot of adults we met out diving.

[rayaa3]

...getting equipment that fits...

Yes, I'de agree with that - Makalyn was 10 and an XS size BC swallowed her. Right now I'm working on getting my 250 posts so I can get a nice discount on the oceanic youth explorer BC on ST, avail in xxxs, and xxs...it's 290 (-10% forum discount) = 260, if I get my 250 posts I can get it down to nearly $200 flat

Unless I cave before then and just buy it w/o the gift card

[rayaa3]

Originally Posted by navyhmc

That is totally cool Rayaa! You are hereby nominated as Scuba Dad of the year!

Actually it was at least slightly selfishly motivated...my wife won't go lake diving with me, my daughter might... anything to expand my list of dive buddies

[navyhmc]

The motivation is irrelevant, the results are! You da Daddy!

[klauricella]

Look at the DiveRite Transpak it fits better then any other BC plus it expands as they grow. When my sons where certified the LDS instructor part owner recommended it even though they did not carry(imagine that). My sons are still wearing theirs after 7 years but next year I will have to get new they are just too big.