Kids in Diving

[kent_1848]

I have a 9 year-old son who has been through the Ranger program...I guess he still is one for that matter. What I was wondering is everyones thoughts on getting him OW certified. PADI is 10 right? SSI is 12 I think? I don't know about any of the others. We are going on a trip this year to Costa Rica where he is not joining us, but next year we are planning on going to Bonaire, and was wondering about taking him along. Anyone out there with experience taking along young kids who are certified. He has been to Roatan, and he did do some shore diving there with us, nothing under 15 feet, just enough for him to see something better than the inside of a pool. I can't wait for warmer weather...I don't like to freeze when I get out of the water!

[Atlaua]

PADI is 10 right?

PADI is 10 for JOW, but it lowers the instructor to student ratios so you might get charged more. It basicly depends on the maturity level of your 10 year old. Will he be able to sit stilll and lisent to the instructor for hours? Will he mind the instructor? Will he be able to handle the tables? Not all 10 year olds are ready, some are.

James

[steve2281]

My kids were 12 & 14 when they were certified (my wife got certified at the same time). We all went to Coz the same summer and the kids did fine. The 12 year old (boy) made the best diver out of the three. Even though they did well, I don't think the 12 year old would have been ready any sooner. Of course, as James said, it depends on the maturity; all kids are different. This is a hard call that each parent has to make. I think one key point it to dive conservatively if you choose to go ahead. My son no longer dives; he's off doing other things. Enjoy it while you can. steve