Any PADI divers out there ?.........

[MeMe]

..........who might be able to tell me the minimum age limit to take up diving. My daughter is 12 and would like to take lessons in readiness for a trip to Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora in August where we will be spending time sailing between the same. We are advised the diving is superb - my brother reports diving with hammer heads, turtles and whales (what a W***er)......

I'm going to start my PADI - I'm about to investigate it now however, thought one of you reliable sources of info could advise is 12 is too young ?

[codprawn]

What you need is a PADI junior open water course.

http://www.andark.co.uk/site/diver_t...r/default.aspx


http://www.divesite.co.uk/old/courses/courses_detail.asp?nCalCourseTemplate_ID={C42C7021-1884-4B81-B10F-77C23A30EE74}&sSrc=..%2Fcourses%2Fcourses_adult_pa di_scuba_diving_courses.asp

These people do courses for people as young as 8.

I don't think 12 is too young at all. I was snorkelling at 5 or 6 - I started scuba when I was about 8 - took to it like the proverbial duck to water. This was abroad though and there were no qualifications or anything else.

[BruceB]

I would be very wary, the effects of diving on growth and development of youngsters are not well known enough yet to make an objective judgement.
Personally I would let young un's snorkel but I would let any kids of mine (if I had any) in the water till at least 15 to 16.
Its really up to you and there is no "right" answer but the fact that codders apparentely started very young may help your decision.........

[Doug Stormforce]

What you need is a credit card,

PADI rule #1 states never turnaway a paying customer

[Dirk Diggler]

I was always told PADI stood for Pay And Die Instantly.

[Doug Stormforce]

Put Another Dollar In

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by BruceB

I would be very wary, the effects of diving on growth and development of youngsters are not well known enough yet to make an objective judgement.
Personally I would let young un's snorkel but I would let any kids of mine (if I had any) in the water till at least 15 to 16.
Its really up to you and there is no "right" answer but the fact that codders apparentely started very young may help your decision.........

Maybe it did help that I had gills................

[PeterR]

Its true Padi centres will just take your money at holiday resorts (just sign hear please disclaimer)Not all padi centres are lax.I have met some briliant guys and shit hot in diving skills.If she likes a try dive in the pool carry on with more training .When your on holiday use your common sense and dont let her go in deep water.Keep to the shallows.Dont forget shes only 12 and will be unable to cope with any situation.when you go in the water make sure shes buddied up with an experienced diver on a one to one basis.not someone whos having to supervise 5/6 inexperienced divers.Otherwise dont dive .Good luck and have a great holiday.Peter

[TUFTY]

Do I detect a bit of diving agency bashing here?

I have a mate who's son was on Scuba in the Pool at around 7 years old
become a qualified diver as soon as he was old enough.

The only effect that learning to dive at a young age had is that he was the envy
of mates at school, and enjoyed many great diving trips while his dad was still paying!!!

Good luck to him I say.

[Nos4r2]

Bear in mind I don't dive so my opinion isn't exactly relevant-I'd love to dive though and looked into the theory teachings of both BSAC and PADI.
I have the BSAC book here and have studied it.
This is why I'd chose BSAC over PADI.

http://www.yorkshire-divers.com/foru...ture-cuba.html