Are you considering learning to scuba dive but can’t find the upper scuba diving age limit on getting certified? What you may have found is a minimum age limit of 8 years old for a Bubblemaker program or 10 years old for Junior programs, but there is no upper age limit on scuba diving.
Minimum scuba diving age limits are in place as diving has some inherent risks and children need to be of an age where they can understand the dive theory component, and react to situations responsibly rather than impulsively. So, if you are interested in trying scuba diving, your age won’t be a barrier!
Taking up scuba diving a little later in life comes with some significant benefits, however, there are some considerations to take into account too. Read on to find out more about becoming a PADI certified diver as you approach, or are already enjoying your ‘Golden Years’.
Scuba Diving Health and Fitness
Although there is no upper scuba diving age limit, anyone who wants to try scuba diving needs to be in good health and have a reasonable level of fitness. In some countries, a medical statement from your doctor is required for all ages, to confirm that you are medically fit for diving. In other countries there is a medical questionnaire, and a Doctor’s approval is only required if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. The PADI medical questionnaire, asks those over 45 years old to answer questions regarding cholesterol levels, familial history of heart attacks and lifestyle habits including alcohol intake and smoking.
Generally speaking, if you are in good shape without any medical health issues, you will be good to go – and dive in!
Healthy, Low Impact Exercise
If you are not someone who enjoys going to the gym, diving is a great way to maintain your fitness level in a more enjoyable and less monotonous manner. As a form of exercise, diving is low impact compared to walking or jogging which can put a strain on your joints including knees, ankles, and hips. Those who have stiff joints may be granted relief by virtue of the weightlessness they experience when neutrally buoyant underwater.
If you want to keep diving then the key is maintaining your overall fitness level – regardless of what age you are!
Meet People and Go Places
Getting out and meeting new people who have a shared common interest isn’t always easy and it certainly doesn’t get easier as we get older.
If you develop a love for scuba diving, you won’t just be embarking on a new hobby, you’ll also discover new friends and friendship groups! Scuba divers of all ages are generally people who like to be active, enjoy being outdoors, have a love of travel and a passion for nature and the ocean.
You’ll meet new people on dive trips and holidays and with modern communications being so convenient, it’s easy to stay in touch with your new buddies even if they are overseas. Closer to home, in many areas there are local dive clubs that hold social events, gatherings and local beach clean-ups.
Being outdoors, socializing and being physically active are all well known for helping us to stay energized and feeling youthful.
Discover a Whole New World
When you start scuba diving you’ll literally be embarking on a journey into an entirely different world. It’s not only the vibrant coral reefs and incredible marine life that will leave you spellbound, it’s also experiencing firsthand how you can move differently, see, hear, and even communicate differently.
When you’re underwater, be prepared for a sensory overload of colour and life. Imagine swimming alongside an ancient sea turtle, seeing a majestic manta ray swoop down from overhead, or even just spotting a fish that you’ve never seen before. These are all memorable underwater moments and there will be many more to come as you continue your diving adventures!
With No Upper Scuba Diving Age Limit - Rediscover Yourself
We’ve all heard about people in their 40’s and 50’s having a ‘mid-life crisis’ and this is a real issue for many people. Throughout life we transition through different stages and wearing different hats along the way. A standard lifespan of identities (and hats) that we identify with, up to 50, may look something like this:
Child – School Student – Sibling – Higher Education Student – Trainee – Junior Employee – Romantic Partner – Spouse – Senior Employee or Business Owner – Parent.
However, there comes a time when the kids have left home, retirement is beginning, and suddenly we find ourselves lacking an identity and finding it hard to know where to fit in. However, at this age we know ourselves better and tend to have a clearer understanding of what we want.
Generally, we all have a few common ‘wants’: a healthier body, to have fun, and to challenge and stretch our boundaries beyond our comfort zones. We want to be ourselves, not just someone else’s parent, employee, boss or client. And scuba diving gives us that space to do something entirely for ourselves that’s challenging, exciting, fun, healthy, close to nature, and social – all wrapped up in one.
Ultimately, scuba diving gives us the opportunity to be ourselves by rediscovering and redefining who we actually are away from external labels and pressures.
Boost Your Self Confidence at Any Age
Scuba diving is a lot of fun, but it’s not without challenges when you are learning. For divers of all ages there are often components of the PADI Open Water Course that can cause anxiety before you try them. PADI Courses are designed for divers of all ages and abilities by utilizing a building block method of teaching. The skills are broken down into manageable steps with each paving the way for the next. When you successfully complete the skills that initially made you nervous, you’ll feel an incredible sense of accomplishment.
Most divers also find that after completing their Open Water Courses they generally feel an increased sense of self confidence in their daily lives too. You might just find that your old sense of get up and go has not actually got up and gone without you!
Not Just a Number
We hope that you’ve seen now that age is just a number when it comes to scuba diving. As long as you maintain your physical fitness and drive, scuba diving is an activity you can partake in for as long as you have the wish to do so. Take a look at Jacques Cousteau (above) who continued to dive until his death at the age of 87!
Learn to Scuba Dive with World Diving Lembongan in Bali
If you are looking for a dive centre with a team that is fun, friendly, professional, love teaching, and have high regard for safety, here’s what we have to offer…
During your Open Water Course with us, you’ll never feel pressured or rushed. We understand that this is your holiday and we want you to have a great time.
We believe in allowing you to progress at your own pace and your instructor will keep checking in on you and make adjustments accordingly.
All of our team has a passion for scuba diving and marine life - and love sharing it. Our Instructors will take time to name the marine species you see for your log book, and share interesting facts with you - their enthusiasm is contagious.
Are you looking for somewhere to stay while you learn to dive with us? Why not stay with us too? We have 4 charming seafront rooms next to the dive centre – so you have the easiest of morning commutes!! The rooms offer some of the best sunsets on the island and if you would like to enjoy a sundowner, pop into our Sunset Bar.
The Sunset Bar is located next to our seafront rooms and it is also where we serve breakfast, coffee, snacks, and light meals. It’s a great place for meeting other divers – and your new buddies!
During our 20 plus years in the diving industry, we have taught divers of all ages and of all abilities. Our experienced team are compassionate, caring, and they prioritize student safety and comfort above all else.
With No Upper Scuba Diving Age Limit, Are You Ready to Join Us?
If you’d like more information about joining us and learning to dive, contact us at info@world-diving.com, or send us a contact form on the link below.
We are looking forward to introducing you to underwater Nusa Lembongan soon!
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