scuba

[Ross]

I am really wanting to get scuba certified. Does anyone know how old you have to be or where i can get certified? Or do i even have to be "certified".

[SaltyJim]

I was 14 when I got certified. From what I can remember, if you are not certified, you are limited on how deep a divemaster can take you, and for how long.

As for where, I'll let others make recommendations, since I got certified in Hawaii. You gotta love THEIR open water tests

Jim

[z28pwr]

If you are not certified they will not sell you air and in most places won't let you dive. In Mexico they will give you a 45 minute class then take you diving..

I recommend you take the "Is diving for me course" to see if you like diving then take the certification. Or if you already know you want to dive then just get certified. I think at 12 or 14 you can get Certified

[Ross]

Thanks Jose

Where can i take the course. Is there any places in town. My dad works at Randolph. Maybe they have a course there.

[z28pwr]

Ross, I took the course at Oceans Window at 281 and bitters. But you can also take it at another store on Thousand Oaks which I forget the name.

[Chris]

You shouldn't have to worry about age restrictions. I was certified when I was 13. ;)

It's been TOO long since i've been diving again though... but it's hard to beat Panama as the place to get your cert. done. ;)

[Sherri]

Yeah, Ross, you can be certified - my stepson was certified at 14...and when we went to Cozumel - the divemaster wouldn't take him any lower than 70 ft I believe. I THINK at 16 he is considered "an adult" in diving. We got certified at Divemasters on Thousand Oaks and have had great dealings with Oceans Window at 281 & Bitters. Great indoor pool at that location. Good luck...you won't be sorry. The hard part is having to do your open dive in either Medina Lake (we did :o ) or Canyon Lake. Oceans Window I think may have another option.

[Tim Marvin]

You can get certified as young as 10 now. I wouldn't advise certification though unless you are mature. My 12 year old Daughter got her certification when she was 11. She loves to dive even though it is a little rough for her to carry an 80. I bought a 60 for her and now she carries the tank pretty well. She also loves the water and has been on the swim team for years.