Any scuba divers out there??

fionawilliamson

Please be kind, just looking for some advice. I wasn't sure which discussion thread to post this under, but here goes. I would love to try scuba diving (my daughter is a diver and it would be something we could do together). I am a middle age, over weight (although working on it) woman. I exercise every day, could be walking, elliptical or fitness videos. Could I run a marathon, not likely and live but I can handle moderate activity levels. I am wondering if I am, not to put too fine a point on it, 'too overweight to scuba dive'. I don't mean to sound shallow, but I honestly don't know if there are limitations with endurance, equipment, etc that I should take into consideration. Thank you.

mikeb4bjj

There are difficult dives that people who are not in good shape shouldn't attempt. But nearly any healthy adult can go 30ft down and take a walk on the bottom.

Try finding a class and just see how it feels with the gear on in the pool.

cwolfman13

I'm a diver...weight isn't really the issue...the issue is if one is fit to dive. A diver should be able to take care of themselves and their dive partner if necessary. When I was getting certified years ago, there was a guy in my class who was not overweight at all, but extremely lacking in physical fitness...he ended up passing all of the tests, but with a lot of difficulty...he barely made the swim qualification and the water tread...IMO, he was a liability, but they passed him.

You'll have to get qualified to dive, so a lot of things will be sorted out during that process. Also, with a basic PADI open water card, you're not going to be doing really crazy dives in terms of difficulty. Diving isn't really an endurance thing unless something goes wrong and you have to swim...you don't really swim when you're diving...it's very gentle and relaxing and takes very little effort from an endurance/stamina standpoint.

I've been diving for years and have dived at a normal weight and overweight.

The only other thing I've ever heard is with certain medical conditions, a diver should be cleared by their doctor to dive.

quiksylver296

I don't know the answer regarding endurance. Equipment shouldn't be an issue, except maybe finding a wetsuit in the right size. If you are diving in warm water, you won't need one of those.

Scuba diving is awesome, though, and you should totally give it a shot. I'm going again in March and can't wait!

girlinahat

There’s usually a swim test to do, and the kit can be very heavy, but it’s within the capabilities of most people. PADI and most other disciplines ask for self-certification, but it’s in your own interest to be honest. Certain heart problems, respiratory issues etc are a no-no, but a well-managed diabetic can get certified.

To be honest, a vast number of scuba divers sadly are overweight and unfit. They forget it’s a sport that should take a certain degree of fitness. You are probably fitter than most of them as you are taking steps to address your fitness.

In terms of endurance, depending where you’re diving you are looking at 30 minutes to an hour underwater, propelling yourself with a few lazy flicks of your fins. Diving is tiring, but that tends to be due to the environment (cold, depth, breathing at pressure) more than physical activity.

See if you can do a try-dive somewhere. In the U.K. a lot of dive clubs offer this at their local pool, or a dive operator will usually do this. A try dive you would et to try on the kit, and experience being underwater, closely monitored by an instructor. Some people find the experience is not for them.

Go for it. I don’t think you’ll have any physical limitations. Your only sticking point will be the expense when you get hooked!!!

mtbusse73

@fionawilliamson - All dive agencies are going to give you a medical question form to fill out. If you answer "YES" to any of the questions you will have to get a doctor to sign off. That being said - if you can do the elliptical for 30 minutes or so - you should be able to scuba dive. Most the divers I know would struggle do that. I would always dive within my limit though. ALSO - most any dive shop offers a "discover" scuba class that would let you try it out in a pool. I think it is a great idea (of course I love diving) but that's just me. Have a Great one!

lorrpb

My friend fives. She is quite fit, but posts pics of her dive group that includes some very overweight people.

Aqualang26

Do it!!

All of the replies you've gotten sound correct to me, so I won't repeat them except to say ...

There's a wonderful world awaiting you - dive in!

I also find it helps fitness - both in calories burned, activity, but mostly in the reduced stress and anxiety it provides.

cmriverside

I was in my fifties when I got certified.

It's as everyone says above. Just make sure you are honest on the questionnaire, and that you are cleared with your doctor. There are some medical and psychological issues that have to be addressed. There is also quite a bit of moderate lifting. In the PNW lots of weight and heavy gear is an issue for me.

I've done a lot of dives in the Pacific NW and there can be significant currents through the channels of the San Juan Islands. That requires a level of fitness just to get back to the boat. I think if you are aware before you make a dive, that is the most important part. Currents have been my biggest issue - but if you can dive somewhere that has gentle currents and relatively shallow diving, you'll be okay. Vacation warm-water dives for the win.

fionawilliamson

cmriverside wrote: »

I was in my fifties when I got certified.

It's as everyone says above. Just make sure you are honest on the questionnaire, and that you are cleared with your doctor. There are some medical and psychological issues that have to be addressed. There is also quite a bit of moderate lifting. In the PNW lots of weight and heavy gear is an issue for me.

I've done a lot of dives in the Pacific NW and there can be significant currents through the channels of the San Juan Islands. That requires a level of fitness just to get back to the boat. I think if you are aware before you make a dive, that is the most important part. Currents have been my biggest issue - but if you can dive somewhere that has gentle currents and relatively shallow diving, you'll be okay. Vacation warm-water dives for the win.

I am 52, it's a little scary, but you only live once Thanks for sharing.