Basic Equipment for Kids

[sto22]

Hi,

My 9-year old daughter is showing a lot of interest in snorkeling / diving.

I'd like to get her a Mask/Fin/Snorkel combo that's above the typical chain store combo pack.

Is there a brand that specializes in child sizes, or do they all have junior sizes?

I just started looking online and thought the swim line at Cressi looked interesting. (ie the Cressi Cobra goggles and Light swim fins)

I'm leaning toward this style of equipment because I don't want to bulk her up with full size fins, etc. which may tire her more quickly.

Also, I've only made a few calls, but most dive shops won't certify children under 12, is this the "standard"?

Thanks for any insight,

Sean

[sportdiver_editor]

Hi Sean,
You might want to have her try snorkeling first and see how she does. If she still has the real desire to try scuba diving, then I'd suggest contacting PADI to see what their guidelines are for children and scuba. This link may answer some of your questions about age:http://www.padi.com/padi/en/footerlinks/faq.aspx You will probably want to contact your local PADI dive shops and speak to dive instructors directly to see what their shop guidelines are as well. They may also have good suggestions about snorkeling gear. That should get you started!

--Sport Diver Staff

[Don Wray]

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[Don Wray]

Be sure to ask the PADI center about the Seal team program. It's a great fun program for kids 8 to 10, you can gauge her true interest after she gives scuba a try, it's all pool time with lots of activities.
The kids really enjoy it.

[ichatfilipina]

try to join the events for kids like scuba diving. she likes scuba diving