Age - Open discussion

[Coconutrhumb]

I'd like some frank feed back on thoughts about older divers. I know some of you are out there, but I don't actually know what to expect from some of the younger divers on this subject.

I will not go into my details in this opening thread but now that I have invested into some tech training and considerable investment in gear I find that as I had anticipated I wish to continue. My goal is to increase my safety margin by use of procedures and gear that comes from going the tech route. I also want to expirence more of the caves than I have up to this point, I want to extend my range in both depth and time underwater. This includes cave as well as wreck diving.

I live between wreck territory and cave country so I split myself between the two. I recently called a tech wreck charter in south Florida to set up a dive with them, they asked me only ONE question.... "what is your age?" I answered truthfully... I am 64. I was told they would never consider allowing me, because of my age, on their boat, and that was final. The gentleman continued to suggest that I quit diving. To say the least I was surprised. Is this the general consensus that I will find in the tech diving field? I am aware of some of the factors of my age that may or may not enter in a decision to continue to pursue a tech diving course of endevor. I'll be glad to discuss them if this thread goes that route. I guess if no one will let me dive I could save a lot of time and money, though I am not saying I am willing to quit diving on someone else's recommendation, I think that choice should remain mine, till the day I die.

I would like to hear anyone's opinion on this subject, and keep in mind that I did not get this old being foolhardy or thin skinned either for that matter. If you feel strongly either way... let me have it.

(couldn't find an diver emoticon with a gray beard to place here.)

[Sludge]

My mother's 78, and while she only open-water dives, she isn't ready to give that up yet.

[Coconutrhumb]

encouraging, how do you feel about deco at my age? I hedge my bets where I can and always go conservative. I intend to eventually use trimix. I feel safe, as long as I don't go pushing any envelopes.

[Squirrel Girl]

Clearly, you've got one foot in the grave and shouldn't even consider diving!


Just kidding. That's pretty incredible.

Forrest, you must have a toenail in the grave. Tom Mount must have died and been reincarnated by now. Me? I'm just lookin' at the grave getting a lot closer than I'd like.

Seriously, I think you might have to develop relationships with folks who will realize that you're competent. It seems crazy, but that might be what it takes. Oh, yeah, and probably find a different charter to befriend.

[MichaelAngelo]

lol post the charters name so I know not to use them.
MA

[Squirrel Girl]

(couldn't find an diver emoticon with a gray beard to place here.)

Would this do?

[Me]

My dive buddy is 65 and he's a cave diver. He took it up when he was in his early 50s. The man is in far better shape than I am as I have some knee and hip issues. That being said, he is VERY conservative. He thought about the trimix route and was actively pursuing the training leading up to it. It's funny really, when he was ready for trimix 3 different instructors he had planned to train with either stopped teaching or passed away, one in a cave. He didn't bother to pursue a 4th and figured there was a lot to see that was still within his range of training and decided to just continue as he had been and enjoy his dives.

He's conservative with deco; doesn't drink alcohol when cave diving; and doesn't push limits...etc. As he says, "I'm in excellent shape for my age, and I plan to do this for a long time, so why push it?"

I'm not saying you should do as he has, but I have to ask..... have you seen everything there is to see within your current level of training?

And secondly, I agree with Michael Angelo, we need to know the name of the op so we don't use them! How dare they?

[deepairmike]

Would this do?

I haven't seen Forrest in doubles in years!

[divindoc]

Chronologic age and physiologic age are often two different things. Sure, the ravages of time exact their toll on everyone's physique, but that's no reason to eliminate tech training altogether. One of the best divers I've ever seen is in his mid-60's, has the SAC rate of an invertebrate, and is technically superb. To dismiss anyone merely because of their age, without looking further, is pure discrimination.

[Puttzer]

I'd like some frank feed back on thoughts about older divers. I know some of you are out there, but I don't actually know what to expect from some of the younger divers on this subject.

...

I live between wreck territory and cave country so I split myself between the two. I recently called a tech wreck charter in south Florida to set up a dive with them, they asked me only ONE question.... "what is your age?" I answered truthfully... I am 64. I was told they would never consider allowing me, because of my age, on their boat, and that was final. The gentleman continued to suggest that I quit diving. ...
I would like to hear anyone's opinion on this subject, and keep in mind that I did not get this old being foolhardy or thin skinned either for that matter. If you feel strongly either way... let me have it.

(couldn't find an diver emoticon with a gray beard to place here.)

They need not apply to Mensa