Learn to Dive – 10 Reasons to Become a Diver at any Age

Janez Kranjc

From traveling the world and exploring stunning underwater landscapes, to making new friends and creating lifelong memories - there are countless great reasons to learn to dive. But can anyone become a scuba diver? You might be keen to start scuba diving but holding back because of family commitments, you feel too old, too unfit, too ‘something’ to take the plunge. But do not let that stop you. Instead, get inspired with our top 10 reasons why you can learn to dive at any age. Your next adventure starts here.

1.Get to know your local area in a new way.

Whilst many people associate scuba diving with sun-soaked beach vacations, you do not have to go on vacation to start diving. There are exciting and rewarding dive sites on your doorstep.

Yes, we love visiting the world’s classic dive destinations, such as the Maldives, Egypt, and Australia, but your local dive spots can be just as fun to explore.

You can go diving in rivers, crystal-clear lakes, at your local beach, and in purpose-built diving pools. The options are almost endless.

Local diving is a great way to get to know your community better, appreciate where you live, and start diving sooner – with no need to save up for a vacation.

FIND YOUR NEAREST DIVE SITES WITH SSI’S GLOBAL DIVE SITE LOCATOR.

2. Boost your fitness whilst having fun.

Scuba diving is fantastic for your physical health and an easy way to get fit whilst having lots of fun!

When you go scuba diving, you strengthen your main muscle groups without realizing it. Your muscles have to work against the water resistance, so you get stronger and improve your blood circulation.

You can enjoy all of these fitness benefits whilst exploring beautiful dive sites and having fun with your new dive buddies. It is a lot more rewarding than any gym workout.

3. Relax your mind.

When you learn to dive, you are taught how to control your breathing and use your breath for a perfect weightless feeling in the water.

The long, slow breaths you take underwater help to reduce your blood pressure and promote a deep sense of calm and well-being that lasts long after your dive has ended.

It is a remarkable way to soothe your mind, relax, and take control of your mental health.

4. Get closer to nature than ever before.

When you become a scuba diver, you get to meet some of nature’s most charismatic and impressive wildlife.

You can dive with wild seals and penguins, go diving with sharks, get up close to graceful manta rays, or swim with turtles.

Those are just a few of the many wildlife experiences that await when you descend into our watery, blue world.

READ MORE: BEST PLACES TO SWIM WITH MANTA RAYS IN 2022.

5. Take up a sport you can do at any age.

Anyone aged 10 upwards can get their scuba certification and start this adventure of a lifetime.

You can dive around the world, follow your passions, and experience many types of diving. You will never run out of new dive courses and dive sites to enjoy.

You can become a wreck diver and dive the world’s most impressive shipwrecks, discover the thrill of deep diving, and explore the ocean by night as a night diver.

There are endless adventures ahead of you as a diver – no matter what age you are when you start.

START THE ADVENTURE - 6 WAYS TO LEARN TO SCUBA DIVE.

6. Stay healthy and youthful!

You do not need to stop diving in your later years either. It is a low-impact sport with plenty of fitness benefits without risking potential joint damage.

Uwe Press is the oldest Portuguese dive instructor and a perfect example of how diving can keep you engaged in life at any age. You can read his story here:

READ MORE: INSPIRING SCUBA DIVERS – PORTUGAL’S 81-YEAR-OLD INSTRUCTOR.

7. Start an exciting new career.

Scuba diving grabs hold of you and does not let go! It is rewarding, addictive, and life-changing in many ways.

Not only do you discover a whole new world as a diver, but you could also start an exciting new career.

Many people learn to dive to explore the oceans on vacation, and many of those people end up working in the dive industry.

They fall in love with the sport and discover a welcoming, global dive community.

There are many opportunities to work as a dive professional close to home or further afield. You can become an underwater photographer, a marine biologist, a scientific diver, a scuba instructor, or work in dive marketing and management.

And it all begins with the simple decision to learn to scuba dive.

READ MORE: PROFESSIONAL DIVERS – 9 DREAM JOBS FOR YOU.

8. Bond with your family.

Keeping the kids entertained is a full-time job, especially during the holidays and weekends when they are full of energy, and you just want to relax.

Learning to scuba dive together is a great way to bond as a family, help your kids learn new life skills, and engage them in the natural world.

There are numerous dive destinations suitable for families, with shallow, warm waters and coral reefs that will captivate any junior diver.

Our favorite places to learn to dive with your family include:

• Bonaire
• Grand Cayman
• Maui
• Thailand
• The Bahamas
• Egypt

LEARN HOW TO PLAN THE BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY DIVE VACATION HERE.

9. Travel the world and visit unique destinations.

Travel is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons and let the stresses of daily life melt away. When you add scuba diving to the mix, it gets even better.

Discovering different cultures and countries helps you to rediscover your zest for life. When you add diving to your travel plans, you get to meet like-minded people from all walks of life and make your travels even more memorable.

Added to that, you are also more likely to visit unique destinations as a diver, as many of the world’s best dive sites are far from the tourist trail.

Dive travel is truly one of the best ways to explore all that our magnificent world has to offer – above and below the waterline.

READ MORE: 9 IDYLLIC DIVE DESTINATIONS FOR NEW DIVERS.

10. Get out of your comfort zone and live your best life!

Life can be hard and sometimes we need a new challenge to put a smile back on our faces. Learning to dive is a great way to do just that and get your confidence back.

Not only do you learn exciting new skills when you learn to dive, but you get to work towards a shared goal with other beginner divers.

Together, you get to experience the magic of your first breaths underwater. You support each other, find ways to overcome your challenges and celebrate your successes.

In no time at all, you become a certified diver and are ready to explore with your new dive buddies. What could be more life-affirming than that?

When you learn to dive with SSI, you can progress at a pace that works for you and in the ways that you learn best. We tailor our approach to meet your needs, ensuring you are a safe and confident diver by the end of your dive course.

Learning to dive is much easier than you think, and you can start your training online today. Check out our range of beginner dive courses to find out more:

START DIVING - BECOME A CERTIFIED DIVER WITH SSI.