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#2109
Youth certification
diverjay - 1/15/2010 8:10 AM
Category: Survey
Replies: 62

My little girl has decided she wants to get her Jr. Open Water certification. I have been looking and trying to decide which way to do this for her. The shop I got certified at and use regularly does their’s in two weekends. Weekend one being half a day instruction and half a day pool sessions. Weekend two is 4 checkout dives over two days. I found another place that has a five day four hours per day training camp for kids. Do you think it is better for kids (she will be 11) to have a full week of training or just take the two weekend course mentioned above?
#350
scubamonica - 2/27/2010 8:49 AM
[Choose #1] My daughter was certified Jr Open at 10, and is now Jr adv, Peak Performance, & Photo specialties. I think in diving, a child needs to go at their own pace.
#55
ScubaBill777 - 2/26/2010 3:55 PM
[Choose #2] It depends on the child. Some maturity levels differ with each kid. I think 12 was a better age to start. I think the certification agency,s just wanted to expand their bottom line $$$.
#1207
Div4fun - 2/22/2010 12:26 AM
[Choose #1] NEVER rush a Jr. Diver. Let them get it at their pace. More time is more chance to learn. It will reinforce a slow a safe approach to diving later on.
#2242
MDW - 2/21/2010 5:51 PM
[Choose #3] Certification should be based on whether or not the student has learned and performed the skills she needs to be a diver, noth how many days she put in. It takes as long as necessary (4, 5, 6, 7 ,or more days)
#985
Diver_Down - 2/12/2010 12:02 AM
[Choose #1] I’m in a similar boat (pardon the pun). My soon to be 11 y.o. has all his gear and wants to get into a class asap. I am currently going throug the OW manual with him to prepare him for the class.
#3066
mukashi - 2/09/2010 5:35 PM
[Choose #3] This way she will train with all ages since she will be diving with all ages.
#4377
Catman - 1/25/2010 3:23 PM
[Choose #3] My experience is if the child pays attention, they learn faster than the adults. They pay more attention when there are less kids to talk to.
#3789
oceanbound - 1/25/2010 10:53 AM
[Choose #3] since i work with kids I know they learn much faster than we do and a child in elementary and jr high will be soaking up information. HS age...probably should be a two week course!
#3979
DalelynnSims - 1/24/2010 10:32 AM
[Choose #1] Lake Rawlings offers a week long summer camp for kids. Give them a call for more information
#1347
Pixel - 1/20/2010 5:02 PM
[Choose #2] Definatetly better to take it slower with young children. Gives them time to process everything properly.
#11595
badintexas - 1/20/2010 10:45 AM
[Choose #1] Great Question! Our kids are 7, 11 and 13 and I feel that I’d want them to have a bit more time for the class and studying than some quick class. Greg and the kids study/review often! Afterall, they’re our children and want them to feel confident.
#506
steelheadfish - 1/17/2010 1:30 PM
[Choose #3] my freinds boy did it in two weekend without a issue and wont she dive with adults? then she should train with them
#20384
LatitudeAdjustment - 1/17/2010 7:25 AM
[Choose #1] Have hey lowered the age, it used to be 12
#4853
Granitehawk - 1/16/2010 8:48 PM
[Choose #3] I feel alot will depend on her, Ask her which one she would prefer, also get the book early and help her study
#5471
DiveBuddyChgo - 1/16/2010 6:33 PM
[Choose #2] Train with other youths at the day training camp.. 4hrs is long enough for youth attention span.
#3062
Indiana - 1/16/2010 1:41 PM
[Choose #3] with the adult classes instructor will keep a eye on your daughter better
#4586
Jen-Michael - 1/16/2010 11:14 AM
[Choose #3] I would look at the quality of instruction vs. the quantity of time required. $0.02
#6537
MonkeyDiver - 1/16/2010 10:50 AM
[Choose #1] This is a tough question to answer not knowing the child. Maturity and being able to make decisions is so critically important.
#5082
divershaun - 1/15/2010 1:05 PM
[Choose #1] i believe the more you knock it into their head the better they will understand and remember it
#6109
HogLifer - 1/15/2010 12:47 PM
[Choose #1] The diving parents should always attend the class. You need to know your on the same page as your child and monitor thier learning. Then you will be able to anser any questions they have while you are diving together.