Senior Scuba Diver

As a Scuba Woman who embarked on her open water scuba diving journey in her fifties, I found myself pondering: is there an age limit for scuba diving? The question lingered in my mind as I ventured into this exhilarating world. Yet, since diving into this journey, I’ve encountered numerous older scuba divers, some well into their sixties and seventies, dispelling any notion of age restrictions. It became clear: I am not too old to scuba dive. Residing and diving primarily along the Capricorn Coast, I’m surrounded by a vibrant community of women divers, many of whom are of similar age. Together, we convene at the dive center, don our scuba gear, and embark on underwater explorations of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. For those medically fit to dive, I encourage considering a diving course as a means to enrich life’s experiences. Personally, I’m committed to diving for many decades to come, and I invite others to join in this journey of rediscovering youth through scuba diving.

It’s Never Too Late to Become a Confident Scuba Woman – Take the Dive with Me, Tanya.

Discovering Scuba Diving in My Fifties

Having resigned myself to the humdrum of advancing years, I accepted my son Joshua’s gift of a Discovery Dive graciously but without much enthusiasm and plenty of suspicion. Josh seemed to derive great pleasure from pushing me beyond my comfort zone. Thanks to him, I’ve experienced the adrenaline rush of horrific rollercoasters, struggled to climb active volcanoes, been fed insects, and traversed dense jungles confronting wild animals in their natural habitat.  In the scheme of things, a Discovery Dive didn’t sound too bad – if I didn’t drown or get eaten by a shark. Little did I know this one Discovery Dive was about to change my life.

The Discovery Dive was to happen at Great Keppel Island, a hidden paradise only a 30-minute ferry ride away. I cannot believe GKI has been on my doorstep all these years. Its pristine white beaches and sparkling blue waters make it a hidden paradise. A Discovery Dive might not be so bad after all.

Guided through the essential skills required for the PADI Discovery Dive, I felt a flutter of nerves as I descended beneath the water’s surface. As the underwater world unfolded before my eyes, I found myself entranced by its beauty. Forgetting my nerves, I marvel at all that I see. Our dive site, the Underwater Observatory, is brimming with fish life. It is so much fun! My instructor points to a pipe where a large whiskery Wobbegong shark hides. Entranced, I felt a trickle of water sneak under the lip of my mask as I spontaneously grinned.

Surfacing from the dive, I bubbled my thanks and gratitude to Josh, who encouraged me to get my open water certification. Riding high on the euphoria of the experience and without any thought, I promptly signed up for open water diver training the following week.

I did not realize my life was about to change as I embraced the thought of becoming a Senior Scuba Diver. As a certified scuba diver, I can dive in open water with a buddy to a depth of 18 meters. It is both exciting and daunting.

Ageless Adventures: Embracing Scuba Diving in My Fifties

Initially I am overwhelmed with the skills I need to learn to stay alive underwater. The road to certification was much more challenging than anticipated. I was being challenged in more ways than I could imagine. Amplifying my anxiety was my body’s inability to manage small things.  Awkward by nature, my age is not helping. Arthritis in my hands makes it difficult to connect my hoses; I can’t undo the bungee cord holding the tank or pull on my dive boots. Trudging through the soft sand feels like I am wading through quicksand as I lug my heavy dive gear to the dive boat.  I really began to question my life choices; after all, I had resigned myself to the fact I was getting old, dumpy, and boring. Why was I doing this to myself?

I need weights to sink, but I can hardly move with them out of the water. The tank almost flattens me, and more than once, my legs buckle. Even putting on a wetsuit turns into a strenuous 20-minute dance as I try to pull the sticky neoprene onto my body. I don’t have the strength in my arms to pull a wetsuit up, nor can I get it off without help. I feel at a distinct disadvantage to my fitter, younger peers. I start to wonder – am I too old to scuba dive?  Age aside, there’s my lack of coordination. Which way do I put my BCD on my tank? The answer is the wrong way—every time. In fact, that’s the answer for most of the skills I need.

Instead of succumbing to feelings of inadequacy, I found myself inspired to overcome the physical and mental challenges scuba diving presents.

With the unwavering support of the dive team at PADI Keppel Dives, I find reassurance and assistance at every turn, enabling me to focus on the joy of diving rather than my perceived shortcomings. Their encouragement and assistance made me realize that age is no barrier to pursuing my passion. I feel empowered when I become a qualified open-water diver—a Senior Scuba Woman.

Discovering the wonders of being an open-water diver has been a revelation. Witnessing the breathtaking beauty below the water’s surface exhilarates me. There are moments when I become completely immersed in the tranquility of the ocean, feeling a profound connection to the underwater world. I take pride in my exceptional air consumption. Returning to the boat with ample air to spare sets me apart from my fellow divers and fills me with a sense of accomplishment. (Apparently, senior bodies require less air than our younger counterparts – but I’m not telling anyone that.)

However, with every dive, I face challenges. Everyone is always waiting on me as I struggle with the small steps. I am slow to get my gear on, I am still battling with my wetsuit and can’t lift my tank and BCD on without help. I am ungainly as I try to get my fins on and shuffle into position for a backward roll. Anxiety means I am slow to complete a Buddy Check.  I am paranoid about stray hairs causing my mask to leak and my legs cramp as I bob in the water by the boat. I need help to pass up my weights and struggle to climb the boat ladder with my tank on, bruising my shins against the moving rungs as I all but fall into the boat.   

Luckily for me, I have discovered an excellent dive company, PADI Keppel Dives. They are there with me every fin of the way, encouraging, helpful, and reassuring.  All my “issues” were a non-issue to them. There was always someone there to pull off my wetsuit, relieve me of my tank, and help me with the heavy lifting. I like to be independent and contribute, but I also realize that I am a Senior Scuba Diver. I appreciate the support I receive and accept it, very thankfully, most days.

Each dive becomes a triumph over my perceived limitations, a testament to my spirit. Rather than viewing age as a hindrance, I embrace it as a badge of honor, a testament to a well-lived life.

Despite setbacks, I refuse to be deterred, viewing each obstacle as an opportunity for growth. Through diving, I discover a newfound strength and resilience, challenging preconceived notions of aging and capability. Empowered by the transformative power of the ocean, I embark on a journey of self-discovery, shedding self-imposed limitations and embracing my authentic self.

Rather than feeling weak and defeated, I feel inspired. I have made a very clear decision to overcome the challenges diving presents, both physically and mentally.

It’s as though I’m experiencing a profound awakening. Instead of merely drifting into old age, I am taking back the years. I yearn to effortlessly undo the bungee cord and climb the boat ladder with my gear on.  I have always seen myself as awkward and unathletic, a bit slow to catch on, and hard on myself.  Now, I choose to be kind to myself, cutting the ropes of self-doubt and embracing my true self. There is no age limit for scuba diving.   I am determined I am not going to be old – in mind or body. No longer embarrassed, I am breaking free from self-imposed limitations and steadfastly refusing to be defined by age. My resolve is unwavering I can do this and more.

I feel privileged, humbled, and inspired by the opportunity to explore amazing underwater ecosystems when I scuba dive. As a woman diver, I want to be strong and healthy.  Not from the vanity perspective of my youth but for me. I want to be at my best. I strive for strength and vitality for my own well-being. I aim to be in peak physical condition, not only to enhance my own diving experiences but also to contribute meaningfully to the dive community. I endeavour to be a valuable member of the dive community, contributing to its richness and diversity.

Diving serves as a unifying force, bringing together individuals of all ages and backgrounds and surpassing barriers and preconceptions. It’s remarkable to witness the diverse array of people who share this passion; individuals I least expected, including long-time acquaintances, have embraced the wonders of the underwater world.

My new motto is “55 feels like 35 when you dive,” and I truly embody it. In my younger years, at 35, I focused on everything and everyone else, busy working and raising a family, neglecting my own well-being. Now, at 55, I am prioritizing self-care.  I plan to enjoy 35 this time around! Yes, there are days when my body and I disagree, yet I am determined to prevail. I recognize the importance of both mental and physical health, so I’ve begun with small, manageable steps: stretching, incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my diet, exploring natural remedies, and establishing an exercise routine that I enjoy. My goal is clear: to demonstrate that age is no barrier to scuba diving. I intend to continue diving well into my later years, embracing the role of a woman who scuba dives with grace and vitality.

Each small step I take propels me forward into a giant stride. Diving has become the catalyst for an expanding life, and I’m grateful for the positive changes it’s bringing. I’m discovering more about myself through diving, shedding limiting beliefs and fears to emerge stronger and more self-assured. I’m beginning to grasp my true power, fostering quiet confidence and a sense of inner achievement.

As I witness my body and mind transform, I deeply appreciate the Discovery Dive that ignited this incredible journey. Every underwater moment is a joyous exploration, and I relish every aspect. With a growing list of dive sites to explore, it’s clear that diving will remain a passion well into my later years—perhaps even my seventies or eighties. This, to me, epitomizes the essence of a true Senior Scuba Diver.

It’s Never Too Late to Become a Confident Scuba Woman – Take the Dive with Me, Tanya.

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