Old Dog Diving Tips

originally published July 14, 2017

 Since this blog is geared towards my personal experiences as an older woman entering the world of scuba diving, let's focus on some of those specific challenges for a bit.

Carrying your gear: As previously mentioned, scuba gear can be heavy. A full kit can run upwards of 35-40 pounds, and this can increase depending on the amount of additional weight each diver needs to control their buoyancy. Use caution when lifting and lowering your equipment, and don't be afraid to ask for a helping hand from your dive buddy. Don't be shy about talking to your instructor or dive master about any special needs you may have in this area.

Seeing the sights: If you wear glasses, you have a couple of options. I myself am very nearsighted but, due to the refractive properties of water, I can see about 6 to 8 feet underwater with my mask on. You can wear contact lenses when diving, through may wish to opt for the disposable, daily wear type. That way you can simply toss them after your dive rather than worry about them getting damaged. You'll want to keep your eyes closed when flooding your mask (either in class or accidentally during a dive) to avoid having your lenses dislodged.

If you wear reading glasses, you might not have to worry about seeing all the cool underwater sights but you could have trouble reading your gauges or dive computer. You can purchase stick-on "reader" lenses that affix to your mask, allowing you to see things close up clearly without interfering with your distance vision.

If you plan on diving frequently, you may wish to invest in a mask with a custom ground lens. This way you can bring your prescription with you on every dive. These can cost a few hundred dollars, but are well worth the investment if you're going to be in the water a lot.



Skincare: SPF who? We are the generation that baked in the sun, slathered in baby oil, and now we're paying the price. It's doubly important for older divers to ensure they are protecting their skin with a good quality, reef safe sunscreen. Apply it about 15 minutes before you get in the water, to allow it to absorb, and apply whenever you get out of the water.

Though you'll be covered in neoprene for a good part of your dive, you will be spending time at the surface or on a boat, especially in your first classes. Pay close attention to those places you might not normally think of - the backs of your hands, the tips of your ears, and your hairline.

The importance of reef safe products: Most sunscreens contain chemicals that, even in small amounts, have been shown to be harmful to corals. Always check the ingredient list and avoid sunscreens containing:

  • Oxybenzone
  • Butylparaben
  • Octinoxate
  • 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor

Instead, look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium, and are biodegradable. Fortunately, there are plenty of these products available on the market, many of which support charitable organizations that contribute to keeping our oceans healthy.


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