Healthy Divers and Staff Can Lead to More Profits
by Margo Peyton, co-owner Kid’s Sea Camp, Columbia, SC
Kids Sea Camps has certified over 8,000 youth as divers and offers travel programs for families and empty nesters.
DIVING SHOULD ALWAYS BE SAFE AND FUN – especially for kids. After 25+ years of outfitting thousands of young divers around the world, I’ve learned one universal truth: when children feel comfortable in their gear, they fall in love with diving faster and stay with it longer.
Many parents worry their child will “grow out” of gear. I always remind them: parents are looking for gear that fits kids – not gear that kids must fit into. Good fit isn’t a luxury – it prevents fatigue, builds trust, and keeps them safer underwater. With adjustable youth designs, gear can last season after season – often through multiple siblings.
How Personal Gear Helps Young Divers
Comfort = Confidence: Soft, flexible gear prevents chafing and frustration – making skills easier to learn. A perfectly sealed mask can turn a nervous child into an excited explorer within minutes.
Familiarity = Less Stress: When kids recognize their equipment, gearing up becomes quick, smooth, and empowering. They understand where everything goes and how it works – independence grows with every dive.
Consistency = Better Safety: Proper fit helps maintain safer breathing, positioning, and buoyancy control. Kids become more aware of their bodies in the water, which reduces task-loading and encourages safe diving habits.
Fun = Lifelong Memories: When gear “just works,” kids can enjoy marine life, buddy interaction, and the pure joy of being weightless – and they can’t wait for the next dive.
Where to Start: Most families begin with fins, mask, and snorkel. These are affordable, make the most noticeable difference, and travel easily. A comfortable wetsuit keeps young divers warm on long dive days and protects them from sun and stings. Happy, warm kids dive more.
Once a child becomes certified, a well-fitted junior BCD increases stability and control underwater. A simple dive computer designed for youth encourages responsibility – they learn to monitor depth and time right alongside their buddy or parent.
Lasting Value for Families: Personal gear doesn’t just transform how kids dive – it strengthens family experiences. I’ve seen countless shy or cautious kids turn into confident ocean lovers because they trusted the gear they were wearing. That confidence translates into more shared adventures and memories that families cherish long after the trip ends.
That joy becomes motivation… and motivation becomes passion. Passionate young divers often become passionate ocean advocates – a gift that lasts far beyond their junior certification.
Start small, choose wisely, rinse well, and store cool and dry. With the right equipment and a little care, your young diver’s adventures can grow right along with them.
You’ve got this – invest in their excitement and watch their love for the ocean soar.
Happy bubbling!
Paid Advertisement
Contact Gretchen for more information www.scubafit.com, gretchen@scubafit.com.
Click here to read the full article on our Flippingbook platform!
Watch the interview on Level Up:
read < Previous Article or Next Article >