Too Overweight?

Question
I have signed up for a scuba class at my university. I am 18 and weigh about 225-230 pounds. I am nervous that I will get there and they will tell me I am too fat or something. I was on swim team all though high school and I still swim laps often. Also, I am a lifeguard and WSI. I am a really strong swimmer and ca swim at least 1000 yards without stopping. Is there a "scuba diving weight limit?"

Answer
Hi Maria

Thanks for your question and the short answer is "No, there is no scuba diving weight limit".  There are, however, some potential problems which should be addressed before you enter the class.  These have more to do with equipment sizing than they do with body size  

The biggest problem may be the size of the buoyancy compensation device (BCD).  That's the jacket you'll wear to control your buoyancy.  These devices come in several sizes and have lots of room for adjustment.  I have had problems in the past with some large students and sometimes we had to use belt extenders to permit the largest size to fit the student.  I suggest that you check with the instructor privately and see if there will be a problem fitting you before you put yourself in an embarrassing position in front of the class.  

You didn't say where you're located but I'm going to assume that you'll need a wetsuit at some point during the class.  Different wetsuits have different size ranges and if you can't wear one "off the rack" then you can have one made for you.  It will take some time and will cost extra so this is something you can also discuss with your instructor.

You will also need to wear more weight than your smaller classmates.  This could present a problem since you have to have someplace to put it.  Weightbelts can normally handle most of it and some BCD's can also carry weight.  For some of my larger students, I have actually purchased weight harnesses which will allow the student to wear weights in a vest-like harness.  This is much more comfortable for the student since the weight is more evenly distributed and is not all hanging around your waist.  Once again, this is another question you can ask your instructor.

Maria, now that I've presented all the problems, let's talk about the positives!!

You said you do a lot of swimming so you are probably in good condition other than your weight.  I expect that you'll have a much easier time in the watermanship skills part of the course than your less fit classmates.  I got my WSI a long time ago but I remember it as a grueling test of stamina.  You shouldn't have any problems with the relatively short swim required in your scuba course.  Your cardiovascular system is probably in good shape and that's another requirement for most scuba courses.  I don't know what certifying agency is sponsoring your scuba class but many of them will require a routine physical prior to participating in the class.  If you pass the physical, then your doctor will attest to your fitness to dive.

With your aquatic background, you should have no problem with the course and I congratulate you for signing up!!

I wish you the best, Maria, and perhaps I'll meet you on a coral reef somewhere!!  Just wave and blow bubbles at me!!

Sincerely,

Mike Giles
Mike's Dive Center
mikescuba.com

P.S.  You might want to print this letter and take it with you when you visit your instructor.