Scuba_Gear_For_Kids

Scuba diving is a family sport and children as young as 10 can become junior divers. A junior diver has the same training and requirements to meet as an adult. However, they are restricted by the depth they can dive. 

But before you head out to your favorite diving spot, make sure you’re all geared up safely. For the little ones, this means specialized gear, designed with them in mind. To help you pick the right items, here is our ultimate list of the best children-friendly scuba gear currently on the market. We’ll go through what makes each of them stand out, and dive into some FAQs and other considerations to keep in mind. Let’s get started!

1

OUR TOP PICK

Cressi Marea Junior and Dry Snorkel Combo

Cressi Marea Junior and Dry Snorkel Combo


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Summary

The Cressi Marea Junior and Dry Snorkel Combo is a high-quality but affordable item that is the favorite of many, and this is due to its durability and reliability. The size is ideal for kids and youth, so you’ll prevent all mismatching issues. The mask comes with a black reusable storage bag. The silicone skirt with tempered glass lenses ensures a high-quality image and comfortable wear. It also includes a 2-year warranty, so you can rest assured that you’re buying a top product. According to other scuba gear for kids reviews, it will fit children as young as 6 years, with plenty of growing room, too.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • The classic quality from the Cressi brand
  • Completely dry top snorkel, no need to clean once back up
  • Very comfortable to wear
  • 2-year warranty
  • Will fit kids as young as 6
  • Affordable for its quality
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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Cressi Start Pro Jacket Style BCD

Cressi Start Pro Jacket Style BCD


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Summary

The Cressi Start Pro Jacket Style BCD is a great scuba diving jacket for beginners and is small enough to fit most children. It’s the ideal jacket item for a complete set of scuba diving gear for kids. Better yet, it’s super strong and safe, being able to resist even the harshest wear and tear pressures. Initially, this Cressi jacket was designed as a rental BCD for resorts and scuba schools. It’s bulletproof for recreational drivers, and also strong enough to rent. Also, it comes with a quick-release integrated pocket, meaning it’s easier and safer to use than most other comparable items. If you’re a bit worried about your children’s safety while diving, this is the perfect scuba diving BCD to put your mind at ease.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • A great jacket-style BCD for beginners
  • Primarily designed for rentals (resorts and schools)
  • Bulletproof for recreational drivers
  • Comes with a low-pressure hose
  • Includes an owner’s manual
  • Ideal scuba diving equipment for kids
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3

BEST VALUE

Cressi Everlasting Family Fins for Snorkeling & Diving

Cressi Everlasting Family Fins for Snorkeling & Diving


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Summary

The Everlasting Family Fins for Snorkeling & Diving are children-friendly, universal-size fins that come with the added advantage of being manufactured by Cressi. This means they will be comfortable to wear, will fit your kids even as they pass through multiple growth stages, and they won’t deteriorate as fast as similar fins from less reputable brands. If you’re preparing to go snorkeling or diving with other family members, including little ones, this should be a part of your dive checklist.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • A classic item for scuba diving
  • The model is over 20 years and still very popular
  • Very comfortable and very long-lasting
  • Blade made of EVA (composite material)
  • Very strong, good responsiveness to your moves
  • Soft rubber prevents slipping
  • Very light, perfect for traveling
  • A very loved piece of child scuba gear
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4

Realon Shorty Full 3mm Premium Wetsuit

Realon Shorty Full 3mm Premium Wetsuit


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Summary

The highly popular Realon Shorty Full 3mm Premium Wetsuit is not only a perfect companion for diving and snorkeling, but can even be used in the pool as a warm suit. Its temperature regulating properties are so good that with the help of this suit even the child who gets cold in the swimming pool right away will be able to enjoy it.

As part of a top-rated kids scuba gear list, the wetsuit will feel like a dream come true. It’s light and easy to wear) only 3 mm thickness), perfectly isolating from the cold, and with an all-over UV shield of 50 SPF. The suit is flexible but highly resistant to abrasion, as well as impervious to stings from jellyfish, sea lice, and so on.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Thin and comfortable fabric, yet highly resistant
  • Isolates from the cold and protects from UV (50 SPF)
  • Comes in different sizes (from 3-year-olds to 16-year-olds)
  • Very affordable premium quality item
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5

Aqualung Mikron Scuba Regulator

Aqualung Mikron Scuba Regulator


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Summary

The Aqualung Mikron Regulator is a good choice for children being an excellent travel regulator. Unlike many items your child might rapidly outgrow, this will serve them for years. You will not find a scuba regulator that has been designed for children. However, children can easily use regulators that are designed for travel or women. These regulators are smaller and weigh less. You might want to look at different mouthpieces to find a perfect fit.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Adjusted flow scuba regulator
  • The first stage of the tube works like a balanced diaphragm
  • Has a 1 HP port (7/16) and 4 MP ports (3/8)
  • Several colors to choose from
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Pro tip 1 - Size, Weight, Age Of The Child:

  • When diving with kids, always buy aluminum tanks instead of steel. Most of the world dives with aluminum tanks, so avoid any confusion during the learning process. 

Pro tip 2 - Previous Scuba Diving Experience: 

  • Most kids are first-time divers with little scuba exposure. Before their first lesson, make sure they feel comfortable in the water using a snorkel and fins - two important pieces of equipment used while diving. 

Pro tip 3 - Type of Dive: 

  • A smaller mouthpiece is better suited for kids while diving. A proper fit will help them feel more comfortable in various dive scenarios - especially during the open-water course.


Scuba Diving Expert

How To Choose A Scuba Gear For Kids – Buying Guide

Size, Weight, Age Of The Child

One of the main characteristics of specialized diving equipment for kids is size. In all other respects, these items might not be very different from the best dive safety gear for adults, but they are smaller and much better fit for children.

When you’re shopping for a new item for your child’s diving gear, take into account the exact age, size, and weight of the child. Most items for kids are pretty flexible, but if your child is atypical in one aspect (their size or weight are less conventional, for example), then pay extra attention to the item specifications.

Previous Scuba Diving Experience

Just like adults, kids learn scuba diving and become more experienced as they practice. You don’t need to consider just their size, but also their level of knowledge about diving. As you may have noticed, some of the items on our list of the best scuba gear for kids also mention that they are perfect for beginners.

These are the ones you should start with since they can help your child learn the art of diving faster. You can then work your way towards the more pro-like ones in time.

Type Of Dive

Depending on the type of dive you plan on practicing with your child, some different types of gear may be needed. Junior divers are restricted by depth based on their certification level and age.

You might also be interested in:

Buoyancy Basics: Negative And Positive Buoyancy

Snorkel Gear Packages

FAQs

Q: Should My Child Go Scuba Diving?

A: 

The short answer is yes. However, every child is different and it is up to the parent to determine if their child is mature enough to understand the training and act accordingly. They will need to be able to swim and be comfortable in the water.

Q: Is Scuba Diving Safe For Children?

A: 

After years of study, the training standards authorities lower the minimum age for dive training to 10 years of age (8 in a pool). The depth a child can dive in is controlled first by their age and then by training. An adult Open Water Diver can dive to 60 feet and an Advanced Open Water Diver to 100 feet. The junior diver under 12 can only be certified as a Jr. Open Water Diver and is limited to 40 feet. Over 12 they can dive the same depth as an adult open water diver. After turning 12, a junior diver can take the advanced course and dive to 80 feet. Junior divers can only dive with dive professionals or their certified parents. At the age of 15, they can become adult divers.

Q: Is This Gear Made Especially For Children?

A: 

This depends on the product. Many items are available designed for children. However, items like the BCD and regulators are just smaller-sized adult items.

Globo Surf Overview

Being able to enjoy adventure and outdoor time with your family should make us all feel blessed. If you’re one of the lucky ones who can share their passion for diving with their children, you must have fun memories behind and ahead of you.

Still, safety should always come first, especially when children are involved. That’s why we hope our list of the best scuba gear for kids helped you pick up your essentials so that you’ll be ready to roll in no time. Happy family diving!

More Scuba Reviews:

More Gear Reviews:

What kind of scuba gear for kids have you bought or used so far? How does it differ from the gear you use for yourself when you go diving? Is there a brand you would recommend for the best scuba gear for kids? Let us know in the comments below! We’re always happy to hear from our readers.