Is 16 too late to start diving?

Question

(Not scuba diving).

I'm 16 and I play some sport, mainly netball, but I don't plan on continuing that for too much longer. I've never done gymnastics or dancing (although I've always wanted to). If I worked really hard at diving, would it be realistic to get to a good level within the next few years.

I know some people will probably just say no and others will say just go for it, but is it realistic? Has anybody else started a sport at 16 and got really good at it?

Also does anyone know what the best body type for diving is?

Or any other sports that I could start?

Thanks x

Answer 1

go for it, the younger you are the easier it is to learn it

Answer 2

no, you can start diving as long as you believe you can do it.  You don't need to know gymnastics to perform any of the maneuvers either. A good diving coach can get you up to speed in under a few months, its possibly one of the fastest sports to learn.  Mastering may take years, but learning should be a breeze.  It just depends on how brave you are.  

Answer 3

no way its just a little late u should of stared at 10

Answer 4

of course not if u wanna do it then do it

Answer 5

You do not need to have done gymnastics in order to learn diving.  It can help with some of the elements, but it's not necessary.

You will want to find a diving club in your area, so that you can get instruction.  There may be one run by your community recreation department, or at a public or college pool that has boards.  If there's a swim/dive team at your high school, ask the coach about diving clubs.  Or go to USADiving.org, which has lots of info about diving and a list of clubs in the US.

How good you can get at diving depends on both your natural ability and your willingness to work on it.  I know someone who began diving sophomore year in high school and continued in college [D-III].  He improved steadily each year and, while he wasn't a "top-tier" diver, he certainly enjoyed it and gained a lot from it.

If you want to do it, go for it!!

Answer 6

16 is a good age for someone to start diving. Go for it! It is defiantly realistic.

Answer 7

After asking a professional trainner, you need to have done gymnastics as a background for diving. Unless you are very atlethic and you have personnal skills for diving you should look at doing an other sport. But take note that 3 divers did the olympics and they only started diving a few years before them.

I guess there are always exceptions!