Alot about diving

Question
Okay so i'm 14 turning 15 in February. I am 5'9-5'11 i'm not exactly sure and i am from Las Vegas. Im not super fat but i have a tummy and a butt i was wondering about what weight should i be to do diving. Are there any diving clubs in my area? and i was wondering if it was too late to start? If i am going to do this i am going to shoot for national levels and maybe the olympics are my chances against me since im starting so late?

Answer
Mikey -

You are not too old to start diving but in order to attain the goals you mention, you have to start right away. Divers in your age group who want to attain an elite status practice year round 5 to 6 days per week for about 2 hours per day.The body types of boys your age are about your height or shorter. Their weight is proportionate to their age and height. I am not that qualified to tell you how much you should weigh (especially since I do not know what you weigh now). You need to see a doctor or athletic trainer to get an accurate answer. I can tell you that you need to be very flexible, have very strong abdominals (6 pack abs) and also have tremendous leg strength. I'll give you a link to go to to read more about his.

You say you are from Las Vegas but your location on your question says Arizona. If you live in Vegas, the only pool you can go to and start diving is at UNLV. If you live in Arizona, programs are found in Flagstaff, Phoenix and Tucson. You can find contact info on all these areas by going to www.usadiving.org, click on 'Join USA Diving' and then 'Find A Club'. Enter NV or AZ and a list of teams will come up.

Here are some other websites to go to:

www.aaudiving.org - another source to find a team.You may also have to become a member to start diving lessons.

www.divemeets.com - click on 'Find' and then Coaches or Teams or Pools.

www.diving.about.com - site that explains the sport. Enter 'Create the perfect body for diving' in the search box. Other good articles here for people new to diving.

Good luck in your search.