Shark Reef & age of kids

[FishNette]

I am hoping to take my 8 yr old DD and 4 yr old DS to Typhoon Lagoon and would like them to experience the Shark Reef. Is there an age limit for this? Or, do they have to pass a swim test? Both are comfortable in the water, although neither have ever used masks or snorkels.

Do they give each kid a vest? Do they HAVE to use the snorkel to breathe or can they just turn their heads to grab a breath?

My DH thinks I'm crazy for even considering having them swim with sharks, but I think it would be an experience they would NEVER forget!

Your thoughts????

 

[Pinnochio]

I do not remember an age limit when i went about 2 years ago. They give you a quick run through on how to use the equipment then they let you do what you want. Your not crazy by the way. It is an amazing experience and the sharks are not 10 foot long great whites either. I think your kids should enjoy it.

 

[Evil Queen]

I asked this a couple of weeks ago. One poster said their DD went at 7.

 

[java]

I think there is an age restriction on the shark reef. If you look on the web site they suggest it as an attraction for bigger kids and adults Although on Debs site it just says under 10 must be with an adult. So I guess you all can go
And the "sharks" are low dwelling kinds- and very well fed. When we went DS was mad because he could not get up close to the sharks. He was a little happier at Seaworld's Discovery Cove becaue at least you feel like you are closer.

 

[dixipixi]

When we went 2 years ago, my DS (9) had no problem. Of course, he is shark crazy and it was a great experience for him.

They give everyone a lifevest/snorkeling equipment. You are given a very short "briefing" on how to swim across the tank. I think it is important to be a fairly strong swimmer. Once you leave the briefing area, you have to swim straight across. There is no where to stop and rest and the water is pretty deep.

Another thing to note, the water is much colder than elsewhere in the park and it is saltwater.

I think any age can do this without any problems. It just depends on your swimming skill level (you don't have to be a pro...just able to make it across the pool).

We did notice several people who "freaked" once they actually got in the water and didn't even attempt to cross the pool. They were all adults...so go figure!

 

[anabelle]

I was under the impression that the sharks were under a layer of plexiglass.
Also, remember it is salt water. My DD6 did NOT want to go. But my 8 year old did it 10 times. LOL

 

[forgetyourtroubles!]

A four year old is allowed to do it. My four year old daughter did it last October. They do have to do it beside you or hanging onto your arm or alone- they cannot "ride" on the parent. They do not have to use a snorkel. My daughter chose to put on the mask and a life jacket and just kick her feet and hold hands with me. She didn't like putting her mouth in the salt water, but she did put her mask in the water and look under at the fish swimming around her. It was cold and salty but a fun experience for her.

 

[Evil Queen]

I was under the impression that the sharks were under a layer of plexiglass.
Also, remember it is salt water. My DD6 did NOT want to go. But my 8 year old did it 10 times. LOL

I had read that SOMEWHERE, but when asked around found out a bit different.

 

[forgetyourtroubles!]

By the way, my four year old did it twice. My 12 year old did it several times. One more think to keep in mind if you are doing it with them, there is a BIG drop off about 1 1/2 ft into the tank. Get the child situated in the life jacket before the drop off and let them start floating across before you. I walked right off that drop off with my daughter in my arms and got a mouthful of salt water, but I managed to keep my little one above the water line. YUCK!

 

[Tiger Fan]

I understand they give you a vest to wear and was wondering if they have sizes large enough for those of us who are Pooh sized. I'm a 3X and don't want to be embarrassed if they don't have a life vest to fit me. I have thought about bringing the one I wear at home when I ride our jetski or tube, but would prefer not to lug it around all day. Just wondering. Thanks.
Lisa
Tiger Fan

 

[brtls5]

We did the Shark Reef for the first time this past November. It was great fun. My ds, 8, had been looking forward to it for almost a year. He was so so excited that al I heard about was the Shark Reef. When he realized he needed to wear a mask, he couldnt do it. I think he could have swam/floated across fine, but it was the whole mask thing that scared him. When the rest of us that were doing this one got into the water, we were not prepared for just how cold it was. It was quite a shock to our bodies.. I started hyperventilating while swimming because it was so dang cold! But I adjusted and did fine. It was very cool to do and cannot wait until I do it again. I think if your child doesnt mind the mask.. then go for it!

 

[MickeyMouth]

It is also a good idea to get used to the water temperature for a minute. The water is mucher cooler than the rest of TL. If you jump into the water and immediately start snorkeling there is a tendency to hyperventilate form the temp. change. Also you are not supposed to kick your feet only use your arms to glide to the other side. It is a fun attraction so give it a try! But I would take one kid at a time. I have seen some instances when the kid is panicking while the adult semi-rescues them.

 

[MickeyMouth]

One more thing. My daughter would practice snorkeling in the bath tub at home before we went to WDW. I think this got her used to having her face in the water and still being able to breathe.

 

[keishashadow]

How wide is the pool that you must "glide" across? I assume they keep you moving at a brisk pace. I'm a strong swimmer, but can't figure out how you would propel yourself without moving your legs. Even when you tread water you need to move your legs somewhat, I'm not talking a strong scissor kick. I'd hate to hurt the aquatic creatures or get chastized by the CM's.

 

[bethbuchall]

My 4 (turning 5) year old wanted to do this when we were there last year. He decided that he didn't like the way the mask fit (they have only one size of masks), so he didn't go through with the swim. They definitely would have let him, though.

Tiger Fan--I don't know about the size of the life vests, but I do know that you don't have to wear a vest. I didn't wear a vest and neither did either of my older two kids (13 and 10 at the time). If you are comfortable swimming using only your arms, you shouldn't have to worry about the size of the vests.

keishashadow--I'm not great at judging distances, but I would say that it's about 50-75 feet. You are not supposed to kick your feet at all, but you can move your arms. It's easy to pull yourself along with just your arms. You don't have to swim it quickly, but you are not allowed to turn and swim back. You have to keep moving forward.

Beth

 

[forgetyourtroubles!]

I forgot- you are right, you can only move the arms but not the feet. Its not a problem, however. You have a vest on so it works fine.
I think they had quite a variety of life vest sizes and I saw all kinds of sizes of people in line, so I bet you would be okay. You could call TL now and double check that.
As for the mask, the bathtub is a great idea!! I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure my little one had a smaller sized mask. I have a photo and it looks that way in the picture, too.

 

[bethbuchall]

As for the mask, the bathtub is a great idea!! I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure my little one had a smaller sized mask. I have a photo and it looks that way in the picture, too.

I wish we had been given a smaller sized mask. I even asked, and they told me that they had only one size available. Maybe it depends on the time of the year what they have out and ready. That's ok...he'll be 7 when we go back and I'm sure we'll try again.

I think getting used to a mask in the tub would be an excellent way to prepare. Great idea!

Beth

 

[Ted and Holly]

A note about the vests and "Pooh sized" people. I am a bit on the heavy side, but keep in mind that this actually makes you more bouyant. I have to work harder to actually go from a snorkeling position to a dive. My body wants to float naturally. This natural bouyancy is more than enough to keep the snorkel in the air.

It is a GREAT idea to practice with the mask and snorkel, especially for kids. This helps you get used to breathing air while your face is submerged. Also, breathing through a tube is a little different. Once you get used to it, it is no problem.

Ted

 

[carolfoy]

My DS 8 loved this last year, I bought him a cheap snorkel set and he'd practiced in the hotel pool before we went, if its crowded you only get a few minutes to prepare yourself to get in, as its salt water you are naturally very bouyant so propelling yourself with only arms is very easy, the sharks are definately not under plexiglass but they are only nurse sharks so theres no worries,

 

[tiggrbaby]

Years ago, my son freaked part way across the pool. It is very deep and you are no where near the bottom (where most of the fish are). I tried to help him across, but I could not do it without kicking. A lifeguard came over with the red saving float and helped him across.