Sidemount diving is becoming more popular. If you’d rather not have cylinders mounted to your back, you might consider it as an option. Here, we take a quick look at sidemount diving, including what it involves, its benefits, and what training entails.
What is Sidemount Diving?
Sidemount diving calls for diving cylinders to be mounted alongside the diver, along the hips and below the shoulder, rather than on the diver’s back. This equipment configuration first became popular among advanced cave divers, as it allows for easier tank changes and the penetration of smaller sections of cave. The same benefits – namely those that allow for operating in confined spaces while underwater – began attracting wreck divers who wanted to conduct technical penetrations. Many technical and recreational diver training programs are now available.
Sidemount Diving Benefits
There are a few main benefits to sidemount diving. These include the following:
-
Accessibility – Sidemount divers have immediate access to their cylinders, which in turn enables the immediate observation of problems and swifter resolution.
-
Flexibility – The sidemount approach gives divers greater flexibility and more convenience than back-mounted doubles. Because sidemount diving equipment is less bulky and considerably lighter than traditional back-mounted alternatives, it is easier and cheaper to transport.
-
Streamlining – With sidemount configuration comes a decrease in water resistance, which in turn improves air consumption and reduces fatigue. Divers are able to pass through smaller restrictions when penetration diving, being limited only by their body size and exposure protection.
Is Sidemount Diving for You?
With sidemount diving, getting ready to dive becomes a little easier, and it’s simpler to keep tabs on the status of your equipment. If you are already a certified diver, it’s likely that you can enroll in a sidemount diver course. During sidemount diver training, you will learn more about the benefits the sidemount configuration provides, plus you’ll learn:
- How to configure and assemble sidemount diving equipment
- Trim your gear and weight system to attain balance
- Manage gas, switching second stages if wearing two cylinders.
- Respond to and manage problems
Your local dive shop may offer sidemount diver courses, and you may be able to read part or all of the required material online before the training itself begins. In most cases, you will need to use the majority of the scuba gear you currently own, including your fins, mask and snorkel, and the appropriate exposure suit for conditions. You will learn about equipment configured for sidemount diving including a BCD and harness, along with cylinders. Each cylinder you use will be equipped with its own SPG and regulator. Cylinders of various sizes and materials are suitable for sidemount configuration, with optimum choice being determined by exposure conditions and / or water conditions.
You are likely to discover that sidemount diving offers greater control and stability while in the water. Most sidemount divers report that the configuration is more comfortable to use, and less tiring to carry, than back-mounted doubles, as the cylinders can be attached, removed, and replaced while in the water. Discomfort from back or shoulder restriction is often eliminated completely.