Home » Sidemount Diving Articles » Is Sidemount …? FAQs

“Is Sidemount …?” A comprehensive FAQ

“Is Sidemount …?” A comprehensive FAQ

What is sidemount vs backmount?

Sidemount diving involves wearing cylinders or CCR units attached at the sides of the body, while backmount diving involves wearing these conventionally on the back. Sidemount is a different equipment configuration for scuba diving but can be used for all types of recreational, technical, and cave dives.sidemount vs backmount

How does sidemount diving work?

Sidemount works by attaching cylinders to the diver’s sides, rather than wearing them on the back. The diver wears a harness BCD and clips cylinders onto their waist using a boltsnap. The upper cylinder is secured using elasticated bungees, which enable the cylinders to be kept streamlined in horizontal trim.sidemount

What is the purpose of sidemount diving?

Sidemount diving aims to enhance the diver’s safety and comfort while diving. This configuration involves carrying cylinders at the diver’s sides, increasing mobility and streamlining. Sidemount also allows longer bottom times than a single cylinder and allows access to tight spaces, which is particularly useful in cave or wreck diving.sidemount

Is sidemount diving better?

Sidemount diving can offer several advantages over traditional back-mounted dive gear, such as independent gas redundancy, increased streamlining, and improved mobility underwater. However, whether it is “better” ultimately depends on a diver’s personal needs, preferences, and diving goals.best sidemount instructor attributes

Is sidemount diving difficult?

Sidemount diving can initially be challenging for inexperienced divers due to its unconventional, unfamiliar setup and adapted techniques. However, with high-quality training and diligent practice, even very novice divers quickly discover that sidemount becomes a comfortable and efficient diving configuration.is sidemount diving technical diving?

Should I dive sidemount?

It is important to determine whether the advantages of sidemount correspond to specific diving needs you may have. There are 8 factors are frequently cited as reasons why divers convert to sidemount configuration.
best sidemount instructor quality student performance assess

What are the advantages of sidemount?

Improved stability, trim, streamlining, and maneuvering when diving.
Reduced back strain, especially for divers with chronic spinal injuries.
Easy access and management of cylinder valves and regulators; especially for divers with shoulder or neck mobility impediments.
Increased safety through independent gas redundancy in case of regulator or cylinder valve failure.
Easier transport of cylinders to/from the water.
An increased volume of gas carried compared to single-tank recreational configurations; especially for divers with high air consumption rates.
A smaller equipment profile that enables passing through tight restrictions and confined spaces that would be inaccessible in a backmount configuration.
Reduced equipment weight and bulk for traveling divers who wish to dive with double cylinders.

When can I train as a sidemount diver?

The prerequisites for a sidemount diving course usually involve holding an Open Water Diver certification or higher. Additionally, having proficiency in fundamental diving skills such as buoyancy control, horizontal trim, and efficient finning techniques is recommended by some training agencies. history of sidemount diving

How many dives do you need for a sidemount course?

The number of dives required for a sidemount course varies depending on the specific course and dive training agency. Typically, sidemount courses involve several pool or confined water skill sessions, followed by 2-6 open water dives. Students may also have to repeat dives if they do not meet performance requirements.best sidemount instructor fundamental diving skills training

What do I need for sidemount diving?

To get started with sidemount diving, you’ll need gear and training:
Two appropriately configured regulators
A dedicated sidemount BCD
Two cylinder bands with boltsnaps
3-4 hose retaining bands
Competent sidemount training to ensure proper technique and safety
Open Water Diver certification or higher (varies by agency)

What is a sidemount BCD?

A sidemount BCD is specifically designed for sidemount diving. It comprises a harness system for cylinder attachment at the sides, a buoyancy wing on the back, and a bungee system to keep tanks in trim to the diver. There are two design styles of sidemount BCD: Florida-style and Mexican-style.

What are the disadvantages of sidemount diving?

The seven most frequently cited disadvantages of sidemount diving are;
Increased equipment complexity
Reduced familiarity
The cost of new equipment
Limited support for sidemount divers
Limited tank capacity
Increased potential for equipment failures
Difficulties with water entry/exit.

Can you sidemount dive with one tank?

High-quality sidemount diving courses teach divers how to use a single tank without causing stability issues. With proper training and gear, sidemount diving with one cylinder can be a safe and enjoyable experience, requiring only a minor regulator configuration change.

What tanks are best for sidemount diving?

The best tanks for sidemount diving are typically smaller, lighter tanks that are easy to handle and maneuver in tight spaces. Popular options include aluminum tanks with a capacity of around 40-80 cu ft or steel tanks of 50-100 cu ft. Ultimately, the choice depends on an individual diver’s preferences and needs.sidemount regulator cylinders

Who invented sidemount diving?

Sidemount diving originated in 1934; UK cavers Graham Balcombe and Jack Sheppard first used regulators and cylinders for sump exploration. British caver Mike Boone developed the first side-slung cylinder rig in the 1960s. Modern sidemount was pioneered by American cavers Sheck Exley, Wes Skiles, Forrest Wilson, and Woody Jasper.

What is the history of sidemount diving?

Sidemount diving originated in the UK during the 1950s as a means of sump diving exploration. Prominent cave explorers in Florida and Mexico adopted and developed sidemount in the 1980s. The first sidemount BCDs were sold in the 1990s, and sidemount went mainstream for recreational and technical diving in 2012.

What is monkey diving?

The term ‘monkey diving’ can refer to two different concepts: (1) diving with a single cylinder, typically in sidemount configuration, or (2) diving without a BCD; such as when using a scooter or a drysuit for depth control. The term originates from describing such techniques as “monkeying around”.

What is a sidemount rebreather?

A sidemount rebreather (CCR) is a type of rebreather configured for attachment at the diver’s sides, rather than worn conventionally on their back. Originally conceived as a bail-out rebreather for backmount CCR diving, the concept has been adopted as a primary configuration by sidemount divers progressing into CCR diving.

What agency is best for sidemount training?

Most scuba agencies offer sidemount certification at recreational and technical diving levels, and courses are generally comparable in length and syllabus. Tech or cave diving-focused agencies, such as RAID, TDI, or IANTD, may be best suited to divers at that level. DIR-principled divers may appreciate courses from UTD or ISE.best sidemount instructor technical cave and wreck diving

Is sidemount diving only for caves?

Whilst sidemount diving originated as a configuration for cave exploration, it has evolved to become a very popular option for recreational and technical diving in general. Sidemount has numerous benefits for ocean divers, beyond just being low in profile for cave divers passing through tight restrictions.best sidemount instructor qualities

Sidemount: Principles For Success eBook

My comprehensive guide to sidemount configuration and development as a diver.

178 Pages. PDF format. Fully Illustrated. $25

Chapters include:

  • Sidemount history, design styles and cylinder principles
  • Harness and bungee setup and sizing
  • Configuring deco/stage cylinders
  • Diagnosing cylinder trim problems
  • Regulators and hardware
  • Training and skillset development

Purchase eBook here!

Read more of my sidemount diving articles!

DIY Sidemount Helmet Instructions
DIY Sidemount Helmet Instructions

How to make a DIY sidemount helmet for wreck and cave diving. An illustrated and comprehensive guide.

Read More
Ultimate Guide: How To Set Up A Sidemount Harness
Ultimate Guide: How To Set Up A Sidemount Harness

There are just a few simple steps to the methodical setup of a sidemount harness system. Knowing those right steps can save you lots of time and frustration.

Read More
Top-5 Best Sidemount Fins 2023
Top-5 Best Sidemount Fins 2023

Choosing the right set of sidemount fins is an important decision. They have a profound effect on diver trim and control. With that recommendation in mind, here is my pick of the top 5 warm-water sidemount fins.

Read More
How to Make a Sidemount Break Away Hose Connector
How to Make a Sidemount Break Away Hose Connector

Learn how to make a sidemount break away hose connector in just 4 easy steps! This DIY guide shows you how to make one cheaply!

Read More
Sidemount Regulator Configuration
Sidemount Regulator Configuration

Discover the 3 types of sidemount regulator configuration. Learn the pros & cons of each setup to choose the best solution for your needs.

Read More
How To Set Up Sidemount Loop Bungee
How To Set Up Sidemount Loop Bungee

How to set up sidemount loop bungee : an illustrated step-by-step guide by Andy Davis. Take the guesswork & frustration out of kit setup.

Read More
Ultimate Guide to Sidemount Cylinder Trim
Ultimate Guide to Sidemount Cylinder Trim

Sidemount cylinder trim is a headache for many sidemount divers. This illustrated guide will help you diagnose the problem & find the solution

Read More
Ultimate Guide: Positioning Sidemount Cylinder Bands
Ultimate Guide: Positioning Sidemount Cylinder Bands

I observe lots of sidemount divers experiencing frustration with their kit; and it's often due to their sidemount cylinder band positioning. There's actually a very simple principle that determines band positioning.

Read More
What are the two styles of sidemount BCD design?
What are the two styles of sidemount BCD design?

The history and evolution of Mexican and Florida cave sidemount BCD designs. Understand these principles to choose the right sidemount gear for your needs,

Read More
A Guide to Modern Sidemount Diving
A Guide to Modern Sidemount Diving

A comprehensive guide to sidemount diving. What it is, the history, the equipment styles, how it is configured, gear setup and everything else you need to know.

Read More

Andy Davis Technical Sidemount Wreck Diving Subic Bay Philippines RAID Courses Training

About The Author

Andy Davis is a RAID, PADI TecRec, ANDI, BSAC, and SSI-qualified independent technical diving instructor who specializes in teaching sidemount, trimix, and advanced wreck diving courses.

Currently residing in Subic Bay, Philippines; he has amassed more than 10,000 open-circuit and CCR dives over 30 years of diving across the globe.

He has published numerous diving magazine articles, designed courses for dive training agencies, and tests/reviews dive gear for scuba equipment manufacturers. He is currently writing a series of advanced diving books and creating a range of tech diving clothing and accessories

Prior to becoming a professional technical diving educator in 2006, Andy was a commissioned officer in the Royal Air Force and has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Belize, and Cyprus.

Share to your friends

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

If you're enjoying my work, please consider...

Support!