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Recreational Sidemount

You learn how to

 

  • Properly assemble and configure sidemount scuba diving equipment.

  • Trim your weight system and sidemount gear so you’re perfectly balanced in the water.

  • Manage gas by switching second stages as planned, if wearing two cylinders.

  • Respond correctly to potential problems when sidemount diving.

 

 
Course Structure

 

The course consists of

 

  • One (1) introductory classroom session - about 3hrs

  • One (1) pool session - about 3hrs

  • Three (3) open water dives - done in one day

 

 
Materials

 

PSAI Sidemount Diving manual and/or PADI Sidemount and Tec Sidemount manual.

 

 

Prerequisites

 

  • Open water diver or above

  • Minimum 15 years old

 

 
What you need

 

You'll need sidemount BCD and regulators to match. Please contact us for possible equipment configurations. 

 

 

Course fees

 

PSAI/PADI Sidemount    Group course from HKD3,600 / person
 

For group rate minimum two participants. For one-on-one courses, please contact us.

The course fee is tuition only. Equipment rental is not included. You have an option of PSAI or PADI manuals and certifications, as well as single/double tank set-up.

Sidemount diver in a cave
Sidemount training in a swimming pool.
Sidemount diver inverted.
Three sidemount divers
Sidemount diver pushing the cylinders

Sidemount diving originated from the needs of cave diving, but offers benefits for recreational diving as well.

Sidemount offers better streamlining. If you wear two cylinders, you are more balanced and can use smaller tanks

With sidemount configuration, you usually strap the tanks on in the water. This is beneficial if you have problems carrying tanks.

You can easily unclip the tanks. You don't have to, but you can.

Sidemount diving is gaining popularity fast. Basically, instead of carrying tanks on your back, you clip them on your sides. There are benefits of scuba diving with a sidemount configuration.

Who would benefit from the Sidemount course?

 

Sidemount is an option for all scuba divers. In recreational sidemount you dive with either one or two cylinders. Diving with two cylinders is more common and you have two independent air sources on you. You will probably also feel more stable with tanks on both sides, and you can use smaller cylinders.

 

You are more streamlined and have an easy access to the tank valves. Since in sidemount you usually put the tanks on after you enter the water, divers who find walking or standing with a cylinder on their backs difficult will especially benefit. 

 

Sidemount is an option for technical diving programs as well: Advanced Nitrox and overhead programs can be done using sidemount configuration. Sidemount option is particularly suitable for cave diving courses.

Proper trim allows you to move freely - in any direction. Click the photo to see more photos.

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