In sidemount, your valves and regulators are directly in front of you, making it easier to identify and fix problems than with backmount. Success depends on these drills being second nature.
Sidemount diving is more than a gear configuration; for those who master it, it becomes a complete philosophy of underwater efficiency, comfort, and safety. Originally developed by UK sump cavers who needed to push through tight, flooded passages, the system has evolved into a mainstream preference for technical and recreational divers alike.
Achieving proficiency requires moving beyond just "clipping tanks on" and mastering the specific that separate expert sidemount divers from the rest. 1. Master Your Equipment Configuration
Choice depends on the environment. Aluminium 80s (11L) are standard for wetsuits/freshwater due to their neutral-to-positive buoyancy as they empty. Heavier steel tanks (12L) are often preferred for drysuit diving in saltwater to offset the suit’s loft. 2. Achieve Near-Perfect Stability and Trim
Ideally, use left- and right-handed modular valves. This "mirrored" setup allows valve handles to face outward and regulator first stages to face inward, protecting them from impact and streamlining hose routing.
Sidemount Principles For Success Verified ((free)) | Edge |
In sidemount, your valves and regulators are directly in front of you, making it easier to identify and fix problems than with backmount. Success depends on these drills being second nature.
Sidemount diving is more than a gear configuration; for those who master it, it becomes a complete philosophy of underwater efficiency, comfort, and safety. Originally developed by UK sump cavers who needed to push through tight, flooded passages, the system has evolved into a mainstream preference for technical and recreational divers alike. sidemount principles for success verified
Achieving proficiency requires moving beyond just "clipping tanks on" and mastering the specific that separate expert sidemount divers from the rest. 1. Master Your Equipment Configuration In sidemount, your valves and regulators are directly
Choice depends on the environment. Aluminium 80s (11L) are standard for wetsuits/freshwater due to their neutral-to-positive buoyancy as they empty. Heavier steel tanks (12L) are often preferred for drysuit diving in saltwater to offset the suit’s loft. 2. Achieve Near-Perfect Stability and Trim Originally developed by UK sump cavers who needed
Ideally, use left- and right-handed modular valves. This "mirrored" setup allows valve handles to face outward and regulator first stages to face inward, protecting them from impact and streamlining hose routing.