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What is Sidemount?Diving in a sidemount configuration is the process of taking one or two cylinders and placing them on either side of your body, rather than mounting them on your back.
Why use sidemount equipment configuration?
A sidemount equipment configuration enables a unique method of buoyancy control which results in a more streamlined profile, reducing drag making kicking and moving through the water easier and more efficient.
Sidemount equipment and harness are custom fit to each individual, accommodating divers of all shapes and sizes. Most importantly, side mount can be used for all recreational, reef, wreck, and wall dives. Interested in technical diving? No need to purchase another set of cylinders just to double up. Sidemount is the lighter way to technical dive. Sidemount is easier on the back: divers carry the cylinder(s) separate from your harness to the water. Cylinders and weights are then mounted and attached in the water, making the entries and exits to dive sites much easier.
The purpose of the PADI Sidemount Diver specialty course is to familiarize divers with the skills, knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, hazards and enjoyment of diving in double cylinders properly configured for open water side mount diving.
This Specialty course certification also counts as one of five Specialty certifications required for Master Scuba Diver certification. Take the Master Scuba Diver Challenge!
Prerequisites:
• PADI Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age is 15 years old
Course Materials:
• Sidemount & Tec Sidemount Diver Manual
(Before class, you'll read Section One and complete the Knowledge Review)
Gear Requirements:
• All personal standard diving equipment including mask, boots, fins
• Two independent cylinders (65 cu.ft. or larger)
• Exposure suit (including hood and gloves)
• Weight system
• Two first stage regulators with a second stage (one with a seven foot hose for air sharing),
pressure gauge, low pressure inflator hose
• BCD properly configured for open water side mount diving with a low-pressure inflator
• Complete instrumentation, including a means to monitor depth, time and direction
• Recreational Dive Planner (table or eRDP/eRDPml) or dive computer
• Diving tool or knife capable of cutting line
• Slate with pencil
• Whistle or other surface signaling device
• Log book
• Dive light (recommended)
This course can be scheduled on request... and at different destinations. Contact us if interested and we can work out a schedule that works for you.
Cost: $200 (if student owns needed gear) / $325 (with loaner gear for the class)
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2200 East McCarty Street, Jefferson City, MO, United States
