Sunday, February 05, 2012
Login  |  Register
 
 
 
You are here :: Equipment » Equipment (Tips and Tricks)
 
What's New Section  
** All major website changes will be shown in this section, provides easy reference for returning website viewers.

"Keep up-to-date on website changes" (find this section in left menu bar)

New Articles Section (click here)New Articles Section - added to the website!! (see here) - Feb 2012

Steve Martin - appears in January's edition of Sport Diver Magazine - Jan 2012

Updated Pricelist - for pricing & booking enquiries (check here) - Jan 2012

Major Update to Equipment Page - Multi-Use Vs Sidemount "Only" Systems (visit it here) - Nov 2011

Click here for more information...Official Release of the Apeks Sidemount Regulator Package - (visit it here) - October 2011

New Section "I Got Razorized" - added to the website!! (visit it here) - August 2011

New Testimonials - Aaron, Chris & Will share their thoughts (see here) - July 2011

New Photos - Tec Diving Course with the (Razor Side Mount System) - June 2011


 
Quick Menu Bar  
 
Calendar & Links  
 
Latest Videos (for more see the Photos - Videos section)  
Melanie Kriese goes Side Mount with Steve Martin, video shot on a GoPro HD Hero camera with a eye of mine underwater housing. Edited by Steve Martin from www.sidemountscubadiving.com
Part 1 in a series of videos intended to show the benefits of diving in sidemount. Video is shot using the latest Go Pro HD Hero cameras.
Part 2 in a series of videos intended to show the benefits of diving in sidemount. Let me know your suggestions for part 4, part 3 is under way. Video is shot using the latest Go Pro HD Hero cameras.
Sidemount is by far the best configuration to use for developing every divers essential skill set. This video highlights what is covered with the side mount essentials training. There is a PADI and PADI TecRec option for divers wanting certification and a non-certification option for experienced divers.
You Need to Upgrade Your Flash Player
You Need to Upgrade Your Flash Player
You Need to Upgrade Your Flash Player
You Need to Upgrade Your Flash Player

 
Join the Facebook Fan Page - keep updated on sidemount diving news...  
 
 
 
Join the "I Got Razorized" Section... (NEW - Razor Side Mount System)  
Steve Martin - Razor Side Mount System
Aaron Wootton - Razor Side Mount System
Damien Hespe - Razor Side Mount System
Dean Martin - Apeks - Razor Side Mount System
Garry Dallas - Razor Side Mount System
Greg Jagielski - Razor Side Mount System
Matt Jevon - Razor Side Mount System
Nathan Millen - Razor Side Mount System
Andrzej Bacinski - Razor Side Mount System
Peter Greenwell - Apeks - Razor Side Mount System
Chris Elson - Razor Side Mount System
Howard Payne - Razor Side Mount System
Jim Standing (Fourth Element) - Razor Side Mount System
Matt Armstrong (Apeks) - Razor Side Mount System
Nick Kaayk - Razor Side Mount System
Ryan Hoole (Apeks) - Razor Side Mount System
Tony Cooper - Razor Side Mount System
Wayne Quinlivan-Smith - Razor Side Mount System
Will Smith - Razor Side Mount System
Darren and Katy Get Razorized (Razor Side Mount System)
Tomasz Jezewski - Razor Side Mount System
Michal Dmochowski - Razor Side Mount System
Sebastian Dlugi - Razor Side Mount System
Shane Gosselink - I got Razorized with the Razor Side Mount System
Steven Kee - I got Razorized with the Razor Side Mount System
Peter Murray - I got Razorized
Melanie Kriese - I Got Razorized
Melanie Kriese - I Got Razorized
Craig Little - I got Razorized
Mick Wheatley - I got Razorized
Lewis Jones - I got Razorized

 
Latest News...  
Good quality training will cost more than the others...
After years of testing different drysuits, regualtors, cylinder configurations and sidemount systems - I have finally found the right balance for cold water diving...
Sidemount allows easy exits onto the boat
Sidemount allows easy entry off a boat
Exiting with full tec gear can be a real problem, not in sidemount
Steve Martin and the Razor Side Mount System at TEKCamp 2011
Steve Martin fitting Matt from Apeks with a Razor Side Mount System
Get video feedback in HD with me during your training. I use the latest Go Pro HD Hero Camera.
Twinsets are being phased out, what are you waiting for Go Side Mount...
Diving Side Mount is more than just hanging cylinders at your side!!
Instructors skill demonstrations are more important than most people think...
Selecting an instructor with the right experience and reputation is one thing. The other should be they constantly use the latest equipment and technology to maximise “your training” experience!!
Steve Martin - Testing a Go Pro HD helmet mounted with "Eye of Mine" Underwater Housing. This will be used during all sidemount training courses, full review coming soon...
If you have equipment you would like me to test and review, then please contact me...
Is your Side Mount regualtor configuration as clean as this..?

 
Setting up of the "New" Razor Side Mount System (Steve Martin)  
 
Promotional Material and Setups (click on photos for full size images)  
You don't have to buy a set of twinset valves with isolator, dive shops should sell a left and right handed valve with blanking plugs (separately). Just make sure they are 232 BAR valves and have long enough extension posts "this makes cylinders easy to carry and is needed for the sidemount bungee to go around"
Razor Sidemount Systems
Steve Martin - offers worldwide sidemount training
Contact me to find out why, split fins are not suitable for advanced finning techniques and diving in sidemount "unless you have an injury that means you require them"
Contact me to find out why you need handed regualtors and information on why its important to setup stage cylinders correctly...
Out with Old and in with the New Razor Harness!!
A sidemount BCD inflator hose should come from the left hip and the actual inflator unit should sit under the chin. For the drysuit a LP hose should feed directly from the right cylinder 5th port (if using a drysuit ;). Note: The hoses shown in picture are both 15cm, this works great, especially when partially removing cylinders. For me the 12.5cm will probably be better, this will give less bend and not be too short and pull the cylinders onto my chest.
After plenty of testing, most body sizes can use a 15cm hose from the 5th port. This centres both the bcd and drysuit inflator directly under the chin (should be as straighter shot as possible ;)
Steve Martin demonstrates finning techniques in a sidemount essentials buoyancy and trim workshop
Razor Side Mount System - We Got Razorized

 
General tips and advice...  
 
Steve Martin offers custom fitting of "Sidemount Only" Harnesses  
Steve Martin records a students measurements from a razor harness after a sidemount essentials course.
Both guys turned up for training with Nomad XT's and left with custom fit Razor Harnesses...

 
These are examples of "unsafe" and inefficient sidemount diving configurations "please get trained correctly"  
 
Sidemount your stages and bailout for (twinset or CCR's)  
 
Customised Dive Rite Nomad Exp (I no longer use multi-use systems for sidemount diving)  
 
Customised Hollis SMS 100 Sidemount Harness (I no longer use multi-use systems for sidemount diving)  
 
Customised Hollis SMS 100 and Razor Harness (52 lbs lift) - I no longer use multi-use systems for sidemount diving  
 
My "old" UK teaching setup prior to 2010 (I no longer use multi-use systems for sidemount diving)  
 
Dive Rite Nomad Expedition Harness/Rig with the Armadillo butt plate. Video shows incorrect trimming of sidemount cylinders, when using the "door handles" to mount the rear of the cylinder the base of the cylinder rides to high. After adjustment trim is corrected, note not using any attachments on the rear of the harness or butt plate.
Steve Martin, Sidemount (single cylinder) training course promotional video. Dives made using the Steve Bogaerts designed razor sidemount harness. Location Ponderosa, Mexico.
Want to know more about how your cylinders weight changes during a dive..? Video has information on what effects the weight change and has tests showing cylinders at different air pressures during dives in salt and fresh water. It displays whether they have Negative, Neutral or Positive Buoyancy.
Steve Martin, Sidemount (twin cylinder) training course promotional video. Dives made using the Steve Bogaerts designed razor sidemount harness. Location Ponderosa, Mexico.
Steve Bogaerts demonstrates some basic skills scuba diving in sidemount configuration while using his Razor Harness and BAT Wing.
Calendar shows where I will be and duration of my time there. If I am in your area and you want to join a course, contact me for locations. If you see any dates free and would like me to visit your dive centre or location, drop me an email with location, course interest and possible dates.
Sidemount is by far the best configuration to use for developing every divers essential skill set. This video highlights what is covered with the side mount essentials training. There is a PADI and PADI TecRec option for divers wanting certification and a non-certification option for experienced divers.
Please note: Single Cylinder (is no longer offered as a stand alone course). It will be included as a workshop with an "optional training dive" with all of the above courses.
You Need to Upgrade Your Flash Player
You Need to Upgrade Your Flash Player
You Need to Upgrade Your Flash Player
You Need to Upgrade Your Flash Player
You Need to Upgrade Your Flash Player
You Need to Upgrade Your Flash Player
You Need to Upgrade Your Flash Player
You Need to Upgrade Your Flash Player

"Click on the PADI Course your interested in for more details..."

PADI Sidemount Courses offered by Steve Martin  Sidemount Essentials PADI Sidemount Diver PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Tec Advanced Sidemount Wreck Diver Tailored Sidemount Training Sidemount Try Dive Essentials Training Sidemount Tec Trimix Course Sidemount Tec 65 Course Sidemount Tec 50 Course Sidemount Tec 45 Course Sidemount Tec 40 Course Sidemount Instructor Courses (All Levels)

"Click on Course your interested in for more details..."

Go Sidemount Courses offered by Steve Martin  Open Water
Scuba Certification Open Water
Essentials Diver Cavern
Diver Cavern
Diver Official Razor Instructors (Steve Martin's Profile) Basic Sidemount Open Water Diver Advanced Sidemount Open Water Diver Sidemount Specialties Stage Diver DPV Diver Multi Stage Diver Technical Diver (Level 1) Technical Diver (Level 2)


PADI Scuba Diving Training (website)  
  
 
This is my scuba diving training website. PADI Course Director Steve Martin offers PADI, EFR, DSAT Scuba Diving and First Aid Training including Instructor Development Courses, Technical Scuba Diver Courses and Dive Centre Development Worldwide.
 
New Photos & Videos  

 

 
Contact Me (email address below)  
 
 
I may be away from my computer for a few days, due to traveling around the country - if you would like prefer to call me I have a mobile (cell) number you can find details on my contact page (click here)
 
 
Equipment (main page) | Equipment (Tips and Tricks) | Apeks Sidemount Package | Multi-Use Sidemount Systems | Sidemount Only Systems | Razor Side Mount System (Steve Bogaerts)
Privacy Statement | Terms Of Use
 
Copyright 2010 by Sidemount Scuba Diving