"Sidemount with a single cylinder is possible..?"   Back to Courses 

Why do this course..?

Take a look at a 5min promotional video about this course (click here), also found in Photos-Videos section.

By now I am sure you will have read my page "Why Sidemount" if not please read this now (see here) then continue reading through the course pages. The single cylinder course is designed to make recreational scuba diving easier in many ways:

• Having the cylinder at your side enables betters trim and buoyancy control.
• Now means easy access to cylinder should a problem arise.
• Your cylinder is put on and taken off in water so no more straining your back and body.
• Enables your cylinder to be removed and replaced underwater during more advanced forms of diving like wreck penetration.

Currently you need to be certified as an Advanced Open Water diver to take the specialty course however this will change in the near future and I suspect early in 2010 you will see dives learning to dive in sidemount configuration from the start, it is no real secret that PADI themselves are looking into this in great detail. I communicate with PADI frequently regarding sidemount diving so any information you would like to know please contact me.

What will we do..? 

Course duration (2 days with 3 dives minimum)

• Day 1 - Classroom theory, equipment workshop and skills training dive
• Day 2 - Open water dive (2 dives)

During the classroom theory I will go through my powerpoint presentation, do not worry this won't be a boring classroom in fact I will show you video clips of the skills you will be learning and all the cool things you can do once your certified. From there we "get hand on" with sidemount equipment during the workshop and for the 2nd part of the day it is spent "getting wet" and learning new skills. Day 2 is putting all the skills learned into practice and enjoying diving whilst in sidemount configuration.

The best way to discuss what is done in detail during the course is to call me either via skype or mobile please visit my contact page for my details. 

What do I need to start..?

You need to be; PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent rating) and at least 18 years old with 10 logged dives (to start course).

What equipment do I require..?

What can I do once certified and what to try next..?

Since you have read the "Why Sidemount" page you know that as long as you show your diving buddy the difference in your configuration to there's during your buddy check, then you can use this configuration during all of your future dives and possibly on your future specialty courses, as it the future instructor discretion to allow sidemount as they may not have even tried it themselves yet. All specialty courses you want to do with me can be done whilst wearing sidemount once you have done the initial sidemount course(s). This also includes learning to technical dive whilst wearing sidemount once you have completed the single and twin cylinder course more information (found here)

Once you become comfortable diving with one cylinder sidemount, then you can try diving with twin or dual cylinders. Carrying a twinset is too heavy for most people as the cylinders are strapped together and this makes them too heavy for carrying to water or even standing up sometimes, as these cylinders will be separate from each other you can carry them down to the water or have them passed from a boat to you whilst you are in the water, this way it is nearly as easy as diving with one cylinder. More information can be found on the (single and twin cylinder course page).