"Training that will forever change the way you dive"  PADI Courses Chart - GSM Courses Chart

Sidemount Essentials is a unique and custom specialty that I have constantly developed over the last 3 years.

The training is based around the following structure...

• First - Diver develops the essential skills (which every diver needs)
• Second - Diver needs a truly balanced equipment configuration (sidemount only give this)
• Third - Diver needs cutting edge training course (backed by years of experience)
• Fourth - Diver is capable of deciding what's next (now experienced & ready)
• Fifth - Diver is able to learn advanced/technical levels (correctly due to foundation training)
• Sixth - Diver gets the return they expected!! (for the money & time they invested)

This concept is what I am 100% behind. That is why there are no short cuts in learning to sidemount with myself, the training you will get will not leave you thinking of going back into a backmounted (twinset). If it does then I would look at giving you your money back (seriously)!!

You getting the right sidemount training course and instructor will make all the difference... You would not believe the amount of emails I am starting to get from newly certified sidemount divers who are complaining that sidemount is not working for them and they did not get what they have seen in my YouTube videos. My short reply to those emails is... So sorry to hear that and lets skype or pick up the phone and call me, this way I can easily explain why this happened to you and ways to remedy it; usually the equipment selection, the amount of time spent learning and the instructors knowledge/skill level is questionable.

If you are looking for sidemount training then please save yourself this problem, contact me before you learn (it will cost you nothing). I will happily give anyone 15-30 minutes of my time and if you still train with someone other than me after are call, don't worry I will not hold that against you.

Detailed course information is below...

Training Conditions;

• Upon booking confirmation you will receive my latest pre-study documents and training videos
• All divers must use approved training equipment (listed below)
• Training must take place over a minimum of 3 full days (recommend 4 days)
• This training course will not be the cheapest out there, for good reason (pricelist see below)
• If you have a sidemount certification and want to improve (contact me for options)

Approved training equipment;

• Sidemount Harness and BCD = Razor Side Mount System (currently no other exceptions)
• Sidemount Regulators = Apeks Sidemount Package (or any Bogarthian approved system)
• Sidemount Cylinders & Hardware = complete list sent out (once contact is made)

Firstly you do not need to go out and buy equipment, if fact I recommend against it. Unless you have taken a training course and you know sidemount is the way you want to head why invest so much in equipment..? How about instead pay more for your training and then make an informed decision on equipment selection (thus saving you time & money in the long run).

All equipment will be provided for you during training. With the only exception being cylinders and weights depending on your location. You will need to use cylinders with modular valves including extension posts (more details can be sent). If you want to know why I am so strict on equipment selection, please make that skype call to me and I will be happy to explain... 

Some benefits for the recreational diver;

• Diver will develop the essential skills set...
• This course is alot more than just "intro to technical diving"
• Easier than learning to dive with a backmounted twinset
• Course stays within recreational diving limits (increases safety)

Some divers have a fairly low level of diving experience, most of the time they will benefit from learning the essential skills in equipment they are familiar with first, before they try and do this at the same time as learning sidemount.

Best thing to do is contact me and we can talk through your diving experience and together make suggestions on your best way forward.

Some benefits for the technical diver;

• Enables access to dive sites that taking a backmounted twinset is either difficult or impossible.
• Your cylinders are put on and taken off in water so no more straining your back and body.
• A system that offers a "true" redundant and independent air source (without carrying additional cylinders).
• Having the cylinders at your side enables better trim and buoyancy control (than with a twinset).
• Have easy access to your cylinder valves should a problem arise (fixes the can not reach behind the head twinset problem).
• Same equipment is used during more advanced technical training e.g. "wreck penetration" and cave diving in "restrictions".
• Having this specialty enables you to take further training using sidemount equipment during any PADI TecRec technical courses.

What will we do..?

There will be; theory, equipment workshops, surface land drills, training dives and open water dives. All will include detailed feedback and video debriefing sessions.

• Cylinder Setup Workshop
• Regulator Setup Workshop
• Sidemount System Workshop
• Accessories Workshop
• Surface Land Drills
  • Propulsion Techniques Workshop
  • Review and Practice Valve Shutdown Procedures
  • Review and Practice Gas Sharing Protocols

Suggested schedule; 

• Day 1 - Equipment workshops & skills training dive 1. 
• Day 2 - Complete theory, surface land drills & skills training dives 2 & 3.
• Day 3 - Open water dives 1 & 2 (including video debriefing)
• Day 4 - Recommended (optional based on performance of all divers, required in cold water)

Please note: On a 3 day schedule you will start at 8am until approx 6pm (9 hours training with 1 hours break), with a 4 day schedule you can have a more relaxed time frame and start at 9am until 4pm (7 hours with 1 hour break). Another option (working week schedule) is to conduct training over consecutive weekends (Sat, Sun then following Sat, Sun). The schedule can be customised before each course start, all courses are performance based and not based on time.

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 25 logged dives (minimum). Upon completion of course you will receive a distinctive specialty certification called Sidemount Essentials. 

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