Sidemount Diving

Frequently Asked Questions.

Thinking about diving sidemount?

There are several reasons why you might want to try sidemount diving:

  1. Increased flexibility: With sidemount diving, you have more flexibility in terms of tank placement, which can make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces or when diving through wrecks or caves.

  2. Improved streamlining: Sidemount diving can improve your streamlining in the water, as the tanks are placed alongside your body rather than on your back. This can reduce drag and improve your overall hydrodynamics.

  3. Enhanced safety: Sidemount diving can be safer than traditional back-mounted diving in some situations, such as when diving in overhead environments or when using decompression gases. With sidemount diving, you have easier access to your tanks, which can be crucial in emergency situations.

  4. More comfortable: Some divers find sidemount diving to be more comfortable than traditional back-mounted diving, as the weight of the tanks is distributed more evenly across the body. This can reduce strain on the back and shoulders and allow for longer and more enjoyable dives.

Overall, sidemount diving can be a great option for divers looking to improve their flexibility, safety, and comfort in the water. If you're interested in trying it out, consider taking a sidemount diving course with a certified instructor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use my existing BCD or Backplate and Wing?

No, probably not. There are a few hybrid systems on the market, however as with most multi use tools, hybrid systems tend to be less than perfect for either purpose. Here at AquaSub, we are BIG fans of the X-Deep Stealth sidemount harnesses. The Stealth is rugged and offers all the features that sidemount divers might need in one single, one-size-fits-all harness, They also come in a variety of stock and customized colours. It is important to use the right tool for the job and starting off right makes learning that much easier.

Can I use my existing regulator set?

Possibly yes, but for tradional sidemount we use two independant cylinders. This gives us both redundancy and balance.