The Chairman
Chairman of the Board
Obviously, many of us have issues with back mount.I have to say, if something is not broken, why try to fix it?
Then... don't side mount! It's just that easy. It's a personal choice to go one way or the other. I have had a lot of fun side mounting and it's easier to get double the air in remote locations without having to lug manifolds and bands. Also, I don't need to rely on my buddy to tell me that there's a leak: it's right in front of me and even Captain Obvious would be able to figure it out. Unlike back mount, if I have to share air, we can actually switch tanks mid dive. Most of the problems I have encountered have been trying to incorporate back mount procedures into a side mount environment. I am finding that it's just best to rethink the whole process and come up with solutions that are unique to side mount.I don't see any negative issues with back mount...
I love the diversity we have in diving. I think it makes all of us think and rethink how we do things. Is this really a problem or simply a blessing? I think the latter.