formula1mb@aol.com
Contributor
Recently I've really been interested in sidemount diving and experienced enough now where I would like to learn it. I have most of the equipment already, an Oxycheq Recon bcd, a couple of hp 100, 120, and 130 tanks but my question is, would you recommend paying for a class or is it simple enough to teach yourself? It seems fairly simple but wondering if a class is worth it to save time and avoid the trial and error. Plus if a class is needed, what's a good local one, how much does it cost and how long does it take?
About me a little btw, I'm an advanced level NAUI diver, plus I have my rescue diver and Nitrox certification and looking ahead at the next potential step. Before any asks, here are my reasons for wanting to learn sidemount versus standard backmounted doubles:
1) Down the line, I'd like to get into more tech diving and this would give me a lot more flexibility. I don't have to manifold my tanks and dedicate them to tech diving, I can still use my tanks for simple recreational type dives. Plus if I travel, it's less equipment to take and I can easily use rental tanks.
2) I've started diving from my kayak and with sidemount, it would make the logistics easier. For example, I can wear my bc and only put on my tanks right before diving. That would also make much better use of the limited room since I only have to strap down my tanks and not deal with where to put the bulky bc.
Final question too, how does rec diving with sidemount work, anyone have experience? I know some people dive with only a single tank and could see real advantages, esp for saving on nitrox costs with a big tank. That way if I take the kayak out, I can only get one nitrox fill in the big tank for the same price and use it for two, maybe three dives. I would most likely still bring a 30-40 pony bottle but I'd plan to use only the big tank for the dive.
Thanks for any feedback and perhaps if anyone is local in the orange county, los angeles area and wouldn't mind teaching, let me know.
Robert
About me a little btw, I'm an advanced level NAUI diver, plus I have my rescue diver and Nitrox certification and looking ahead at the next potential step. Before any asks, here are my reasons for wanting to learn sidemount versus standard backmounted doubles:
1) Down the line, I'd like to get into more tech diving and this would give me a lot more flexibility. I don't have to manifold my tanks and dedicate them to tech diving, I can still use my tanks for simple recreational type dives. Plus if I travel, it's less equipment to take and I can easily use rental tanks.
2) I've started diving from my kayak and with sidemount, it would make the logistics easier. For example, I can wear my bc and only put on my tanks right before diving. That would also make much better use of the limited room since I only have to strap down my tanks and not deal with where to put the bulky bc.
Final question too, how does rec diving with sidemount work, anyone have experience? I know some people dive with only a single tank and could see real advantages, esp for saving on nitrox costs with a big tank. That way if I take the kayak out, I can only get one nitrox fill in the big tank for the same price and use it for two, maybe three dives. I would most likely still bring a 30-40 pony bottle but I'd plan to use only the big tank for the dive.
Thanks for any feedback and perhaps if anyone is local in the orange county, los angeles area and wouldn't mind teaching, let me know.
Robert