It was recommended to learn backmount before going to sidemount. I realize everyone has their own view and I do not think its "wrong" but I am wondering if anyone can shed some light on why that may be the case.
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To make it clear, are you talking about BM doubles or just general single tank backmount?
I did several manifold double backmount dives with an instructor and then went and did a sidemount class with different instructor. Having expirienced both, I chose sidemount. Boat exits and entires in sidemount were more difficult for me than exits and entries were for my classmates who were diving manifold doubles - the crew showed no interest on me clipping out of my tanks in the water and handing them up. This is just one example of a potential difference between the two....there are others so it seems to me there is value in expiriencing both before just up and deciding on sidemount. Just my 2 PSI.
Does the person who suggest this dive BM or SM primarily? Does this person even dive SM?
The question really has two, somewhat different, potential directions: 1) why would leaning BM first be better than learning SM first, and 2) why would someone recommed BM first over SM first.It was recommended to learn backmount before going to sidemount. I realize everyone has their own view and I do not think its "wrong" but I am wondering if anyone can shed some light on why that may be the case.