Sidemount training????

[Ulfhedinn]

@webdivebc
The essentials of SideMount class I took with UTD was invaluable. The UTD class is not only based on UTD/GUE/DIR/Hogarthian principles but I found the z-side mount system to be scalable from single tank to double tank to tech diving a really easy step. I also found it to be absolutely compatible with back mount and most importantly I am consistent with my dive buddies who have taken DIR based back mount classes such as fundamentals. We are a seamless team, although be it mixed. I found the crossover to sidemount enlightning to say the least. What I found unique about the UTD side mount class is that you not only learn buoyancy, trim, propulsion aka the almighty back kicks and frogs, basic 6, s-drills, valve drills, failures, smb deploy, ascent drills, and rescue skills while using the Z-system but we learned the benefits of side mount when doing entries and exists when shore diving. Here in California we sometimes have huge surf and side mount is absolutely the safest way to do an entry. The tanks are not on your back and if you go down no big deal.


Anyways, I felt that the team based diving was a real upgrade from PADI <every knows what everyone else is doing> and throw in the rockbottom gas managment and Min Deco... well that was just the cherry on top.


Here is the link.


Side Mount Classes - Unified Team Diving

---------- Post added April 30th, 2013 at 08:37 AM ----------

I forgot to mention versatility with the side mount setup. If I had to ride on an inflatable or RIB to a dive site the side mount makes it so much easier. Tanks on the floor till we get to the site. Already wearing the Z setup. Put your cylinders in the drink... then you get in. Hook up and away you go... same for kayak diving.

 

[GrimSleeper]

Self-taught, and hopefully I don't look like B or D in the water... As Andy says, if you're experienced in backmount technical diving there isn't much new about open water sidemounting, and it didn't take me more than a couple of dives to be happy with the basics. I'm not sure what I'd gain from a course as a diver.

I'd take a formal sidemount course before presuming to teach it, though, if only for the sake of having someone critique what I'm doing before I tell other people how to do it. And maybe steal a few handy teaching tricks at the same time...

 

[ColdH2O]

Dave, I talked to that guy from Vancouver who is a SM instructor and he said he would come over and do a course for as little as 2 people, so if you or anyone else is interested let me know.

 

[wedivebc]

Dave, I talked to that guy from Vancouver who is a SM instructor and he said he would come over and do a course for as little as 2 people, so if you or anyone else is interested let me know.

Hey Darren I won't be taking a sidemount class. I am pretty much exclusively a CCR guy. Thanks for thinking of me though
I posted this thread on behalf of a friend who asked me these questions

 

[ColdH2O]

Hey Darren I won't be taking a sidemount class. I am pretty much exclusively a CCR guy. Thanks for thinking of me though
I posted this thread on behalf of a friend who asked me these questions

No problem, if he is interested let me know.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Hey Darren I won't be taking a sidemount class. I am pretty much exclusively a CCR guy. Thanks for thinking of me though
I posted this thread on behalf of a friend who asked me these questions

Just because you're CCR doesn't mean you can't be sidemount. I sidemount my bailout when on CCR.

 

[wedivebc]

Just because you're CCR doesn't mean you can't be sidemount. I sidemount my bailout when on CCR.

Yeah so do I

 

[ianr33]

Just because you're CCR doesn't mean you can't be sidemount. I sidemount my bailout when on CCR.

I thought real men put the rebreather on the side ?

 

[Dive-aholic]

It's all about the right tool for the right job. Here's a pic of me in my sidemount rebreather.



Here's a profile shot.

 

[gekodivebali]

What's with the bubbling?