Hi all,
I am currently entertaining the idea of getting my sidemount certification, and I had a few questions for the experienced SM divers out there:
1.) How much of a difference does it make with back strain? I am 31 years old, 5"9" 135 lbs -- however I had a tumor removed from L3 about 15 years ago. While it doesn't hinder my current activities (including diving) I am somewhat apprehensive about strapping a twinset onto my back. I am always conscious of the weight that I load onto my back and HP100 (x2) just seems like a bad idea. With a single HP100 it takes some careful body control to "stand up" without straining myself.....I dive off of my own boat frequently so the idea of being helped over the gunnel is a turn-off to me.
2.) Is the extra cost worth it? I am looking at purchasing a SM-dedicated BCD (figure $1,000.00) in addition to a SM-oriented "pair" of regulators (figure $1,300.00) and this would be slinging two AL80s which I already own. I foresee myself purchasing HP100s almost immediately after the course (another $800.00) and then, if I have 200cf of 'back'gas on a single dive, I'm going to need a deco bottle (prob another $700.00 with regulator) ---- this is a huge cost and I am wondering if the tradeoff benefit is worth the extra expense.
3.) Have any of you gone this route and regretted it? Should I try my luck with BM twinset first? Am I overthinking it?
A little bit of background, if it makes a difference: I have been snorkeling since I could walk, I have been freediving for a decade & I have been SCUBA certified since 2017 (despite doing a number of dives with my family prior to certification.) I am currently Rescue Diver certified and working on my DM - and I work at a LDS. I have no plans to stop diving any time soon, and an IDC is in my near future (if the relationship with LDS continues as-is.) I am extremely comfortable in the water but at this time, I have no desire to pursue cave diving. I like wrecks but have only dabbled in actual penetration.
So for the veteran SM guys/gals....what say you? Run with it & see if its for me? Focus my finances and energy elsewhere? Open to all suggestions.
I am currently entertaining the idea of getting my sidemount certification, and I had a few questions for the experienced SM divers out there:
1.) How much of a difference does it make with back strain? I am 31 years old, 5"9" 135 lbs -- however I had a tumor removed from L3 about 15 years ago. While it doesn't hinder my current activities (including diving) I am somewhat apprehensive about strapping a twinset onto my back. I am always conscious of the weight that I load onto my back and HP100 (x2) just seems like a bad idea. With a single HP100 it takes some careful body control to "stand up" without straining myself.....I dive off of my own boat frequently so the idea of being helped over the gunnel is a turn-off to me.
2.) Is the extra cost worth it? I am looking at purchasing a SM-dedicated BCD (figure $1,000.00) in addition to a SM-oriented "pair" of regulators (figure $1,300.00) and this would be slinging two AL80s which I already own. I foresee myself purchasing HP100s almost immediately after the course (another $800.00) and then, if I have 200cf of 'back'gas on a single dive, I'm going to need a deco bottle (prob another $700.00 with regulator) ---- this is a huge cost and I am wondering if the tradeoff benefit is worth the extra expense.
3.) Have any of you gone this route and regretted it? Should I try my luck with BM twinset first? Am I overthinking it?
A little bit of background, if it makes a difference: I have been snorkeling since I could walk, I have been freediving for a decade & I have been SCUBA certified since 2017 (despite doing a number of dives with my family prior to certification.) I am currently Rescue Diver certified and working on my DM - and I work at a LDS. I have no plans to stop diving any time soon, and an IDC is in my near future (if the relationship with LDS continues as-is.) I am extremely comfortable in the water but at this time, I have no desire to pursue cave diving. I like wrecks but have only dabbled in actual penetration.
So for the veteran SM guys/gals....what say you? Run with it & see if its for me? Focus my finances and energy elsewhere? Open to all suggestions.