Ever puzzled why sidemount diving has gained a lot recognition? You’re not alone.
At first sight, diving with cylinders on both aspect of your physique appears to be like like numerous effort. In spite of everything, diving with only one tank is hard on the starting! But as soon as divers welcome a second tank into their world, few flip again.
In actual fact, sidemount diving unlocks a spread of advantages for scuba divers in contrast with backmount diving. These embody enhanced consolation, elevated air provide, and entry to smaller areas – simply to call just a few!
? We don’t blame you. Right here, we’ll run via what sidemount diving is and the wonderful advantages it affords, in addition to providing you with some tips about one of the best sidemount harnesses for ladies.
What’s sidemount diving?
Sidemount diving differs from backmount diving when it comes to how the tanks are organized, typically known as ‘tank configuration’.
In contrast to common diving, sidemount diving entails tanks organized in conjunction with the diver. That is completely different to scuba diving with a twinset – this additionally entails two tanks, however each are positioned on the diver’s again.
Most frequently, sidemount diving is completed with two cylinders. Nevertheless, it’s attainable to dive in a sidemount configuration with one, three, or extra tanks.
Sidemount diving originated in caves, nevertheless it’s turn into extra widespread in different forms of technical diving, too. In actual fact, in recent times, it’s gained traction amongst leisure divers from world wide. However why is that this?
1. Sidemount diving affords a streamlined profile
That is the primary cause why sidemount diving initially took off. Cave divers found that once you place your tanks at your aspect, relatively than in your again, you have got a smaller profile.
Moreover, with a sidemount configuration, it’s simple to launch the underside a part of a tank and maintain it out in entrance of you. This reduces your profile much more, so it’s a really useful approach if you happen to’re exploring small areas.
As an added bonus, by decreasing your profile you additionally scale back your drag within the water. For some folks, this makes shifting via the water noticeably simpler.
2. Sidemount offers you an elevated gasoline provide
Isn’t it a ache once you run out of gasoline however know you have got loads of dive time left inside your security limits? With two tanks, you’ll be able to really take advantage of out of your backside time.
That is significantly helpful for divers who use nitrox (additionally known as enriched air) to increase their backside time. Even in areas with out entry to nitrox, a larger air provide will be helpful – particularly if you happen to’ll be spending a lot of time in shallow water.
This may be particularly helpful for sure forms of diving, akin to analysis, underwater images, or videography.
3. You could have your personal redundant air supply
One other benefit of sidemount diving with two or extra cylinders is that you’ve a number of, impartial gasoline provides. Because of this when you have points with one, you’ll be able to swap to a different.
Plus, even with one cylinder, diving in sidemount configuration may also help you to downside resolve. It’s because your tank is near you, which makes it simple to examine it and make any needed changes.
4. Sidemount diving is comfy
Consolation is the primary cause why sidemount diving is on the rise amongst leisure divers. Many divers, significantly these with again points, get pleasure from sidemount diving because it reduces the strain on their backs while underwater.
Plus, when sidemount diving it’s attainable to enter the water with out cylinders and connect them on the floor. That is depending on the circumstances and help accessible. Mounting cylinders within the water reduces the period of time divers spend carrying heavy tanks on land.
On high of that, the versatile nature of sidemount programs signifies that gear will be adjusted to go well with particular person physique sorts, which may increase consolation ranges.
Nevertheless, it may possibly take numerous adjusting for sure physique sorts. As they’re designed to be customised, harnesses are usually on the larger aspect, so smaller folks might have numerous adjustments. We’ve obtained a information for that, although!
Lastly, once you dive with a number of tanks, the load of the cylinders offsets among the weights it is advisable carry in the course of the dive. Carrying much less weights on a weight belt may also help to cut back again pressure.
Should you’re diving with aluminium cylinders, although, be sure that to do a weight examine with empty tanks first. You don’t wish to end up drifting upwards on the finish of your dive!
5. It affords larger freedom of motion
Tanks positioned on the diver’s sides typically hinder motion lower than back-mounted tanks. This affords divers larger freedom and suppleness underwater. You’ll discover you have got rather more vary of motion, significantly with the ability to transfer your arms and shoulders.
6. Sidemount configuration will be extra handy
Sidemount harnesses are usually lighter and extra compact than back-mounted choices, to allow them to be extra handy for travelling. Nevertheless, bear in mind you’ll need to let your dive centre know forward of time as you’ll want double the cylinders and maybe some further assist gearing up. Discovering a dive operator who caters to tech divers may also help with this.
Sidemount harnesses are additionally extremely customizable, so you’ll be able to place your equipment precisely the place you need them. That is extraordinarily handy if you happen to’ll be diving with a lot of gear you want quick access to – akin to a digital camera, torch, or instructing supplies.
Lastly, in contrast to twinsets, sidemount diving entails common tanks that you just’ll discover at dive shops all around the world, making it a handy choice on the subject of renting gear.
Disadvantages of Sidemount Diving
Regardless of having clear benefits, there are just a few drawbacks of sidemount diving, too.
Gasoline Administration
Firstly, managing your gasoline is barely extra difficult than common diving as a result of you have got two air provides to watch. You additionally must know the right way to swap between them safely, and to handle the gasoline use to take care of good buoyancy. Don’t fear although – gasoline administration is a ability that you just’ll be taught all about on any sidemount course.
Travelling With Gear
Though the harness would possibly avoid wasting house in your dive baggage in comparison with a BCD, if you happen to’re utilizing a couple of cylinder you’ll want a number of units of regulators. It will quickly add to your weight restrict. Moreover, not all dive outlets could have the gear you’ll want. This implies you’ll have to hold your regs and harness with you, which could be a ache if you wish to journey mild.
Gear Prices
Specialised gear isn’t low cost. Should you’re severe about sidemount diving, you’ll need to shell out for a brand new harness and second set of regulators. Shopping for two regulator first phases positively provides up!
Selecting equipment can also be extra of a problem on the subject of one thing so specialised. The most effective strategy is to talk to an teacher, and doubtlessly attempt completely different sidemount rigs if attainable. Nevertheless, to provide you a serving to hand, we’ve highlighted some well-liked sidemount harnesses right here!
Common Sidemount Harnesses for Girls
As all the time with gear suggestions, we checked our Women that Scuba (and on this case, Women that Tech Dive) communities to see what persons are diving with and loving. The harness you select will rely upon quite a few elements – carry capability wanted, whether or not you’re diving moist or dry, what number of cylinders you’ll be carrying, whether or not you’re doing leisure or technical sidemount, amongst others.
Listed here are among the most really helpful sidemount harnesses for ladies:
Be a part of us in Women that Tech Dive to ask questions and get recommendation on constructing your excellent sidemount setup.
Have you ever tried sidemount diving but? Share this with a buddy you’d like to take the course with!
Concerning the Creator
Rose has spent the previous couple of years dwelling in Europe, the Seychelles and Kenya, working as a dive teacher, author and conservationist. She’s again within the UK in the intervening time and is slowly acclimatising to cooler waters!
