Ever questioned why sidemount diving has gained a lot recognition? You’re not alone.
At first sight, diving with cylinders on both facet of your physique seems like quite a lot of 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.
The truth is, 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 by means of what sidemount diving is and the superb advantages it affords, in addition to providing you with some tips about one of the best sidemount harnesses for girls.
What’s sidemount diving?
Sidemount diving differs from backmount diving by way of how the tanks are organized, typically known as ‘tank configuration’.
Not like common diving, sidemount diving includes tanks organized in conjunction with the diver. That is completely different to scuba diving with a twinset – this additionally includes two tanks, however each are situated on the diver’s again.
Most frequently, sidemount diving is finished with two cylinders. Nevertheless, it’s potential to dive in a sidemount configuration with one, three, or extra tanks.
Sidemount diving originated in caves, however it’s change into extra widespread in different varieties of technical diving, too. The truth is, lately, it’s gained traction amongst leisure divers from all over the world. However why is that this?
1. Sidemount diving affords a streamlined profile
That is the primary motive why sidemount diving initially took off. Cave divers found that whenever you place your tanks at your facet, somewhat than in your again, you’ve 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 helpful approach should you’re exploring small areas.
As an added bonus, by decreasing your profile you additionally scale back your drag within the water. For some individuals, this makes shifting by means of the water noticeably simpler.
2. Sidemount offers you an elevated gasoline provide
Isn’t it a ache whenever you run out of gasoline however know you’ve got loads of dive time left inside your security limits? With two tanks, you may really take advantage of out of your backside time.
That is notably 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 better air provide might be helpful – particularly should you’ll be spending a lot of time in shallow water.
This may be particularly helpful for sure varieties of diving, resembling analysis, underwater pictures, or videography.
3. You have got your individual redundant air supply
One other benefit of sidemount diving with two or extra cylinders is that you’ve a number of, impartial gasoline provides. Which means that when you have points with one, you may change to a different.
Plus, even with one cylinder, diving in sidemount configuration may help you to downside resolve. It is because your tank is near you, which makes it simple to examine it and make any essential changes.
4. Sidemount diving is snug
Consolation is the primary motive why sidemount diving is on the rise amongst leisure divers. Many divers, notably 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 potential to enter the water with out cylinders and connect them on the floor. That is depending on the situations and help out there. Mounting cylinders within the water reduces the period of time divers spend carrying heavy tanks on land.
On prime of that, the versatile nature of sidemount methods signifies that gear might be adjusted to go well with particular person physique varieties, which may increase consolation ranges.
Nevertheless, it will possibly take quite a lot of adjusting for sure physique varieties. As they’re designed to be customised, harnesses are typically on the larger facet, so smaller individuals may have quite a lot of adjustments. We’ve obtained a information for that, although!
Lastly, whenever you dive with a number of tanks, the burden of the cylinders offsets a few of the weights it’s good to carry in the course of the dive. Carrying much less weights on a weight belt may help to scale back again pressure.
In the event you’re diving with aluminium cylinders, although, ensure that to do a weight verify with empty tanks first. You don’t wish to end up drifting upwards on the finish of your dive!
5. It affords better freedom of motion
Tanks positioned on the diver’s sides typically hinder motion lower than back-mounted tanks. This affords divers better freedom and suppleness underwater. You’ll discover you’ve got far more vary of motion, notably with the ability to transfer your arms and shoulders.
6. Sidemount configuration might be extra handy
Sidemount harnesses are typically 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 help with this.
Sidemount harnesses are additionally extremely customizable, so you may place your equipment precisely the place you need them. That is extraordinarily handy should you’ll be diving with a lot of gear you want easy accessibility to – resembling a digicam, torch, or instructing supplies.
Lastly, not like twinsets, sidemount diving includes common tanks that you simply’ll discover at dive shops everywhere in the world, making it a handy possibility 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.
Fuel Administration
Firstly, managing your gasoline is barely extra sophisticated than common diving as a result of you’ve got two air provides to watch. You additionally have to know easy methods to change between them safely, and to handle the gasoline use to take care of good buoyancy. Don’t fear although – gasoline administration is a talent that you simply’ll study all about on any sidemount course.
Travelling With Tools
Though the harness would possibly avoid wasting house in your dive baggage in comparison with a BCD, should you’re utilizing a couple of cylinder you’ll want a number of units of regulators. This may quickly add to your weight restrict. Moreover, not all dive retailers could have the gear you’ll want. This implies you’ll have to hold your regs and harness with you, which is likely to be a ache if you wish to journey gentle.
Gear Prices
Specialised gear isn’t low cost. In the event you’re critical 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 undoubtedly provides up!
Selecting package can also be extra of a problem on the subject of one thing so specialised. One of the best method is to talk to an teacher, and doubtlessly attempt completely different sidemount rigs if potential. Nevertheless, to provide you a serving to hand, we’ve highlighted some standard sidemount harnesses right here!
Widespread Sidemount Harnesses for Girls
As at all times with gear suggestions, we checked our Ladies that Scuba (and on this case, Ladies that Tech Dive) communities to see what individuals are diving with and loving. The harness you select will depend upon various elements – elevate 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 below are a few of the most beneficial sidemount harnesses for girls:
Be a part of us in Ladies 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!
In regards to the Creator
Rose has spent the previous few years residing in Europe, the Seychelles and Kenya, working as a dive teacher, author and conservationist. She’s again within the UK in the meanwhile and is slowly acclimatising to cooler waters!
