One of the most underrated benefits of scuba diving is the way that it is always evolving. Divers don’t simply pass one course and get on with it; there are always new skills to learn and techniques to try. One such innovation is sidemount diving - a configuration that alters the way you carry your gear with incredible results in terms of the way you actually interact with the environment around you.
Since its inception, sidemount diving has grown in popularity among recreational and technical divers - but why? Let’s dive into what sidemount diving is, why it’s worth trying, and the equipment you’ll need to give it a go.
What Is Sidemount Diving?
When it comes to sidemount diving, the clue is in the name. Simply put, sidemount diving is a scuba diving configuration which involves mounting your cylinders on the side of your body rather than on your back.
This approach originated back in the 1960s with cave divers who required a more streamlined way of navigating tight underwater spaces. By attaching their cylinders to their sides, they found they could move more freely and manage their equipment more effectively in confined areas. Over time, the benefits of a more mobile and flexible approach found their way into open water diving as an alternative to the traditional backmount setup.
The sidemount configuration is now particularly popular amongst technical divers who require additional cylinders. Carrying these multiple tanks on each side of the body is deemed considerably more comfortable and efficient than having them mounted on the back.
Reasons To Try Sidemount Diving
While sidemount diving was initially just a response to the challenges of exploring confined environments, the configuration is now popular far beyond the caves. Whether you are finding your current setup inconvenient or simply intrigued to see how the benefits of the configuration will apply to your diving, there are a number of reasons to give a sidemount setup a go.
Enhanced Mobility
The sidemount configuration emerged from a need for greater flexibility and mobility and this is a benefit that is still enjoyed by divers today. The sidemount setup removes the weight and bulk of cylinders mounted on your back, giving you considerably better control over your movements. This streamlined configuration makes it much easier to navigate complex environments without feeling restricted in any way. In fact, many divers compare the feeling of diving sidemount to that of freediving whereby a unique sense of freedom is felt in the water.
Better Trim & Buoyancy
A sidemount configuration is also a fantastic way to achieve the perfect trim and optimise the orientation of your body in the water. With tanks positioned along the sides of your body, it’s easier to maintain the correct horizontal position and therefore enjoy reduced drag and improved air consumption. This can be particularly useful on long or technical dives, where efficiency and comfort are key.
Increased Safety & Redundancy
For technical divers, sidemount diving also offers significant safety benefits. The ability to carry multiple cylinders means that you have access to redundant air supplies and therefore improved security should your equipment fail. In the event of an emergency, the sidemount configuration makes it easier to address a problematic tank independently of the working one, returning to the surface safely.
Better Kit Management
Many divers also find that a sidemount configuration makes it easier to manage kit before, during and after a dive. One of the main reasons for this is the location of the valves when sidemount diving as they are positioned in front of your body rather than behind your head. You can also manage each cylinder independently both in and out of the water, ensuring comfort both when carrying your equipment and actually diving.
Key Sidemount Diving Equipment
It is important to note that sidemount diving requires a number of specialist items to ensure that your equipment is set up correctly and safety. While all of these items should be familiar to all divers, the type you choose will likely differ if carrying your cylinders on your side is the intention.
The key sidemount diving equipment requirements are:
- The correct BCD - sidemount divers typically utilise a wing and harness style BCD which securely holds the cylinders at your sides while offering buoyancy and even weight distribution.
- Suitable cylinders - when mounted at the side of the body, your tanks must have opposite valves. Ali 80 cylinders are typically the most popular for sidemount diving due to their size and weight.
- Individual regulators - each cylinder will require its own regulator system, including hoses configured for sidemount diving. Hoses should be easily accessible and, for this reason, a BCD which allows hoses to be attached at the bottom of the bladder may be the most suitable.
- Bungees and clips - you will also need to utilise appropriate bungees and clips to secure the cylinders to your harness and ensure that they stay streamlined against your body. These components are critical for maintaining a low-profile, efficient configuration.
Ready To Try Sidemount Diving?
Though you’ll definitely need to check that your gear is up to the job before giving it a go, we have no doubt that sidemount diving can be a revolutionary experience for many divers. The benefits of sidemount diving extend way beyond the comfort that comes with carrying your tanks in a different way. From enhanced mobility to increased safety, this configuration offers something for every diver, whether you’re exploring reefs or pushing the limits in technical environments.
With the right equipment and training, sidemount diving opens up a whole new level of freedom - and we’re here to get you started. At Aquanauts, we stock a huge range of high-quality sidemount diving equipment with an expert team on hand to help you optimise your configuration. Explore our kit online and don’t hesitate to get in touch with us should you have any questions about making sidemount diving work for you.