Most divers learn to dive with a tank on their back because that is how scuba is traditionally taught. Sidemount shows you there is another way.
Sidemount diving replaces the traditional back-mounted tank with one or two cylinders attached along the sides of your body. The result is a configuration that offers excellent balance in the water, easier access to your equipment and exceptional streamlining.
«Many divers are surprised by how natural it feels after only a few dives.»
Because the cylinders are clipped to the harness after entering the water, many divers also find sidemount more comfortable when carrying equipment, particularly during shore dives or when handling heavier setups.
Sidemount encourages a horizontal position in the water and helps many divers refine their buoyancy and body position.
Without a heavy cylinder resting on your back, many divers find sidemount more comfortable both in and out of the water.
All valves, regulators and hoses remain visible and accessible throughout the dive.
Using two independent cylinders provides an additional layer of gas management and equipment awareness.
Even experienced divers often describe sidemount as one of the most enjoyable and rewarding specialties they have completed.
Over two days you’ll learn how to assemble, configure and dive a sidemount system safely and comfortably. One mandatory pool training dive plus three ocean training dives.
Learn how to set up your harness, cylinders and regulators for proper balance and performance. The foundation of every good sidemount dive.
Understand how to manage two cylinders efficiently and maintain balanced gas consumption throughout the dive.
Refine your body position and discover why sidemount is renowned for its streamlined profile. Small adjustments make a big difference.
Practice key skills such as regulator switching, valve awareness and equipment management. Trained until the response is automatic.
Before heading to open water, complete a mandatory pool training dive to get comfortable with your sidemount configuration in a controlled environment. This dive must be completed before the ocean training dives.
Complete the three ocean training dives required for the PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty under the supervision of your instructor.
From your first sidemount setup to your certification dive in open water.
Day 1 is all about building the foundations before heading to the reef.
Day 2 you prove the skills in real conditions and earn your certification.
«I signed up for the sidemount specialty mostly out of curiosity, not really knowing what to expect. By the end of day two I understood why so many divers never go back. The configuration felt strange at first but my instructor was patient and methodical, and by the open water dives it all clicked. The trim and streamlining in the current here in Nusa Penida was just on another level. Really well run course.»
«I wanted to try sidemount before getting into technical diving and Temple Diving was the right call. The instruction was clear, the gear was in excellent condition, and the team genuinely knew what they were talking about. Two days, four dives, and I came away with a solid understanding of the configuration and a lot more confidence in the water. Highly recommend.»
«The sidemount course was genuinely one of the best things I have done in diving. It took a session to get comfortable with the setup but once it clicked, the dive felt completely different. Horizontal trim, tanks accessible, way more relaxed underwater. My instructor was excellent and the conditions in Nusa Penida made the whole experience even better. Already thinking about Tec 40.»
Everything you need to know before you book.
Most divers spend their entire diving career with a tank on their back. Sidemount gives you the opportunity to experience scuba diving from a completely different perspective. You may come for the curiosity. You might leave wondering why you did not try it sooner.