Why stay in a BCD? Why not try something different?
If you are tired of a normal BCD in a jacket style, you have two options:
- One, you switch to a backplate wing; this way you still have your tank on your back, but with a more streamlined buoyancy device on your back. Here at evolution we have 3 backplate wings in our rental equipment that you can try!
- The second option is to switch to Side Mount!
This is a old diving practice and technique, however lately it has started to get more and more popular. The main reasons that attract people to diving in side mount is:
- Less weight on back and knees if you have an existing problem with your back or knees.
- Double the amount of air with two tanks, or enough for 2 dives.
- More redundancy = more safe.
- Super streamlined, reducing drag in the water and improving your gas consumption.
- And why not just try something new!
Side mount has been around for quite some time. It started with divers going through caves in the UK in the 1960’s. The ability to being able to take off the tanks and push them in front of you made it possible to squeeze through smaller passages and holes whilst making it safer. Feeding the tanks through passages with the bottom of the tank first, protects the first stages and valves, instead of banging them on the roof of the cave like you would do with “back mount” (the tanks on your back).
Therefore, side mount was geared towards technical diving, wreck penetration and caves. However, throughout time side mount has evolved and has been made more accessible to the recreational market, with a lot of scuba training organisations having sidemount courses, such as PADI, SDI, TDI and SSI, and side mount harnesses being more regularly available with more and more scuba manufacturers producing them, such as; Apeks, Razor, Hollis, Scubapro, Dive Rite just to name a few.
Another big advantage of side mount is flexibility. A lot of the pros and cons between side mount and back mount with double tanks are similar. However, not all dive centres around the world can provide double tanks. With side mount, you use two single tanks, which means you can dive with it around the world, regardless of whether it is in the Philippines or a live aboard in Egypt.
In addition to flexibility, if combined with the Solo Diver course, you can be less dependent on a buddy. You have redundant air and two independent cylinders and regulators, thus being more independent. It is perfect for photographers and underwater videographers because it will give you more freedom to get that perfect shot, and to not worry where your buddy is.
So what are you waiting for?
The Side Mount course at Evolution is approximately 2 days: half a day in the class room discussin different equipment configurations and options, and gas planning and management. After the theory, you will be submerged into shallow waters to get used to the equipment and start with the practical skills. In addition, buoyancy training and propulsion techniques will be heavily focused on. On day 2, two more dives will be completed, focusing on just a few skill practices, playing superman (one tank in front of you!) and a whole load of fun. Then you are certified! A very rewarding and fun course, with minimum reading and almost all of the time in the water.
So next time you visit Evolution try out side mount!
Email us for more info and prices!
