Sidemount diving is a scuba configuration where divers mount their tanks on their sides instead of the traditional backmount setup. This style of diving, once primarily used by cave and technical divers, has gained popularity among recreational divers due to its unique advantages. With tanks clipped along the diver’s torso, sidemount provides not only a different approach to equipment management but also an entirely new diving experience.
Originally developed for cave exploration in tight spaces, sidemount diving has expanded into the mainstream because of the comfort, safety, and flexibility it offers. Whether you are exploring cenotes, wrecks, or open water reefs, sidemount can give you an edge in both performance and enjoyment.
Let’s dive deeper into the advantages of sidemount diving.
1. Enhanced Comfort and Streamlined Profile
One of the first things divers notice about sidemount is the increased comfort underwater. With tanks secured along the sides of the body, your profile becomes more streamlined. This hydrodynamic advantage reduces drag and makes swimming through the water much easier and less exhausting.
Instead of feeling like you are carrying a heavy backpack, sidemount distributes weight evenly along your body. This leads to better trim and balance, improving both efficiency and control. For divers who struggle with heavy backmount systems, sidemount feels lighter and more natural.
Key benefits:
– Reduced drag and resistance.
– Easier to maintain horizontal trim.
– Balanced distribution of weight.
2. Improved Accessibility to Equipment
Another major advantage of sidemount diving is the accessibility of your gear. In a backmount system, reaching your valves in an emergency can be challenging. With sidemount, the tanks and valves are right in front of you, within arm’s reach. This means quicker problem-solving, easier valve drills, and improved safety.
You can also monitor your gauges more easily, ensuring you always know your gas supply and system status. For divers who value control and self-sufficiency, this accessibility is a game-changer.
Key benefits:
– Valves and hoses are visible and accessible.
– Easier to identify and solve equipment issues.
– Enhanced self-reliance underwater.
3. Greater Safety Through Redundancy
Sidemount diving often involves using two independent cylinders, which means you always have built-in redundancy. If one tank or regulator fails, you can rely on the second system to safely complete the dive. This setup is especially valuable in overhead environments like caves and wrecks, but it is equally useful in recreational diving.
The added redundancy provides peace of mind and allows divers to push their limits safely within their training.
Key benefits:
– Two independent tanks = two independent gas supplies.
– Increased safety margin.
– Confidence to handle equipment failures.
4. Easier Transportation and Handling of Tanks
Anyone who has struggled with carrying a single heavy backmount cylinder knows how challenging it can be. With sidemount, you carry cylinders separately and clip them on in the water. This means no more walking long distances or climbing ladders with a heavy tank strapped to your back.
For shore diving or cenote diving, this advantage makes logistics much simpler and reduces physical strain. It also benefits divers with back problems or limited mobility, as the load is lighter and more manageable.
Key benefits:
– Tanks can be carried one at a time.
– Reduced strain on the back and shoulders.
– Easier entries and exits.
5. Perfect for Overhead Environments
Sidemount diving was born in caves, and for good reason. The streamlined profile makes it much easier to navigate tight spaces. You can slip through restrictions, make sharper turns, and move with greater agility than with a bulky backmount system.
For wreck diving, sidemount also offers the ability to explore sections that are inaccessible to backmount divers. The flexibility of clipping and unclipping tanks provides even more control in confined environments.
Key benefits:
– Ideal for caves, cenotes, and wrecks.
– Better mobility in tight or restricted areas.
– Flexibility to move tanks for even more streamlined movement.
6. Better Gas Management and Extended Bottom Time
Using two tanks in sidemount means you can practice advanced gas management techniques. By alternating between tanks, you balance your gas supply, which can extend bottom time and optimize decompression profiles. Technical divers especially benefit from this flexibility, but recreational divers also gain from the ability to plan dives more efficiently.
Key benefits:
– Extended gas supply.
– Balanced gas management.
– Greater control over dive planning.
7. Enhanced Buoyancy Control
Sidemount divers often report better buoyancy control compared to backmount setups. With tanks along the sides, divers achieve a flatter trim and more stable positioning. This stability improves not only efficiency but also the quality of your diving experience. For underwater photographers or videographers, this can be an incredible asset.
Key benefits:
– Improved buoyancy and trim.
– Greater stability for photography and filming.
– Easier hovering and fine-tuned control.
8. Flexibility with Tank Sizes and Configurations
Unlike traditional backmount systems, sidemount allows for greater flexibility in tank choice. You can dive with smaller cylinders for shorter dives or larger ones for technical exploration. This adaptability makes sidemount suitable for a wide range of diving conditions and personal preferences.
Key benefits:
– Freedom to choose tank size and material (aluminum or steel).
– Configurations can be adjusted for different dive types.
– Adaptable to travel and local diving conditions.
9. Reduced Risk of Back Injuries
Because sidemount divers clip tanks on in the water rather than carrying them on their backs, there is far less risk of back strain and injury. For divers with pre-existing back problems or those who simply want a more ergonomic system, sidemount is an excellent choice.
Key benefits:
– Less stress on the spine.
– Tanks can be managed individually.
– Friendlier for divers with back issues.
10. A Different Perspective and More Enjoyable Experience
Finally, sidemount diving offers something less tangible but equally valuable: a completely different experience underwater. Many divers describe feeling freer, lighter, and more connected to their environment. The streamlined position, improved control, and sense of independence often make sidemount dives more enjoyable.
For divers who want to expand their skills and try something new, sidemount opens the door to a fresh perspective and a new level of confidence.
Key benefits:
– Greater sense of freedom.
– More enjoyable and comfortable dives.
– Expands your skill set as a diver.
Why Try Sidemount Diving?
Sidemount diving is more than just an alternative gear configuration — it’s a gateway to greater safety, comfort, and flexibility in the water. From improved buoyancy and gas management to easier equipment handling and access, sidemount offers clear advantages for both recreational and technical divers.
It’s not just about utility; it’s also about fun. The freedom of movement, the unique sense of balance, and the ability to explore environments that were once out of reach make sidemount a transformative experience for many divers.
Ready to Try It? Take Our Sidemount Course!
If you’re curious about sidemount diving and want to experience these advantages for yourself, the best way is to get proper training. Our PADI Sidemount Diver Course will teach you how to configure your equipment, manage your gas supply, and master the techniques that make sidemount so rewarding.
Whether you’re interested in exploring caves, wrecks, or just want a more comfortable way to dive, sidemount could be the perfect fit for you. Don’t just read about it — come experience it firsthand!
