As you may already be familiar with the standard configuration of having a tank on your back, have you instead heard of sidemount diving? This kind of configuration started as a necessity for advanced cave diving but has been growing in popularity with recreational divers as well. Usually consisting of mounting two tanks by your side, next to your hips and below your shoulders. Additionally, you can also mount one tank at your side as well by balancing yourself out with a weigh pouch.
Going to be in the Bali area? Come sign up for our Diver Specialty Sidemount Course in Nusa Lembongan!
WHY TAKE YOUR SIDEMOUNT COURSE IN NUSA LEMBONGAN?
Still, need more convincing? Sidemount diving doesn’t just look cool. It has a huge amount of practical benefits compared to backmount diving. Here are some of the great advantaged of diving sidemount:
Versatility & Streamlining
Though you may not be a cave diver, you’ll still be able to access some tight overhead environments you may have not have been able to in the past. You’ll learn to quickly reposition your tanks in front of you to easily zoom through those cramped overhangs and swim-throughs. Luckily, there is a lot of topography like that in Bali. It’s the perfect place for your sidemount course training.
Furthermore, positioning your tanks to your sides can lead to less water resistance. When properly configured, your trim, buoyancy, and air consumption will improve dramatically. Then again, you’ll be able to glide through the water like never before! This should help especially in the currents of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.
Safety & Comfort
Sidemount diving is perfect for those who have a bad back. Not having that pressure on your back will allow you to move comfortably- it’s a real game changer! Instead of standing up with a heavy tank on your back, you can enter the water first and simply clip on your two tanks. This is especially beneficial to those who suffer from scoliosis.
In terms of safety, having two tanks means you’ll always have a source of redundancy and you’ll be able to dive for longer as well. Additionally, you’ll be able to easily reach your tank valves as they’ll be in right in front of you. Lastly, the risk of entanglement is also greatly reduced, leading to an overall safer dive.
WHO CAN SIGN UP FOR A SIDEMOUNT COURSE NUSA LEMBONGAN?
SIDEMOUNT COURSE NUSA LEMBONGAN STRUCTURE
All in all, the course will last two and a half days and will consist of one confined water and four open water dives, including one free fun dive. Anyone can strap two tanks to their side but it takes proper training to be a Sidemount Diver. Consequently, you’ll be able to test out your sidemount configuration in the varied and beautiful environments of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.
Sidemount Course Gear
The sidemount gear you will be training with is the XDeep Stealth 2.0 Rec System. Since it is a tried and tested BC that allows for ease of adjustments, it will let you pick up skills for your Nusa Lembongan sidemount course in no time. Furthermore, you’ll be able to better distribute weight for optimal trim and easily secure the bungee systems.
Key Skills
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
RELATED OFFERS
SIDEMOUNT COURSE NUSA LEMBONGAN SCHEDULE
Here you can find a standard schedule of your Sidemount Course Bali with us. Besides, it will require 2,5 days of your time with some short theoretical parts, much more practical and overall a lot of fun.
Day 1
- Sign up and paperwork at our dive center
- Classroom introduction to sidemount diving
- Equipment configuration and setup
- Pool session with the following objectives:
- Putting on your equipment
- Trimming and adjustment
- Positioning your body, hovering, and finning
- Confined water exercises
- Debriefing
Day 2
- Meet at the dive shop for open water dive briefing
- Briefing on exercises that will be conducted
- Equipment set up and final adjustments
- Two open water training dives
- Debriefing and any subsequently needed adjustments
Day 2.5
- Briefing on how to improve techniques and exercises for the day
- Equipment set up and final adjustments
- 1 training dive
- 1 free sidemount course fun dive around Nusa Lembongan/Nusa Penida
- Lastly, a quick debriefing and future recommendations
