Mancil PADI Instructor

The main challenge for a new sidemount diver is managing higher task loading and adjusting to a steep learning curve with custom gear configuration, buoyancy control, and independent gas management. Rather than a single official “game” challenge, learning sidemount tests a diver’s fundamental water skills in a brand new way.

Key Challenges in Sidemount DivingGear Tuning & Trim: Getting bungees, D-rings, and bolt snaps adjusted precisely so tanks do not droop or float away.
Task Loading: Monitoring two separate submersible pressure gauges (SPGs),
managing two valves, and switching regulators on a set schedule.
Buoyancy & Stability: Maintaining a stable horizontal profile while your center of gravity shifts as gas is consumed from each independent cylinder.
Logistics: Navigating awkward shore entries or boat setups that are usually built strictly for traditional backmount gear.

For structured ways to take on this transition, feel free to contact me for training programs, free set up for all brand sidemount BCD during course.

Sidemount Diver in the making

The most complicated part of a sidemount diver course is achieving and maintaining proper trim and balance while managing two independent cylinders.Unlike backmount diving where your center of gravity is fixed, sidemount requires constant adjustments as your gear and environment change.

Master the Hardest Skills
Buoyancy Shift:
Tanks become lighter as you breathe down your gas, causing aluminum cylinders to float up at the bottom.Gas Management: You must constantly switch regulators throughout the dive to ensure both tanks share an equal amount of gas.
Cylinder Balance: Keeping unequal tank pressures causes you to roll or tilt to one side, ruining your horizontal position.
Hose Routing: Managing long hoses, short hoses, necklaces, and inflator whips requires strict discipline so nothing tangles.
Clip Management: Attaching and detaching bolt snaps to D-rings behind your hips by feel alone takes significant muscle memory.
Valve Drills: Reaching behind your armpits to shut down a simulating malfunctioning valve requires excellent shoulder flexibility.

Tips for Success
Practice on Land: Practice clipping and unclipping your tanks while wearing thick gloves or without at home before getting in the water.
Move D-Rings: Slide your lower tank attachment points forward on your waist belt during the dive as your tanks get lighter.
Look Straight ahead: Keep your head up and eyes forward, which naturally helps flatten your spine into a perfect horizontal line.

If you are prepping for your course, let me know: What brand or style of sidemount harness will you be training in?

I can give you specific tips for your exact diving environment.

Not all scuba diving students become instructors intending to teach. Some simply want to gain knowledge and status, while others want to use their knowledge as capital to start a diving business. As an instructor and teacher, I always support your goals in learning scuba diving to PADI standards.

In the making of Sidemount Diver

New PADI Open water scubadiver member
- Certification is a licence to learn.
- Skills need to be learned, practiced and developed
- Mentorship will assist in developing these skills, an experienced buddy, role model or instructor
- Be honest about your abilities

Sidemount Diver course

Maratua Wall

In frame :
Camera : Sony a7R4
Strobes : Marelux Apollo S from .co.id