Whether it is called “English portage”, “unstructured”, “side mounting”, it must be admitted that for some time, the sidemount is getting more and more media coverage. But yes, you know very well, it's about diving with a block under each armpit ... For 25 years that I have devoted myself on a regular basis to our common passion, I have never been really tempted by this type of new fashion … I was perfectly satisfied with my classic “backmount” configuration, bottle (s) in the back.
Yes but here it is ... is that after seeing the divers equipped with the sidemount evolve underwater, a strong desire to test this sidemount tapped me.
What is the sidemount?
This is a harness, sometimes equipped with a buoyancy system according to the manufacturers, on which two independent blocks are attached to each other, together with two regulators. Once underwater, you switch from one regulator to another every 30, 40, 50 bars… it's up to you.
The benefits of sidemount
NOTHING IMPORTS YOUR LEVEL
Just being equipped with a sidemount does not mean that everything changes. Your mask can still fill with water and you will breathe well with a regulator. The basic principles are therefore always the same. You don't even have to be an experienced diver to taste it. Some certification agencies even offer to pass an “open water sidemount” directly to beginners, that is to say!
ADAPTABILITY
The harness is light, less than 2 kilos for some. That’s so much weight gained in your suitcase. Plus, anywhere in the world you'll always find two blocks for rent. Try to find a two-bottle in the Philippines or the Maldives…
ACCESSIBILITY
Unlike backpack carrying, all “sensitive” elements are within sight. Thus, you have the taps of the blocks and the first stages in the eye at all times. If necessary, you can close them without twisting in all directions.
RATIONALIZATION
In the sidemount configuration, the blocks are located under your armpits, in the exact extension of your body. Your hydrodynamics are greatly increased, and this is felt when you fin. As you fin without making as much effort, you consume less and you therefore gain in autonomy and fatigue.
While diving, the bottle in the back having disappeared, you can also reach places hitherto inaccessible without stripping. You can even easily unhook one, or even both blocks, in order to squeeze through very narrow passages.
SECURITY
The first interest is to dive with two blocks independent of each other. A problem on one? You switch to the other ...
As the “fragile” elements are close at hand, you immediately identify the source of the problem and you can intervene very easily.
CONFORT
Underwater, the two blocks increase your lift, you are much more stable.
And no longer having to undergo a heavy load on the back is a blessing for those who are sensitive ...
THE DISADVANTAGES OF THE SIDEMOUNT
Vincent ROUQUETTE CATHALA, Mr. Cenotes from Phocéa Mexico, is generally also the trainer of sidemount divers. This Albigensian has lived in Mexico for ten years to satisfy his passion as a caving diver. We deliver some excerpts taken during the training.
EQUIPMENT
Not having had the opportunity to test everything that exists on the market, I will endeavor to briefly present the elements of the configuration on which I have started.
The harness
Initially rudimentary, harnesses are now available from almost all manufacturers. They come in all shapes and at all prices… with or without a built-in buoyancy system, some look more like a stab than a harness… some are very good and others just… good to throw away.
THE RAZOR
Installed in Yucatan to satisfy his passion for underground exploration, Steve BOGAERTS, cave diver, developed this harness which is today one of the benchmarks in the sidemount environment.
Unlike most stabs, on a harness, there are no sizes. Also, although simple in design, it takes a minimum of three hours of adjustments to fully enjoy the beast.
It must be really adjusted to the millimeter in order to give the best of itself. Result, a harness does not lend itself ... unless you want to spend three more hours in settings?
Regulators
- SIDEMOUNT KIT FROM APEKS
For more than 35 years, the company APEKS, a subsidiary of Aqua Lung, has been recognized worldwide for the quality of its productions, in particular with regard to “Tek” diving. This company offers a sidemount kit that meets all the criteria required for this specialty.
The kit is delivered in DIN version. If you are going to a country where the blocks do not have lids, you can still benefit from your equipment by adding a caliper adapter.
BLOCKS
Feedback from experience
It takes two to three days of training to integrate the “basics”, but what a joy! I put away my “backmount” stab and I only dive in sidemount. Imagine! About 30% less fuel consumption, correspondingly improved aquatic penetration, unparalleled peace of mind in deep water, incredible stability… Of course, you have to “drag” two blocks, but most of the time, this is not really a problem. I almost wonder why we still continue to learn backmount diving ...
As the sidemount is booming, more and more centers are offering to train you in sidemount. An advice. If you have the choice, prefer an instructor who dives very regularly in a sidemount configuration ...
ULTIMATE SOLO DIVING SOLUTION?
Do not hesitate! Even if the investment is not trivial since you will need a harness and two regulators, it is really the price ... of absolute freedom 😉
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0 comment
ha the famous cone I picked up a few but not of this size and above all it is to take them correctly very interesting files