Drawbacks of Sidemount, compared to backmount diving

[The Chairman]

I have to say, if something is not broken, why try to fix it?

Obviously, many of us have issues with back mount.

I don't see any negative issues with back mount...

Then... don't side mount! It's just that easy. It's a personal choice to go one way or the other. I have had a lot of fun side mounting and it's easier to get double the air in remote locations without having to lug manifolds and bands. Also, I don't need to rely on my buddy to tell me that there's a leak: it's right in front of me and even Captain Obvious would be able to figure it out. Unlike back mount, if I have to share air, we can actually switch tanks mid dive. Most of the problems I have encountered have been trying to incorporate back mount procedures into a side mount environment. I am finding that it's just best to rethink the whole process and come up with solutions that are unique to side mount.

I love the diversity we have in diving. I think it makes all of us think and rethink how we do things. Is this really a problem or simply a blessing? I think the latter.

 

[loquat149]

I just don't get the "WHY" of this whole thing

HaHaHa! I take it you missed the 2010 GUE conference?

http://www.gosidemount.com/download/GUE_WhySideMount.pdf


Dave

 

[The Chairman]

http://www.gosidemount.com/download/GUE_WhySideMount.pdf

I followed the development of the Razor from afar, and that was an interesting presentation.

 

[danvolker]

HaHaHa! I take it you missed the 2010 GUE conference?

http://www.gosidemount.com/download/GUE_WhySideMount.pdf


Dave

A very good presentation. I had not seen it before.
Still nothing for me, but I can see how it would be persuasive to divers with specific requirements.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

HaHaHa! I take it you missed the 2010 GUE conference?

http://www.gosidemount.com/download/GUE_WhySideMount.pdf


Dave

That was a very good presentation.

About a year and a half ago one of the shop owners I worked for told me about something GUE or Halcyon wrote (I can't remember which) outlining why SM was a bad idea. But he never got me a copy. I'd be interested in reading it if someone has a link.

 

[Scott L]

HaHaHa! I take it you missed the 2010 GUE conference?

http://www.gosidemount.com/download/GUE_WhySideMount.pdf

Who is the girl in slide number 13?

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Who is the girl in slide number 13?

You get to see the back side of her later on...

 

[danvolker]

You get to see the back side of her later on...

And actually one of two pages in the entire presentation showing something desirable to back mount divers

 

[Scott L]

And actually one of two pages in the entire presentation showing something desirable to back mount divers

Slide 4 is a close runner-up. Crystal clear ocean water and great marine life? Or being dipped head first into God only knows what!

 

[Kevrumbo]

Day four out of eleven here in Chuuk Lagoon (and the rest of this month October in Palau) with a mixed team of myself in UTD Z-system Sidemount doubles with the distribution block, and two others in Hog/DIR conventional manifolded backmount doubles: after a quick briefing on the function of the Z-system, the diving together has been easy & fun!

(And probably a little envy from the BM'ers on how smooth I can squeeze through tight engine room & cargo passages by "dismounting both tanks". . .!)

Yeah Pete & y'all . . .you wish you can be here!;