DaleC
Contributor
Yes, and what's wrong with recreational diving with a tank slung on your side anyway?
I don't agree with the initial premise in every case.
Some people just want to see if they like sidemount but they don't want to spend a K or more for the experience. So they slap together some kit and dive it. As they progress they see what works and what doesn't and more importantly, if they even like SM at all. If they do, they probably upgrade their gear and take some formal courses.
So, to look at that individual and suggest they are a problem is to not recognize a common entry stream for potentially committed sm divers. Another entry stream is the completely unknowing diver who thinks they want to sm and drops big dough on courses and kit with very little exposure. In some ways they probably have a higher drop out rate than the first group because they are used to buying their way in or out while the first learns their way in or out.
I don't agree with the initial premise in every case.
Some people just want to see if they like sidemount but they don't want to spend a K or more for the experience. So they slap together some kit and dive it. As they progress they see what works and what doesn't and more importantly, if they even like SM at all. If they do, they probably upgrade their gear and take some formal courses.
So, to look at that individual and suggest they are a problem is to not recognize a common entry stream for potentially committed sm divers. Another entry stream is the completely unknowing diver who thinks they want to sm and drops big dough on courses and kit with very little exposure. In some ways they probably have a higher drop out rate than the first group because they are used to buying their way in or out while the first learns their way in or out.
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