Ulfhedinn
-Skill Collector-
@webdivebc
The essentials of SideMount class I took with UTD was invaluable. The UTD class is not only based on UTD/GUE/DIR/Hogarthian principles but I found the z-side mount system to be scalable from single tank to double tank to tech diving a really easy step. I also found it to be absolutely compatible with back mount and most importantly I am consistent with my dive buddies who have taken DIR based back mount classes such as fundamentals. We are a seamless team, although be it mixed. I found the crossover to sidemount enlightning to say the least. What I found unique about the UTD side mount class is that you not only learn buoyancy, trim, propulsion aka the almighty back kicks and frogs, basic 6, s-drills, valve drills, failures, smb deploy, ascent drills, and rescue skills while using the Z-system but we learned the benefits of side mount when doing entries and exists when shore diving. Here in California we sometimes have huge surf and side mount is absolutely the safest way to do an entry. The tanks are not on your back and if you go down no big deal.
Anyways, I felt that the team based diving was a real upgrade from PADI <every knows what everyone else is doing> and throw in the rockbottom gas managment and Min Deco... well that was just the cherry on top.
Here is the link.
Side Mount Classes - Unified Team Diving
---------- Post added April 30th, 2013 at 08:37 AM ----------
I forgot to mention versatility with the side mount setup. If I had to ride on an inflatable or RIB to a dive site the side mount makes it so much easier. Tanks on the floor till we get to the site. Already wearing the Z setup. Put your cylinders in the drink... then you get in. Hook up and away you go... same for kayak diving.
The essentials of SideMount class I took with UTD was invaluable. The UTD class is not only based on UTD/GUE/DIR/Hogarthian principles but I found the z-side mount system to be scalable from single tank to double tank to tech diving a really easy step. I also found it to be absolutely compatible with back mount and most importantly I am consistent with my dive buddies who have taken DIR based back mount classes such as fundamentals. We are a seamless team, although be it mixed. I found the crossover to sidemount enlightning to say the least. What I found unique about the UTD side mount class is that you not only learn buoyancy, trim, propulsion aka the almighty back kicks and frogs, basic 6, s-drills, valve drills, failures, smb deploy, ascent drills, and rescue skills while using the Z-system but we learned the benefits of side mount when doing entries and exists when shore diving. Here in California we sometimes have huge surf and side mount is absolutely the safest way to do an entry. The tanks are not on your back and if you go down no big deal.
Anyways, I felt that the team based diving was a real upgrade from PADI <every knows what everyone else is doing> and throw in the rockbottom gas managment and Min Deco... well that was just the cherry on top.
Here is the link.
Side Mount Classes - Unified Team Diving
---------- Post added April 30th, 2013 at 08:37 AM ----------
I forgot to mention versatility with the side mount setup. If I had to ride on an inflatable or RIB to a dive site the side mount makes it so much easier. Tanks on the floor till we get to the site. Already wearing the Z setup. Put your cylinders in the drink... then you get in. Hook up and away you go... same for kayak diving.