Sidemounting with a bad back

[standingbear56]

Hello Everyone,
I'm brand new to this forum and would like to get some information and ideas on sidemount diving. First, I am not a cave/cavern diver. I would like to become one in the future, but I need to overcome the problem of a back injury. I've been diving since 68 and teaching since 88. I was sidelined in 05 due to a auto accident, and since that time, wearing cylinders is literally a pain in the butt. :smt013 Right now I use a Poseidon BeSea which takes the weight off of my shoulders and puts it on my hips, like a hiking backpack. It works, but it is not my first choice in BC's. A friend of mine let me try his Nomad in a pool, and it felt great - even with my twin 95's! (I haven't been able to use twins since the accident). Since I have a Trans Pac which I haven't been able to use since the accident, this may be a viable option.
I am open to any comments/suggestions you may have. Any help will be totally appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
George

[icestac]

There is an upgrade path to convert your Transpac II into the full Nomad system -- that's what I did and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Carrying the tanks can be a PITA too, but setting up your sidemount bottles as stages (i.e. using stage straps) really helps out too. If you're going to be doing it in off a boat you may not be much better off unless the boat has a "tailgate" where you can setup and just slide into the water. Clipping the tanks sitting down, getting up, and then walking around in side mount is not much quicker, lighter, or comfortable than backmount IMO -- although mentally it is a world of difference. Ideally, you can setup in the water or close enough to the water where you don't have to stand up.

You can always hire a sherpa or get a poor college student to help you out :)

~Jeff

[standingbear56]

Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the reply. Most of the diving I am doing now is lakes, rivers and quarries, so walking in from the shore is no problem. I can bring the tanks/weights down on a cart and assemble everything while in the water. I already have the Dive Rite butt plate since I used to use it to mount stage bottles, and a single bladder Wreck Wing. All I would need is the bungies and proper training. If it works out, I'll probably spring for the Nomad wing, as it is designed for the purpose.
Take care and Happy Diving
George

[chimie007]

a single bladder Wreck Wing. All I would need is the bungies and proper training. If it works out, I'll probably spring for the Nomad wing, as it is designed for the purpose.


Which wing do you have ? DR Rec wing ? If so, it can easily be converted to a Nomad-clone in a few minutes. Just a question of tying it to the harness to keep it from floating away. The Rec wing already has tabs on its edge so it's easy.

The Nomad wing looks like an updated Rec wing and the shape is very similar.

SM is great and very comfortable.

[standingbear56]

Hi Chimie,
It's a single bladder Rec Wing. I also have an OMS, but prefer the DR. It seems much easier to control, and it handled twin 95s and a 45 deco bottle with no problem. The 100 lb OMS was plain overkill.
One question - doesn't wearing the bladder under the harness cause things to get uncomfortable when the bladder is inflated? Wouldn't it be similar to fully inflating a vest style BCD - you get a squeeze?
Catch you later,
George

[DogDiver]

As an older diver with back and knee problems.....The Nomad/sidemount system is the best thing since weight intagrated BCD's. With back mount after about 45 minutes in the water I was doing stretching exercised for my back while swimming. When I switched to side mount, all the back problems went away..... For recreational diving you might try AL 80's with a 3 pound weight threaded into the camband. I'm going to Roatan this fall, and I'm taking my Nomad with me. Should give the divemasters there something to grin about...lol...Ken

[standingbear56]

Hi Dog Diver,
Just remember to post a photo of the Divemaster's face - it should be priceless! Hope they don't give you any hassles - generally if they don't understand it, you aren't allowed to use it. Let me know how you make out sidemounting on a boat.
Have a great time,
George

[chimie007]

Hi Chimie,
It's a single bladder Rec Wing.

You should have no problem making this into a Nomad copy. Here are some pics I posted on TDS awhile back. Things have changed a little but that should give you an idea of how to attach the wing so it doesn't float away. I took the shoulder straps off and installed webbing but that's not needed.
http://thedecostop.com/forums/showpost.php?p=333425&postcount=18



One question - doesn't wearing the bladder under the harness cause things to get uncomfortable when the bladder is inflated? Wouldn't it be similar to fully inflating a vest style BCD - you get a squeeze?
I never had that problem with mine. It's still a back-inflated wing not a jacket wing.

I dive it full when I SM 104s and two full AL80 stages. With this config, I have to add air to my DS. Not a real problem since it's never too long before I breathe some stage down and drop them off.

[stairman]

I plan on trying sidemount because of a bad knee.I also have a rec wing and would like to try converting it over instead of the Nomad[for now].

[standingbear56]

I plan on trying sidemount because of a bad knee.I also have a rec wing and would like to try converting it over instead of the Nomad[for now].

Hi Stairman,
Well so far my converting my Trans Pac II has been very successful. I have some photos of it on my other thread - Self Teaching Sidemount. Since those photos were posted, I've gone to the standard DR Bungees instead of the style in the pics. I am still having problems being pushed face down on the surface. Just have to keep adjusting the weights till I get it right. U/W trim is incredible though, and the tanks ride nicely. I also need to work a bit on hose routing, but again this is a personal thing. The Trans Pac to Nomad is a good system.
George