When is sidemount necessary????

[Dsix36]

I would like to hear some thoughts on when it is necessary to stop pushing backmount and go sidemount. Sidemount is in my plans, but not there yet.

I dive a rEvo rebreather and am fairly skinny. I can get a lot of places that an OC sidemount diver with a beer gut can't go (like Jug Hole).

If the conditions are rocky or such, then I have less concern for damaging the cave floor, but when clay or silt is there it is a different story.

Where do you draw the line on exploration and conservation?

Siltouts are not really a big concern, but if it is going to get someones panties in a bunch then maybe i need to rethink.

Flame suit is on - ready for replies!

[Tegg]

Never. If backmount can't go through the passage, it shouldn't be explored.

[jj1987]

I dive a rEvo rebreather and am fairly skinny. I can get a lot of places that an OC sidemount diver with a beer gut can't go (like Jug Hole).

You get through this with a rebreather?....it's so pretty, why?



If I'm going to damage the cave in BM, I dive SM. I don't really understand why anyone would want to plow through a cave.

[Dsix36]

You get through this with a rebreather?....it's so pretty, why?



If I'm going to damage the cave in BM, I dive SM. I don't really understand why anyone would want to plow through a cave.

I can get through the bedding plan but not the diamond restriction. I go very slow and carefully and do not damage the cave.
The reason why is "it's so pretty".

Please understand that I do not "plow" through anywhere. I turn my dive if it is going to get too tight or messy. I just want to know how others determine what is ""Too Tight or Messy"" (sexual jokes will come from that, I am sure)

[mfascuba]

I usually dive back mount, but if I come to a passage that I can't get through either by estimation or trial and failure, I exit - come back with a sidemount rig. Don't beat it up - the cave will tell you if it's too restrictive, go home and come back with the right stuff.

Mark

[OFG-1]

I would like to hear some thoughts on when it is necessary to stop pushing backmount and go sidemount.

When the ceiling is low
and back mount just won't go
try sidemount

When the passage is small
and your tanks are too tall
try sidemount

If your tanks are too big
and you might have to dig
try sidemount

When your knees are for s**t
but you don't want to quit
try sidemount

Dont forget,
If its really, really tight
No-Mount is allright

[DA Aquamaster]

When the ceiling is low
and back mount just won't go
try sidemount

When the passage is small
and your tanks are too tall
try sidemount

If your tanks are too big
and you might have to dig
try sidemount

When your knees are for s**t
but you don't want to quit
try sidemount

Dont forget,
If its really, really tight
No-Mount is allright

Is it sung to the tune of "Downtown"

Petula Clark was kinda hot... "Was" is of course the word given she is easily old enough to be my mother...but it is still a great song.

[Sludge]

Is it sung to the tune of "Downtown"?

Dude. 775 and 663 are NOT compatible!

[Meister481]

When you've got a gut
and don't want to make a rut
Try sidemount.

Trying to make the switch to 50/50 sidemount/BM but still using BM more often.

[reato]

Never. If backmount can't go through the passage, it shouldn't be explored.

ROTFL