Let's talk sidemount for a minute...

[ARY]

Instead of this internet questioning stuff, I'd suggest you find yourself an experienced sidemounter that is willing to learn ya, and go from there.

Thank you Jordan, your tips are helpful. I'm currently building my sm rig and planning to get use to its bouyancy control and get rid of big bugs in harness so when i go for sm training i can concentrate more on trim details and tactics. I also want to be prepared to gear parts replacements that is why i'm asking questions here.

Happy holidays to you and your family there! Keep yourself warm

[IowaCaveDiver]

Hey,
I called dive rite today looking for you...no answer... you guys must still be on holiday break... probably diving! Any word on my computer? Is it all better yet? How about that side mount shopping list... i'd love to get that stuff ordered soon so I can get it wet and start playing with it before I head down your way. Also, email me your telephone number, I'd love to pick your brain a bit.

-Matt

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or
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[Jordan]

Hey,
I called dive rite today looking for you...no answer... you guys must still be on holiday break... probably diving! Any word on my computer? Is it all better yet? How about that side mount shopping list... i'd love to get that stuff ordered soon so I can get it wet and start playing with it before I head down your way. Also, email me your telephone number, I'd love to pick your brain a bit.

-Matt

[email protected]
or
[email protected]

PM sent - I hope you are excited to enter into the wild and wooly world of sidemount.

[BillGraham]

I've been diving sidemount for everything for about a year and I don't think I'll use backmounted doubles again if I can possibly avoid it. I find it to be much more comfortable in the water and it can obviously take you places you just can't go in backmount. I think it's probably safer too as you've got two completely independant gas supplies.

A friend helped me sew up my rig which is based on a Zeagle. We flipped the wing around so that the corrugated hose is on the inside, and lowered it about four inches to get more lift down where the tanks are. We then cut off the pockets and the integrated weight system and attached a "Rennaker" plate. You can sew a couple of D-rings on the sides of the vest for carrying bottles.

I use LP 95's because they seem to be a good size, they are not too long. You adjust your trim by moving the hose clamps on your tanks down lower to put your head down more and vice versa. In situations where I need weight, like in salt water with a drysuit and heavy underwear, I put some small weights on the tanks themselves with cam bands.

I kind of like the Poseiden Odin regs for sidemount because they can be used from either side and have that +/- switch. I cross them over on my chest so that the hose points to the tank I'm breathing from, and secure them to the shoulder straps with surgical tube loops with big balls on them so I can find them easily. I didn't find it too hard to adjust, it just takes a little while to get your trim correct and then you'll likely love it.