Starting out.

[highwirediver]

I am presently preparing for cavern.I am struggling to decide if I want to do it back mount or side mount.I am wanting to move into cave diving soon after. I need some advice on what to do.

[JamesK]

Do you currently dive sidemount? Are you comfortable in it? How long until you go do cavern? What does your instructor recommend?

[highwirediver]

I do not currently dive side mount. My class is in march but debateing on sidemount at the same time.

[whodunit68]

do you currently dive backmounted doubles? If you do, I recommend doing a sidemount workshop or class or just spend 2 days with a good mentor. There are some guys who can take you out for a day or two just to get you started feeling the configuration, the setup, etc. Then do some dives in that configuration. You then at least have been in sidemount and can make a more informed decision. If you're not diving either, that's a tougher decision but I agree with above, talk to your instructor.

[FW]

I am presently preparing for cavern.I am struggling to decide if I want to do it back mount or side mount.I am wanting to move into cave diving soon after. I need some advice on what to do.

If you are still diving a backmount single, take cavern in a backmount single. A cavern class isn't the time/place to learn a new gear configuration. If you still are interested in taking cave after the cavern class, then decide between backmount and sidemount. Once you make those decisions, then start practicing with whichever you choose in open water, until you can stay in horizontal trim, swimming AND hovering. Be sure your buoyancy is good in shallow water, and then you will be ready for cave courses.

[Gotbail]

Personally I think the speed one gains an acceptable proficiency in sidemount is dependent on the individual. For example I have a buddy who did about 6 dives in the quarry in sidemount, then knocked intro and apprentice out of the park. Another buddy took a few months of regular sidemount diving to gain a basic level of proficiency. Bear in mind that both of these people are very experienced and excellent divers. So, just start diving in whatever new configuration you plan on taking your cavern/cave in and when the time comes for the class evaluate your skill level and make a determination from there. You know your comfort level better than anybody else.

[RN]

A couple of things to consider - already having a class scheduled in March it would be pushing it to get proficient enough in sidemount for a cavern class that quickly. It's not impossible, but it would be difficult. Another thing is whether the instructor you've chosen can even teach a student in sidemount. Not all instructors can, or should be.

[divindoc]

I am presently preparing for cavern.I am struggling to decide if I want to do it back mount or side mount.I am wanting to move into cave diving soon after. I need some advice on what to do.

Take out a large home-equity loan, divorce your wife, and change your identity so creditors can't find you.

[cavediver256]

Take out a large home-equity loan, divorce your wife, and change your identity so creditors can't find you.

LOL, now that is funny doc!!!! As funny as it is, it is sound advice. I have to agree with others, changing gear configuration at this point would create more problems than it would solve. My .02, get through the cavern certification, and then decide which configuration will work best for you. You may try cavern and decide that this overhead stuff just isn't for you.....wouldn't be the first time that has happened.

[LakeCityDiver]

As a sidemount diver myself I like SM but know for a fact Backmount is a lot less of a pain in the ass. I chose SM because basically looked "Cooler" but then noticed the many benefits of it once I started diving it. I never took a class I just went and figured it out and I am still learning. SM offers me 2 totally independent cylinders there for it is more safer in a manner of speaking but not all situations.

I did my cavern in BM single. Then moved to SM