Sidemount Diving Divas!!

So back on the 4th February a few of us were due to go diving but as there were some illnesses amongst the group we ended up deciding to go for a swim at Sans Souci pool. When we got there we discovered Abyss Scuba were doing a "Try Sidemount' experience.

After being asked if we wanted to try we jumped at the chance of postponing swimming in favor of trying this new gear configuration.

Divas trying Sidemount!
(L-R Em, Kelly, Bec)

As we hadn't got our dive gear we beg, borrowed (and tried to steal!) some gear from fellows divers at the pool.On went the Hollis BCDs and in the water we jumped. Now as I was under orders (due to recent neck issues) not to dive this is a great option as you can attach the tanks once you are in the water so no heavy weight on your back - perfect!

Diva Kelly showing us how easy to get neutral buoyancy - look no hands!

As a tec diver who has dived in twins (two tanks on your back) I was very interested to compare the difference between the two forms of multiple tank diving. With twins on your back I found that the tanks can make the BCD slip around a bit if you don't have the straps tight enough. However with the sidmount set up this was not an issue at all, considering the BCD was a little too big especially as I wasn't wearing a wetsuit. As soon as I dropped under the water I was able to get neutral buoyancy and felt very at home in the gear, my only issue was getting used to were everything was which would be easily sorted with practice and configurating your own gear to your preference. 

Our overall conclusion was that for day to day diving we are happy with single tanks, but for the deeper dives and any where you need more air we'd certainly look at this as a option, I'd personally love to use 2 7litre tanks with this set up and it would be so streamlined and enough air for most of the deeper dives.

Thanks to Jamie for guiding us through the experience!

Em! :)

Me! I'm OK and yes I am blowing bubbles!!

For more information on Sidemount diving check out this blog from someone who did the full course, if you are interested in the course check out the information here 

Oh yes we did do a few swimming laps after the fun! But then as it was such a gorgeous day we went to the St George Motor Boat Club and had fish'n'chips overlooking the river. A lonnngggggg chilled lunch was a great way to end a fun day (even if we didn't get to see any fish!)