Learn sidemount diving with control and a strong foundation
Sidemount is much more than attaching two cylinders beside your body. A good sidemount course teaches you how to configure the complete system, remain stable and safely use the advantages of two independent gas supplies.
At Sidemount Academy, the focus is on configuration, trim, buoyancy, finning techniques, gas management and control. You develop skills that can be used in recreational, technical and cave diving.
A complete sidemount course
- Adjustment of harness, wing and cylinders
- Trim and buoyancy
- Efficient finning techniques
- Gas management
- Working with two independent regulators
- Critical skills and scenarios
Why dive sidemount?
In sidemount, the cylinders are carried beside your body rather than on your back. This allows you to attach, check and, when necessary, reposition each cylinder independently.
A properly adjusted sidemount configuration can provide a streamlined position, easy access to the valves and two independent gas supplies. You can also carry the cylinders to the water separately and attach them in the water.
These advantages only work when the equipment is adjusted correctly and you have control of the configuration. That is why the course places so much emphasis on the fundamentals.
How does the sidemount course work?
The course combines online theory, equipment configuration, confined water training and open water training dives.
Theory and workshop
You complete the online theory through the RAID learning platform. During the workshop, we discuss the configuration and carefully adjust your harness, wing, cylinders and regulators.
We consider not only where each component is attached, but also how its position affects trim, accessibility and freedom of movement.
Confined water training
In confined water, you develop control of the configuration. You practise trim, buoyancy, finning techniques, cylinder handling and switching between both regulators.
New skills are combined with a stable position and controlled movement.
Applying your skills in open water
During the open water dives, you refine the techniques in a realistic environment. You apply gas management, communication and critical skills in different scenarios.
The objective is not simply to wear the system, but to have genuine control over it.
Sidemount Fundamentals or Sidemount Basics?
Not every diver starts with the same level of experience. We therefore assess which course format best matches your current skills.
Sidemount Fundamentals
Sidemount Fundamentals is the complete programme for divers who want to develop a technically strong foundation. It covers trim, buoyancy, finning techniques, configuration and critical skills in detail.
This format is suitable when you want to learn sidemount thoroughly and are prepared to invest sufficient time in developing your skills.
Sidemount Basics
Sidemount Basics is a shorter programme for divers who already possess strong fundamental diving skills. You must have control of your current configuration and demonstrate adequate trim and buoyancy.
We determine which option is appropriate during a preliminary conversation and, when necessary, an evaluation dive.
Who is sidemount suitable for?
Sidemount is suitable for recreational and technical divers who want to expand their configuration and skills. You do not need to be a cave diver to benefit from sidemount.
Some divers choose sidemount because of valve accessibility, independent gas supplies or the ability to carry cylinders separately. Others use it to prepare for technical or cave diving courses.
The sidemount course itself is not a decompression course and does not qualify you to enter caves or other overhead environments. These activities require separate training with their own entry requirements.
Equipment and configuration
A sidemount system consists of several components that must work together. The position of the harness, wing, weight, attachment points, cylinders and regulators affects your position and access to the equipment.
During the workshop, we help you select and adjust the equipment. If you already own a sidemount system, we check whether it is complete and suitable for the course.
If you intend to purchase equipment, we can provide configuration advice based on your body type, experience and future diving goals.
From recreational sidemount to technical or cave diving
A solid sidemount foundation can later be used during recreational, technical and cave diving courses. Each subsequent course has its own objectives, entry requirements and required experience.
If you want to dive deeper or conduct decompression dives, courses such as Deep 40 and Decompression Diver may be appropriate next steps. Cave diving requires a separate cave diving programme.
We are happy to help you create a realistic training path that matches your current level and future goals.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need sidemount experience before starting?
No. The course is designed to teach you sidemount from the beginning. You should, however, be comfortable in your current configuration and have a usable foundation in trim and buoyancy.
Do I need my own sidemount equipment?
We discuss this before the course. If you have your own equipment, we check whether it is complete and suitable. If you do not yet have equipment, contact us before making a purchase.
This helps prevent you from investing in components that do not suit your body type, configuration or future diving goals.
Can I learn sidemount without planning to cave dive?
Yes. Sidemount can also be used for recreational diving. Many divers choose it for equipment accessibility, independent gas supplies and the ability to carry cylinders separately.
What is the difference between Fundamentals and Basics?
Fundamentals is the complete programme in which we build a full sidemount foundation. Basics is a shorter programme for divers who already demonstrate adequate trim, buoyancy and fundamental finning techniques.
We discuss which programme is appropriate in advance, based on your experience and current skills.
Where do the training dives take place?
Confined water training takes place, depending on the schedule, at the municipal swimming pool in Temse or at Wetfun in Limburg. Open water dives normally take place at Put van Ekeren or another suitable location agreed with your instructor.
How much time should I allow for the course?
The complete Sidemount Fundamentals course consists of online theory, one workshop day, four confined water dives and four open water dives. The dates are planned in consultation with you.
Each training dive is a complete dive with sufficient time to practise the skills calmly and correctly.
Which certification will I receive?
Once you have completed the online theory and examinations and your instructor has signed off all required skills, you receive an internationally recognised electronic RAID Sidemount Diver certification.
Can I make technical dives after this course?
The sidemount course is not a technical decompression course. It provides a foundation in the sidemount configuration. Decompression dives, greater depths and overhead environments require separate training and additional experience.
Ready to learn sidemount?
Would you like to start Sidemount Fundamentals or first discuss which programme best matches your current experience? Contact us so we can review your objectives, equipment and possible schedule.