New sidemount divers often look like "flying squirrels"—arms and tanks flared out wide. This is the antithesis of sidemount success. The configuration is designed to fit through restrictive spaces.
Use modular valves (left and right-handed) so that valve hand wheels face outward and openings face inward, protecting first stages. sidemount principles for success verified
: Because valves are in front of you, they are highly accessible. You should be able to perform valve shutdowns for regulator or hose failures with ease, often practiced through "valve-feathering" drills. Summary of Success Use modular valves (left and right-handed) so that
Success is verified by the "finger pinch" test: When you release your tanks, the rig hangs perfectly level from your shoulders. If one side dips, your side-mount slide (the rail) is misaligned. Summary of Success Success is verified by the
By following the verified sidemount principles for success and staying committed to your training and practice, you can become a skilled and confident sidemount diver, and explore the underwater world with greater freedom and flexibility.