Dive Training Blogs

Sidemount Divers Going ‘Back’ to Backmount

Published

11 years ago

April 17, 2014

Okay I know the contents of this article are going to come as a shock for most of you. Please take the time to read this article in full; it may save your back – literally!!

After much debate I finally decided to write this article, as in the last 6 months I have received an increased amount of emails from divers all over the world, telling me that they have taken training with a sidemount instructor and after training they find sidemount is not working for them… and they are thinking of going back to backmount!

Before we get into this, I personally do not think any particular piece of sidemount equipment or training agency is to blame for what is happening. What I am putting it down to is the quality of the actual sidemount training divers are receiving from their chosen sidemount instructor.

Having re-looked at many of the emails I received and replied to, I noticed many similarities in what problems the divers where having, which hopefully I will explain by you reading this article.

Most common problems

Sidemount equipment doesn’t feel stable enough and is too much hassle to use in the water, so I stick to a twinset for technical diving as it is easier & safer.
Steve – having reviewed your online videos, I can’t dive sidemount like you or your students seem to, you make it look easy!! Here are some pics; can you tell me what am I doing wrong..?
I have taken sidemount training, and since I spent time looking at your website, I now feel that I didn’t get much from my sidemount training & instructor.
Comparing to what I see on your pictures and video, my tank trim is horrible and is constantly causing distraction to me during the dive, how do I fix this..?
On the surface I can’t float upright, do you find it a problem too…?
I have approx 20 dives in sidemount now; I just added my deco cylinders and find the whole thing task loading compared to using backmount. I must be doing something wrong, can you advise me..? I am confident with a twinset!!
Once I added my cylinders I was grossly over-weighted and felt like I had just started diving again, is this to be expected..?
I think the sidemount system I use is the problem, Steve what do you think to this system vs. this other system and then what about if I then change this bit and alter this bit etc..?

My feedback to the above

Their course duration was too short (just 1 or 2 days); this is not enough time spent learning sidemount correctly (3 to 4 day minimum).
Usually a poor configuration of all sidemount equipment in respect to what is being used, its setup & how the skills are being performed.
There were too many students on the course (should be max of 3).
The sidemount instructor they had was lacking actual experience diving in sidemount; most likely they received poor or no training themselves.
Technical diving using sidemount can be more difficult and problematic than say using a backmounted twinset. This is due to sidemount’s flexibility and higher demand on correct cylinder configuration, valves, SM system, hose routing and skill sets from each diver. That said, done right it is far superior to backmount!
With sidemount equipment everything makes a difference; your bungee tension, cylinders & cylinder valves used, height of cylinder band placement, cord & bolt snap lengths, your body size, fin choice… the list goes on.
It is true I will always favour and recommend a sidemount system to you; it will be the one I believe is the best on the market at the time. I will only let you use a system that doesn’t compromise or interfere with the training I offer you.
A lot of people are surprised and didn’t think we would need the 4 full days but believe me, everybody does. I want you to leave me knowing exactly how to use sidemount for the diving you do. I will spend enough time building the right skill sets with you, so you continue to stay in sidemount after training!!

Please note: Answers to those questions above and many more can be found in the FAQ’s section on my website (view here).

Is it hard to find a good sidemount instructor?

I think it is easy to tell what kind of sidemount instructor they are. If they are claiming to be the best at everything and just recently jumped on the “sidemount band wagon”, I’d question if you would get good training from them and if they were worth choosing as your sidemount instructor.

Basically, do your research! I suggest you look at how much time that instructor actually spends diving in sidemount; are they offering sidemount courses because they really believe in the configuration and the “art of sidemount diving”, or do they just do it because it’s cool and because sidemount has a lot of interest and media exposure at the moment?

You get what you pay for!

Sidemount diving is growing at an exploding rate; we are hearing about people trying side mount and starting to see it everywhere. This means that as soon as divers hear about or see sidemount for the first time, they of course want to try it and find out what all the buzz is about!

Sadly this has meant that many instructors just want to be seen offering the latest thing and get another credential (sidemount instructor rating) as it is the new cool thing to offer and a way to make some quick cash.

These same “sidemount instructors” don’t care about their own reputation and the damage their cheap, low valve sidemount courses have on the dive industry and people like myself who have dedicated the last few years of their career to the development of sidemount diving.

I hope this article makes student divers looking to learn sidemount think carefully about who they choose to spend their money with.

I hope all sidemount instructors who are reading this really question if what they are offering is of good enough value and whether their sidemount students continue to use sidemount after their training with them. If not, and your students have gone back to backmount, please STOP teaching until you are able to offer better training. It is your reputation that will suffer, along with all the divers you train thinking sidemount doesn’t work!

Here’s something to think about:

If I was to line up ten cave divers that use backmounted equipment from different parts of the world right now and compared all their equipment, you will find that what they are wearing, how their equipment is configured and how they perform their skills are all very similar (Google: Hogarthian System).

This was not the case back in 1990; the same cave divers back then would all have different BCD, regulator and hose configurations. The reason they all changed to what we have today is because what we have now is well tried and tested – it works and it’s safe.

Sidemount is currently in the 1990 stage of development again; everyone has their own idea about what works and what doesn’t. There are a few of us (including myself) that would argue what we offer and teach now is very standardised. I don’t think it will take the rest of the world 20 years catch up; I think it will only take another two or three years at the most.

What I am talking about is refining in the following areas:

The way we configure our sidemount systems, modular valves waist clip system.
Correct hose routing, so every piece compliments the next.
No additional equipment (e.g. adding a stage interferes with initial skills learnt).
Minimalist approach to sidemount equipment (less is more!).
Using the correct cylinders for correct exposure suits.
The list goes on…

The problem with finding something you’re truly passionate about – it becomes heartbreaking for me to see sidemount being offered so badly by others, especially when you hear about the dropout rate of divers going back to backmount.

I want to reassure all people reading this that sidemount diving does in fact work and I believe with the right training, I can guarantee sidemount can be superior to diving in backmount; in fact, I will stick my reputation on it!

Remember to keep updated by clicking LIKE on Steve’s Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/sidemounting

Blogs

Jeff Goodman Launches Underwater Moviemaker Course with NovoScuba

Published

1 week ago

December 9, 2024

Team Scubaverse

Transform Your Dive Experiences into Cinematic Masterpieces

NovoScuba has partnered with acclaimed underwater filmmaker Jeff Goodman to introduce the Underwater Moviemaker Course—a revolutionary program designed to equip divers with the skills to capture the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an avid diver, or a photography enthusiast, this course offers the tools and expertise needed to create stunning underwater videos. From vibrant coral reefs to curious marine life, you’ll learn how to film, edit, and produce captivating underwater stories, all with expert guidance from a seasoned professional.

Jeff Goodman: A Legacy in Underwater Filmmaking

Jeff Goodman brings over 40 years of experience in underwater film production for television to this course. Reflecting on his career, Jeff said:

“Although technology has dramatically changed, the basics of underwater filming remain constant. This course covers crucial skills for producing great videos. Whether you’re creating professional broadcast films or high-quality hobby videos, the fundamental principles are the same.

A camera operator must master their equipment to capture those magical underwater moments effortlessly. But beyond technical know-how, underwater filmmaking is about having fun and enhancing your diving experiences. So, take your time, learn at your own pace, and enjoy this creative journey.”

About NovoScuba

Founded in 2023, NovoScuba is reshaping dive education with a comprehensive, digitally native platform. Offering cutting-edge training programs for divers at all levels, NovoScuba sets a new benchmark in the diving industry by combining innovation with accessibility.

With ISO-certified courses, a student subscription model, and multilingual support, NovoScuba ensures that dive education is inclusive and engaging. More than just a training provider, NovoScuba fosters a global community of divers committed to exploration, collaboration, and sustainability.

Join the NovoScuba Underwater Moviemaker Course Today!

Dive into the world of underwater filmmaking and start creating cinematic stories that inspire. Learn more about the course and enroll today at www.novoscuba.com/novoscuba-underwater-moviemaker-course.

EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Goodman interviews Mark Spiers, CEO of New Scuba Diving Training Agency NovoScuba

NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!

The diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.

NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.

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A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission

NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.

NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.

Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration

NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.

Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.

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NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.

Quality Training at a Great Price

NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.

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At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.

Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success

NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.

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Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload

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Crossover Made Easy

For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.

Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership

NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:

Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.

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Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement

NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.

Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth

At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.

Everyone is getting a piece of the pie.

Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution

Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.

For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.