Side mount diving is a scuba diving technique where divers carry their tanks on their sides rather than on their back. This approach originated from cave diving, where maneuverability in tight spaces is crucial. However, it has also gained popularity in recreational diving due to its numerous benefits.
Benefits of side mount diving include:
1. Enhanced maneuverability: A side mount configuration allows greater flexibility and ease of underwater movement, especially in confined spaces or when navigating through tight passages such as wreck diving.
2. Improved streamlining: Tanks positioned along the sides of the diver’s body reduce drag, resulting in better hydrodynamics and less resistance when swimming.
3. Redundancy and safety: Side mount divers typically use two separate tanks, each with a regulator, providing redundancy in case of equipment failure. This setup also allows for easier access to valves and regulators, facilitating quick gas switches or sharing air with a buddy in an emergency.
4. Comfort and reduced strain: Side mount diving can be more comfortable for some divers, as it distributes the weight of the tanks more evenly and reduces strain on the back and shoulders compared to traditional back-mounted configurations.
5. Accessibility: Side mount diving can be advantageous for divers with physical limitations or mobility issues, as it may be easier to don and carry the tanks in this configuration.
Overall, side mount diving offers divers greater flexibility, safety, and comfort, making it an appealing option for many underwater enthusiasts.
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