Specialty
An alternative rig with cylinders mounted at your side instead of on your back — more flexibility, better streamlining, and options that suit a wide range of divers.
Get more infoSidemount diving puts your cylinders at your sides rather than on your back. This gives you a lower profile, flexible gas management and easier access to tight spaces.
The PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty teaches you how to configure, trim and dive a sidemount rig. It is popular with divers who like streamlined diving and those curious about cave and technical diving later.
| Theory (knowledge development) | Knowledge development is usually done through PADI eLearning or self-study. |
| Pool / confined water | A confined water session is used to set up and practise with the sidemount rig. |
| Open water | Typically three open water dives are done after certification as an Open Water Diver. |
PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent, and you must be fit to dive.
Minimum age: 15 years old.
Training dives: Typically four dives (one confined water and three open water) per PADI standards.
At Scubaversity: PADI Open Water Diver certification, minimum age 15.
Typically two to three days.
Divers who want to try streamlined, flexible gear configurations.
Alternative streamlining in the water, easier transport of gear topside, reduced lower-back strain, redundant gas supply, and easier monitoring of your cylinders since they're right in front of you.
You need a PADI Open Water Diver certification and a minimum age of 15 to enrol in the Sidemount specialty.
Cylinders mounted at your side rather than your back give you alternative streamlining in the water, easier gear transport topside, reduced lower-back strain, a redundant gas supply, and easier monitoring of your cylinders since they're right in front of you.
You don't need to own a sidemount rig — ask us about kit when you book. Skills are introduced at our Gauteng pool before moving to open water at Bass Lake or Miracle Waters, and it's a great skill to have dialled in before a coastal trip to Sodwana Bay or Aliwal Shoal.
Sidemount is R4 398 for club members and R4 548 for non-members, including PADI materials. Book via our enquiry form, or get in touch through contact with any questions.
The PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty is a recreational course. It stays within recreational limits.
Not necessarily. Ask Scubaversity about available equipment before you book.