Sidemountpcb.com online training has become a vital component for technical and recreational divers. Even though I had already completed a Tec 40 / Sidemount class before I started my technical training, I consider it sidemount essentials. Joe could focus on in-water skills with the online training. Read moreSidemountPCBing.com online training has been a crucial component for technical and recreational divers. Even though I had already completed a Tec 40 / Sidemount class before I started my technical training, I considered the beginning of my technical training sidemount basics. Joe Seda was my instructor in Florida. Joe was able to concentrate on in-water skills, which were the foundation for all technical training, including trimix with Vas. Online training demonstrates what every diver should expect from top-quality in-water training and expedites in-water skills development. My daughter is just beginning her dive journey. She has seen the backmount videos and I am now reviewing the instructor videos to ensure I am the best 'buddy" for her throughout her training. These training tools are crucial in the safe development and safety of technical and recreational divers. Daniel Glynn (father, cave diver) read more
Steve/Vas, Your instructor series has been amazing. Please allow me to be the first person to state that I agree with everything you said. One can learn SM simply by watching the videos. I was able to sacrifice my learning without the help of SM Essentials Instructor. It took me nearly one year to get good at AL80s. I then read moreSteve/Vas. The instructor series you have created is truly amazing. Let me just say that I agree with everything you have to say. As I have shown, anyone can learn SM from watching videos. I was able to sacrifice my learning curve, but not without the help of SM essentials instructor. It took me almost one full year to get used to AL80s. I completed the tech dive level one year later and informed my tech instructor that I was diving in SM configuration. I had to explain to him that I taught it myself. His response was "you most likely need to take a SM class with me depending upon how I do on dive 1". After my first dive he said, "There is no reason why you should take a class alongside me." Your online training is perfect, but I would go back to Joe Seda if I had to. I plan to continue the course with him in the future. Regards Tony read less
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We do not issue certification cards unless they are earned. The mere fact that you have taken part in a training course does not make you certified. There may be multiple certification agencies that offer certification cards for cave courses. C-cards typically cost around $30 per card depending on their agency. You can ask your instructor more.
The goal of this course is to teach you the basics of how to use the equipment in your cave or tech diver training. You will also need the same equipment for the course. This includes:
You should know what you are getting. Prices include instruction fees and eLearning fees. Keep in mind that eLearning can cost anywhere from $140 up to $280. If you pay for elearning separately, then a course costing $640 from us could be the same price as a course costing $500 from another source.
Sidemount PCB staging is where the diver sets up cylinders using tank straps, bungee and clips (left- and right-handed). Sidemount configuration is the use of bungee loops (or butt-platerails) to store stage/deco tubes in a sleek manner against the sides of your torso when diving in CCR or back-mounted doubles.
Thanks so much to you Steve, and to Vas for your mentoring. Not asking questions and exploring options, tends to put a stop to the progression of safety and growth in diving. I have studied in depth your online teachings for 2 years now and counting. I have practiced and trained muscle memory but most importantly never kept my mouth shut if other divers ask... read moreThanks so much to you Steve, and to Vas for your mentoring. Not asking questions and exploring options, tends to put a stop to the progression of safety and growth in diving. I have studied in depth your online teachings for 2 years now and counting. I have practiced and trained muscle memory but most importantly never kept my mouth shut if other divers ask me. The results are incredible as they now see a better way. I must also say that in my 2 years of learning, you were always kind enough to explain, or give me an idea for improvement!!! There is always an opportunity to ask, learn, teach, discuss, and grow. In diving there should be no stupid questions. I’m sure I will open my mouth in future to ask another question!! Lol
If you will not be using sidemount during your cave diver training, what you should be looking at is our CDS Basics Orientation course.
Your online course was a great learning experience. Although I have had a few lessons with instructors during my scuba career, I can say that I have never seen such detailed, practical and useful explanations on how to be a better diver. My PADI AOW training was difficult because I struggled with buoyancy control when I attempted to shoot my SMB ..... I just had this amazing experience with your online course. Although I have had a few lessons with other instructors during my scuba career, I can say that I've never seen such detailed, practical, and useful explanations on how to be a better diver. As I attempted to shoot my SMB, my buoyancy control was a problem when I completed my PADI AOW training. My instructor suggested ways to increase my buoyancy. He advised me to practice. He was sure he had good buoyancy control but didn't tell me the importance of weighting properly, breathing control, and so on. Your videos were eye-opening. My dive buddies didn't get it. Even my highly-recommended instructors still ask me why I do sm. Is it useful? It is mostly done by cave divers. It was a great decision. It's a whole new world. Although nobody taught me or checked my SM skills, many times when I dive with other divers, they comment on how great my trim is. Your videos taught me everything, including how to set up my equipment, exit the water, and solve problems. We should meet up and have training together. I want to help other divers become better and more qualified. While I know there are many great instructors and divers out there, I believe your contribution to the scuba diving community is significant and vital. We are grateful for your efforts. Regards, Csaba read less
One of the most important innovations in the equipment cave divers now use is the move from backmounted to sidemount doubles. While a large number of cave divers now sidemount their equipment, it is possible that there are many more open-circuit sidemount cavers than backmount.
Hi Steve, I just saw the new chapters you are adding into your online courses. Really like them. Especially helpful, when reviewing videos and searching for just a part in a video. I starting using them as soon as I noticed them. Cheers, Timo
Although I've never attempted sidemount, after studying his online training I knew that Steve was the right man to guide me and make sure I succeed. I was right! It was truly a life-changing week! Sidemount PCB Essentials exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher. He's patient and takes time to explain sidemount. I have never tried it before, but after watching his online video training, knew that Steve was the best man to guide me through it. I was correct! It was truly a life-changing week! Sidemount PCB Essentials exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher. He is patient and gives his time to all of his students. Every step is carefully planned. It was memorable and rewarding. Sidemount PCB Essentials Course has changed the way I dive. I was amazed at how quickly my awareness and skills levels under water increased. Everything is in place: the harness, the weight and position of the swimmers, the cylinder trim and the balance in the water. This allows you to feel confident and relaxed. Although the course was quite challenging, it was extremely enjoyable. Every day began with a planning session, followed by a video review on our drills in the sea. Every time we got in the water, we had to drain our cylinders. That's why our learning curve was so steep! All of it was done with exceptional professionalism in a safe and relaxed atmosphere. Steve is a great instructor and I recommend this course. Steve will guide you to greatness if you are passionate about Sidemount PCB. read less
Steve, just wanted thank you for your awesome online Sidemount PCB class. My PADI Sidemount training was completed last year. I still felt that the XDeep rig wasn't as streamlined and comfortable as I expected. While the instructor was competent, I could tell he didn't live sidemount. I had signed-up for your free course system, which was helpful at the time. However,... read moreSteve just wanted you to thank us for our amazing online Sidemount PCB Course. I had my PADI Sidemount training last year and felt that the XDeep system was not streamlined in the way I desired. The instructor was competent, but it was obvious that he didn’t live or breathe sidemount. I had signed up for the free course which was helpful, but it left me wanting more. I am completing my Overhead Environment Training in Florida this November. I wanted to make certain my setup and skills are up to the mark. I have completed your entire online course. I used all your suggestions to rebuild my XDeep sling harness. Your recommendations helped me redesign my entire harness system, including my attachment points. I feel confident in the water now that I know my setup is working properly. Once again, thank-you. Next is to continue working on my skills, which are much more manageable now that my harness works properly. I wish that I had paid for your training last year. Take care of yourself and keep the updates coming. Thanks, Jason read less
2-3 hours
Even with small cylinders, you can usually dive for 2-3 hours (rebreathers typically have two 2/3l cylinders or one 3/5l cylinder).
Tec divers can visit reefs and wrecks at depths well below the recreational limit of 40 meters/130 feet. They can explore underwater caves and other locations far beyond the reach of mainstream sport diving with specialized training.
The PADI Rebreather/Advanced Rebreather Diver courses take four days to complete. The course fee is $1250, which includes books and rental.