Having scuba tanks on your back isn’t a requirement for exploring the underwater world. Many scuba divers have discovered the joy of mounting cylinders on their sides. Sidemount diving gives you flexibility and streamlining options. Plus, you don’t have to walk with heavy cylinders on your back – just enter the water, clip them on and go. Sound interesting? Sign up for the PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty course. Along with learning about the many benefits of diving with a sidemount configuration, during one confined water and three open water scuba dives you’ll learn how to:
Properly assemble and configure sidemount scuba diving equipment.
Trim your weight system and sidemount gear so you’re perfectly balanced in the water.
Manage gas by switching second stages as planned, if wearing two cylinders.
Respond correctly to potential problems when sidemount diving.
Prerequisites: Must be an Open Water Diver at least 15 yrs old.
Class price includes:
All instruction
3 open water dives
Regulator and sidemount BCD rentals
A comprehensive package of study materials and/or online course program
Certification fees
*Course fee does not include any other snorkel or scuba equipment. Students must provide their own personal gear (masks, fins, snorkels, boots) which are available for purchase at the dive store and our friendly staff can professionally fit you for these items, if needed. BC, Regulator with dive computer, and wetsuits are available to rent at a discounted daily rate for students enrolled in our Sidemount Diver course. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation and personal items (swim suit, towel, etc).
Medical: Prior to taking this scuba class, you will need to complete a Continuing Education/Medical form. Please review this form and determine if you are eligible to take a scuba course or if you will need a doctor to sign-off on your form prior to starting the class. This information is required to enroll or begin any diver training.
Diving Location Options: For completing your course locally, join us at one of three locations: Dutch Springs in Bethlehem, PA; Lake Phoenix in Rawlings, VA; or Hydes Quarry in Westminster, MD. Alternatively visit our Travel Page to join us on one of our fantastic trips to a more exotic locale.
Hydes Quarry (add $30 for day pass)
Close to home
5-10 ft. visibility, stair access to/from water
No frills and no facilities. Training only.
***Camp & Dive Weekend **Recommended** (add $175)
Dutch Springs or Lake Phoenix, 3-4 hour drive
30-40 ft. visibility, large training platforms, easy shore access to/from water
Bath houses with toilets and hot showers, concession stands, and gift shop
Fee includes Scuba Park entrance fee, camping fees for 2 nights, all meals, snacks, and drinks, and unlimited air fills!
Student arrival and setup Friday evening, training conducted Saturday/Sunday
Cancellations or Rescheduling: Cancellations or rescheduling require 48-hour notice. You may reschedule one time at no charge, after that any further adjustments will incur a $50 rescheduling fee per change. Cancellations are subject to a $75 cancellation fee.
Note on Rental Gear: For Camp-n-Dive (Dutch Springs) Weekends, rental gear may be picked up 12pm – 7pm Thursday, the week of the event. For Hydes Quarry Weekends, rental gear may be picked up 12pm – 7pm Friday, the week of the event.
Course Dates, pricing and other details: See Calendar Here
Make DAN Your Dive Buddy – Every Dive! Nautilus Aquatics Referral Code: 1486652 Divers Alert Network