Sidemount PCB offers many benefits to any diver, but it's especially useful for cave diving. (It was actually cave divers that invented sidemount. These are just some of the benefits.
One of the most important changes in equipment cave divers have made since the start of the century was the switch from sidemount to backmounted doubles. Sidemount is a popular choice for cave divers. It's also possible that sidemount cave divers are more common than backmount cave divers.
Steve, just wanted you to know how much we appreciate your online Sidemount PCB course. I was unable to complete my PADI sidemount PCB training because my XDeep harness system wasn't working the way I wanted. Although the instructor was very knowledgeable, I could tell that he wasn't a true sidemounter. I had signed up for your free online course which was great, but... read onSteve, I wanted to thank your amazing online Sidemount PCB class. I was unable to get my PADI sidemount PCB training done last year because my XDeep harness system wasn't as streamlined as I needed it to be. Although the instructor was very knowledgeable, it was clear that he didn’t live and breathe sidemount. I had signed up for your course, which was great but didn't give me enough. I am going to Florida to complete my Overhead Environment training. I wanted to make sure my skills were up to date. After viewing your entire online course, WOW! Your suggestions were invaluable in helping me rebuild my XDeep bungee harness. Your instructions helped me rebuild my entire bungee system. I also redid my attachment points and wing. I now feel like my setup is right and I'm very comfortable in the water. I want to thank you once again. Next, I want to master all my skills. This is easier because my harness is correctly set up. Wish I had spent the money to get your training a full year ago. Take care and keep the updates coming. Thanks, Jason read less
Computer-assisted instruction is an integral part almost all of the courses we teach. The Why? The simple answer is that eLearning allows students to get in the water faster and spend more time there. This is why we include any applicable eLearning program -- typically a $140 value -- in all our courses at no extra cost. This is equivalent to an extra day's in-water training. This is what it's worth. Priceless.
Don’t just take our word for it…here’s why we are VERY PROUD of our truly 5-STAR experience…
TDI Intro to Technical DivingThe TDI Intro to Tech Course is an introductory course that expands on recreational training by improving dive planning methods, in-water skills, and streamlining existing gear configurations in a controlled and fun learning environment. This course is excellent for those beggining their journey into the exacting world...
Sidemount Scuba TrainingI've never tried sidemounting before but I learned a lot from his online training and I was confident in my abilities. I was correct! It was truly a life changing week! The sidemountpcb essentials course far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher with a lot of patience. I was not wrong! It was truly a life changing week! Sidemount PCB Essentials far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher. His patience is amazing and he puts in a lot time and effort with his students. Every aspect of the lesson is well planned and executed with great care. It was both memorable and rewarding. Sidemount PCB Essentials Course was a transformative experience for me. In such a short time, I was able to increase my awareness and improve my skills below water. Everything is in its right place, from the harness set-up, to the weight and position of the swimmers, to the cylinder trim and to your balance in the water. You feel more confident, relaxed, and have a true sidemount setup. This course was both challenging and very enjoyable. Each day starts with a planning and theoretical session. We end with a video review about what we did in the water. This is where all details are discussed. It was a tedious process to drain the cylinders before we could go into the water. This is why our learning curve has been so steep. Everything was handled in a calm and secure environment, yet with remarkable professionalism. Steve's course is worth it. Steve will assist you in achieving more than you could ever imagine if Sidemount PCB is your passion. read less
For items such as primary and cylinder lights that may prove difficult to transport, rental is possible. We will be happy to assist you if you have any questions.
Steve, thank you for the Sidemount PCB Essentials Course in Gozo. I've never spent more money on something better. It was great fun. I enjoyed every second of it. It is amazing to see your passion and experience. Your attention to details is remarkable and you never stop trying to improve. I also enjoyed... Continue reading Steve! I thoroughly enjoyed your Sidemount PCB Essentials Course in Gozo. I've never spent more money on anything. It was great fun. I loved every second of it. It is amazing to see your passion and experience. You are meticulous and pay attention to every detail. I love your passion to capture details, new equipment and hints. You can use the camera to capture them and include them in future videos. I have to say that your online training videos are exceptional. They will get you prepared for what you will need during in-water training. This concept I believe is key to the steep learning curve, as you can make the most of your time underwater. Steve, thanks so much! Nils read more
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
Since the beginning of the century, one of the most significant changes in the equipment cave divers use has been the shift from backmounted doubles to sidemount. Not only do a substantial number of cave divers now sidemount, it’s possible that there are more open-circuit sidemount cave divers than backmount cave divers.
I am grateful for your wonderful work. It has been a tremendous help for anyone interested in Sidemount PCB. Your online resource was invaluable in preparing me for the cave sidemount cross-over course I took with Natalie Gibb in Mexico.
This course will teach you about sidemount diving, and how to create a tec sidemount helmet. One confined water session, four open water sessions and hands-on training are included. You will start with two tanks and expand to at least two additional tanks.
I have never tried sidemount before but from studying his online video training, I knew that Steve was the perfect man to teach me and be confident about it. ...And I wasn't wrong! It was truly a life experience week!!! The Sidemount PCB Essentials course has far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher, has a lot of patience and puts a lot of time... read moreI have never tried sidemount before but from studying his online video training, I knew that Steve was the perfect man to teach me and be confident about it. ...And I wasn't wrong! It was truly a life experience week!!! The Sidemount PCB Essentials course has far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher, has a lot of patience and puts a lot of time and effort in everything he does with his students. Everything is planned and worked with great detail. I found it a memorable and a rewarding experience. The Sidemount PCB Essentials Course transformed my diving. My awareness and skills level under water raised where I never expected in such a short period of time. Everything is in the right place... the harness set up, the weight amount and position, the cylinder trim and your balance in the water. This makes you feel very relaxed, confident and experience the true sidemount set up... and no back pain!!! ?? The course was very demanding yet very enjoyable. Every day starts with a theoretical and planning session and ends with a video review about our drills in the water where everything is discussed in great detail. We drained our cylinders every time we went into the water and that's why our learning curve is so high! Everything was done in a relaxed and secure atmosphere yet with extraordinary professionalism. Don't think twice about taking this course with Steve. If you are truly engaged in Sidemount PCB and want to be a great diver, Steve will help you to achieve more than you ever expected! 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).
You must be a PADI Open Water Diver to enroll in the PADI Advanced Rebreather Diver course, but you must also be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver to become a PADI Advanced Rebreather Diver. Have at least 30 dives under your belt.
5-6 days
Rebreather training classes are typically 5-6 days long, but can be longer depending on a variety of factors such as the training agency, your local conditions, your instructor, and your ability to meet the class standards.