Technical Sidemount Scuba Dive Training For Beginners

Your instructor series, Steve/Vas is amazing. Let me be the first one to tell you that you are absolutely correct. You can learn SM by simply watching the videos, as I did. But, I had to compromise/sacrifice some of my learning curves without you (SM essentials instructor). To get proficient with AL80s, it took me nearly a year. Then, I... read moreSteve/Vas. Your instructor series is amazing. Let me be the first one to tell you that you are right in everything you have said. You can learn SM by simply watching the videos, as I did. But, I had to compromise/sacrifice some of my learning curves without you (SM essentials instructor). To get proficient with AL80s, it took me nearly a year. The first level of tech diving was taken by me a year later. I told my instructor that I was using SM configuration. He was shocked that I did not teach myself. I told him, and he replied with "You most likely will need to take a SM workshop together depending on how well I do on dive one". He said that there was no reason to have you take a class after the first dive. Your online training is excellent, but I'd rather see Joe Seda if it was all over again. I will continue to learn from him in the future. Regards Tony read less

Certificate cards: These are issued only to those who have earned them. Certification is not guaranteed by simply taking part in a course. Multiple training agencies might offer certification cards for cave courses. C-cards usually cost about $30, depending on which agency you choose. Talk to your instructor for details.

Steve, I just stumbled upon the new chapters that you have added to your online courses. They are great. They are especially useful when searching for a specific part of a video or reviewing them. They were easy to use and I started using them immediately after I saw them. Timo, a big thank you!

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

Steve, I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing online Sidemount PCB training. My PADI Sidemount PCB training was last year. However, I felt that my XDeep harness setup was not as streamlined as I would like. Although the instructor was excellent, I could see that he didn't live and breathe sidemount. I had already signed up for your free course, which was very helpful. But... read moreSteve, I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing online Sidemount PCB training course. My PADI Sidemount PCB training was last year. However, I felt that my XDeep harness wasn't streamlined the way I wanted. Although the instructor was excellent, I could see that he didn't live sidemount. Your free course system was very helpful, but you left wanting more. I will be attending my Overhead Environment training in Florida this November and wanted to ensure that my setup and skills were up-to-date. I watched your entire online course (WOW). Your recommendations helped me to rebuild my XDeep harness. Your setup helped me re-do my entire bungee system and all my attachment points. I feel that my setup is correct and it feels very comfortable in the water. Again, thank you. Next, I will continue to improve my skills. It is much easier now that my harness has been properly set up. Your training was a great investment. I wish I had done it a year ago. Please take care, and keep the updates coming. Thanks, Jason read less

sidemountpcb.com training online is crucial for technical and recreational divers. While I have completed a Tec40 /sidemount class before I began my technical training, I consider this sidemount essentials. Joe was able, through the online training, to concentrate on the in water skills. Joe Seda taught me the basics of technical training. This was even though I had taken a Tec40 /sidemount class before beginning my training with Joe. Joe was able, thanks to the online training, to focus solely on in-water skill development. This was the foundation for both cave training and all technical training with Vas Proud. The online training is a good example of what all divers can expect from in-water training. It also speeds up in-water skill growth. My daughter is starting her journey in diving. She has already seen the backmount diving videos. I am looking over the instructors videos to ensure she has the best experience possible. I cannot stress enough how important these training tools are in the safe and competent development of technical and recreational divers. Daniel Glynn - Cave diver and father