TDI Sidemount

Technical Diving · Sidemount at a Technical Level · For Certified Divers

Sidemount, taken technical. The TDI Sidemount course builds on the sidemount setup at a technical level: managing two independent cylinders with precise gas matching, moving with six distinct propulsion techniques, and training the mental side of technical diving, stress recognition and clear decision-making. It's a great fit whether you're heading into technical diving or just want the most capable, redundant configuration you can dive. We provide the sidemount cylinders and regulators; you'll need your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel, and we strongly recommend your own fitted sidemount harness (we fit them here).

Veterans can put their GI Bill toward their training, and families can use ESA or ClassWallet funds. See if you qualify.

Starting from

$399.00

Availability: Contact us for booking information

Description
Additional Information

TDI Sidemount Diver Course

Technical Diving · Sidemount at a Technical Level · For Certified Divers

Sidemount clips your cylinders alongside your body for better trim, easy valve access, and two independent gas sources. This is the technical take on it. The TDI Sidemount course builds on the sidemount setup at a technical level, teaching you to manage two cylinders precisely, move through the water with real control, and think clearly under pressure. It's a natural fit whether you're heading toward technical diving or you simply want the most capable, redundant configuration you can dive.

What the technical approach adds

This goes beyond a first look at sidemount into genuine technical skill:

Gas matching across two independent cylinders of different sizes
Six distinct propulsion techniques for precise control in any situation
The mental side of technical diving: stress recognition and decision-making
Confined space awareness, conservation, and back-referencing your route

What you'll learn

The knowledge side is pure technical foundation.

Gas matching procedures for cylinders of different sizes
Equipment configuration and selection for sidemount
The psychological considerations of technical diving
Confined space diving, conservation, and back-referencing

In-water skills you'll demonstrate

The open water dives prove real control and redundancy management.

All six propulsion techniques on demand
Neutral buoyancy hovering, held steady
Gas switches with and without your mask
Cylinder management and S-drills

Six ways to move

A big part of the course is mastering how you propel and position yourself, so you can move precisely without stirring up silt or losing trim.

Frog kick

Modified frog

Modified flutter

Backwards kick

Helicopter turn

Hand pulling

The mental side is a skill, not a personality trait

Technical diving asks a lot of your head, not just your hands. This course treats stress recognition and decision-making as something you train and get better at, with real frameworks, rather than something you either have or you don't. It's one of the most valuable things you'll take from it.

Who can enroll

You don't need prior sidemount or technical experience to start.

Certified SDI Open Water divers, or equivalent
Minimum age 18
Prior sidemount experience isn't required, though it helps

SDI or TDI sidemount?

We teach sidemount two ways, so you can start where it fits.

This TDI course is the technical-level version
Our SDI Sidemount course is the recreational specialty
Pairs naturally with Intro to Tech on the technical path

✓ What's included

Instruction and your open water sidemount dives
Sidemount cylinders and regulators, provided by us
The TDI Sidemount knowledge materials
Your TDI Sidemount Diver certification on completion

What to bring

Your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel (required, we don't rent these)
Your own sidemount harness (strongly recommended; a harness is fitted specifically to your body, and we fit them here)
Your Open Water certification card
A swimsuit and a towel

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from the SDI Sidemount course?

Our SDI Sidemount course is the recreational specialty, a great first introduction to diving sidemount. This TDI Sidemount course takes the same setup and builds on it at a technical level, with gas matching, six propulsion techniques, and the mental frameworks of technical diving. Call us if you're not sure which fits your goals.

What are the prerequisites?

You need to be a certified SDI Open Water diver or equivalent, and at least 18 years old. Prior sidemount experience isn't required, though it's useful if you have it.

What is gas matching?

Gas matching is the process of managing your gas consumption across two independent sidemount cylinders, so you stay balanced and safe even when the cylinders are different sizes. It's a core technical skill this course teaches.

Do I need my own gear?

We provide the sidemount cylinders and regulators. You'll need your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel, and we strongly recommend your own sidemount harness, since a harness is fitted specifically to your body. We fit them here at the shop.

Do I have to be pursuing technical diving?

No. Many divers take it purely for the control, redundancy, and skill it builds. That said, it fits naturally into a technical path, and pairs well with Intro to Tech.

Is the "psychological" part really necessary?

Yes, and it's one of the most useful parts. Stress recognition and clear decision-making are treated as skills you develop with real frameworks, not a personality trait. That mindset carries into every dive you make afterward.

Let's. Go. Diving.

Dive sidemount the technical way. Call the shop and we'll get you fitted and scheduled.

📞 Call the shop (480) 881-4013

A technical-level sidemount course. Cylinders and regulators provided; your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel required, and your own fitted sidemount harness strongly recommended. Prerequisite: certified SDI Open Water diver (or equivalent), age 18.

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