Recreational Sidemount

Discover a different and more flexible way of diving with the SSI Recreational Sidemount Specialty. More balance, more control, and a completely new diving experience.

The SSI Recreational Sidemount Specialty introduces you to an alternative diving configuration where you carry the cylinders at your side instead of on your back. This way of diving offers a surprising number of benefits and is becoming increasingly popular among recreational divers who want to improve their comfort, trim, and control.

As an official SSI dive school, we teach you how to dive safely and efficiently with a sidemount configuration within recreational limits. You will learn how to assemble and adjust the equipment correctly, switch cylinders underwater, and manage gas and procedures specific to sidemount diving.

Sidemount often provides better trim and buoyancy, less strain on the back and shoulders, and a greater sense of freedom underwater. In addition, it gives you more redundancy and overview, which contributes to comfort and safety—even during regular recreational dives.

During the course, there is a strong focus on personal adjustment, so the configuration fits your body and diving style perfectly. You will practice skills step by step, both above and below water, and experience how sidemount diving increases your awareness and control underwater.

The SSI Recreational Sidemount Specialty is ideal for divers who:

• want to refine their diving skills

• want to dive more comfortably and stably

• are curious about technical diving techniques without immediately going technical

• or want to reduce the physical strain of traditional backmount diving

Upon completion, you will receive the SSI Recreational Sidemount Specialty certification, which counts towards the free SSI recognition ratings Specialty Diver, Advanced Specialty Diver, and Master Diver. The course also provides an excellent foundation for further specialization, such as Advanced Sidemount or technical diving.