In this our 20th episode, sponsored by XDEEP, I discuss what it takes to complete decompression courses and dives in sidemount. I cover: Why additional training is necessary for multi-cylinder sidemount Choosing your cylinders Why traditional stage rigging is not recommended How to rig and don sidemount deco or stage cylinder Deco/stage regulator set up and stowing Weighting, trim and stability with 3+ cylinders How to complete a deco ascent "in the blue" How to complete a NOTOX gas switch and m...
Jan 23, 2019•29 min
In this week's episode sponsored by XDEEP, I share my experiences sidemount diving at Niue Island in the South Pacific including a really cool interview with Shannon Hunter, owner of Buccaneer Adventures Niue Dive. I cover: Background on Niue Island and what makes it so special Considerations traveling as a sidemount diver Questions to ask dive operators in remote locations How get the operator "onside" and actually enjoy having you dive sidemount The skills you need to have to ensure a smooth s...
Jan 15, 2019•27 min
In this week's episode sponsored by Shearwater Research, I speak with Natalie Gibb, consummate sidemount diver, cave instructor, explorer and co-owner of dive shop "Under the Jungle", Mexico. We cover: How Nat got into sidemount, cave diving, and cave instructing Her cave exploration projects in Mexico Building diving skills as you conduct exploration projects Nat's philosophy re sidemount and cave diving training The importance of natural navigation in cave diving Why cave divers should try dry...
Jan 09, 2019•46 min
In this week's episode sponsored by XDEEP, I share my experiences sidemount diving at Truk Lagoon with Pete Mesley's Lust4Rust. I cover: History of Truk Lagoon and Operation Hailstone My planning to complete sidemount trimix dives in tropical conditions Using Michur's XDEEP Stealth 2.0 Dual Bladder configuration for managing trim Travelling to Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia Our base and the dive facilities at Blue Lagoon Resort The wrecks, dive planning, decompression planning and executi...
Dec 20, 2018•29 min
In this week's episode sponsored by XDEEP, I speak with Phillip Lehman, acclaimed graffiti artist, musician and music producer... but more to the point... amazing cave explorer and sidemount diver :)! We cover: How Phillip got into sidemount and cave diving His cave exploration partnership with Patrick Widmann The DRSS and safety issues re untrained divers being guided in the cave zone DRSS exploration projects The importance of practice in building sidemount skills Phillip's equipment including...
Dec 12, 2018•41 min
In this week's episode, I speak with good friend and Kiwi cave explorer Tom Crisp. Tom has built a brilliant resume based on him just getting out there and finding projects that excite him and this has lead to the discovery of new caves in New Zealand as well as collaborations with the Wet Mules cave diving team. We cover: How Tom got into sidemount diving His use of sidemount for cave exploration Cave diving projects in New Zealand and Canada The benefits of using Sidemount CCR for cave explora...
Dec 04, 2018•41 min
Less than four months ago the world held its collective breath as a team of amazing divers from around the world supported by thousands accomplished the impossible, and rescued 12 boys and their coach from a flooded cave in northern Thailand. In this episode, Erik Brown shares his experiences of his involvement in the rescue, the scene that greeted them, the organisation, long days, how the rescue plans were developed, and meeting other members of the rescue team... This is an brilliant story, p...
Nov 18, 2018•41 min
In this week's episode sponsored by XDEEP, I speak with Patrick Widmann on the DRSS Madagascar Cave Exploration project. We cover: How Patrick joined the DRSS His cave exploration partnership with Phillip Lehman How the Madagascar project came about The logistics of exploring in remote locations The hard work that goes unseen Finding a body in the cave Interesting uses for the XDEEP Stealth 2.0 Classic BCD Sidemount CCR and much more.... Featured in this episode: Sponsor: XDEEP - https://www.xde...
Nov 13, 2018•25 min
In this week's episode kindly sponsored by XDEEP, I am joined by cave explorer and designer of the XDEEP Stealth 2.0, Patrick Widmann. Together we discuss sidemount diving and do a deep dive into this very popular sidemount system. We cover: Patrick's background, his beginnings in sidemount and cave exploration The explosion in sidemount diving How his relationship with XDEEP began The thinking behind the Stealth 2.0 design Key features of the Stealth 2.0 and why they are important How customer ...
Nov 06, 2018•46 min
In this week's episode, I start with a very special announcement... XDEEP will be joining us as the first sponsor of Speaking Sidemount. I have been diving the XDEEP Stealth 2.0 for the past five years and absolutely love this system. I am very appreciative of the support which will help me to continue developing Speaking Sidemount. In this episode on: Sidemount Fundamentals - Equipment, I cover: Considerations in selecting a sidemount harness Setting up and fitting your harness Steel or alumini...
Oct 30, 2018•25 min
This week I interview my good friend Audrey Cudel. Splitting her time between her base in Gozo and Yucatan Mexico, Audrey is an amazing Sidemount and Cave Instructor and an absolute "ninja" in the water. In this episode we discuss: Audrey's beginnings in sidemount Her experiences with a variety of sidemount harnesses Adapting sidemount to different environments Audrey's approach to sidemount and cave training Choosing a sidemount instructor The limitations of sidemount Using dry gloves with side...
Oct 23, 2018•52 min
This week I interview one of the world's great divers and foremost explorers, Jill Heinerth. Jill and I talk about: Her beginnings in sidemount and exploration Considerations in fitting a sidemount harness for women Sidemount Rebreathers Bell Island, Newfoundland, Canada Jill's advice for aspiring explorers Preparing for dives and dealing with issues underwater Water conservation and much more.... If you like the podcast, please share with your friends and consider leaving us a 5-star review. Fe...
Oct 16, 2018•29 min
Excellent interview with Brian Kakuk; cave explorer, cave/sidemount instructor and conservationist. Brian is a sidemount diving pioneer and the principal of Bahamas Underground. In this episode we talk about: The early days of sidemount diving How to choose a sidemount harness Cave diving and exploration in Abaco, Bahamas The KISS Sidekick Sidemount Rebreather Science and conservation of the Bahamas Caves Balancing conservation with tourism Sidemount training and much more.... If you like the po...
Oct 09, 2018•22 min
Part 2 of my interview with Garry Dallas of Simply Sidemount. In this episode Garry and I discuss: Cave exploration Bell Island, Newfoundland, Canada The Scuba Force SF2 Sidemount eCCR The importance of good training and much more... If you like the podcast please subscribe and consider leaving us a 5-star review. Like our Facebook page to stay in touch and receive updates on coming episodes - https://www.facebook.com/speakingsidemount/ Featured in this episode: Ocean Quest Adventures - https://...
Oct 02, 2018•16 min
Part 1 of my interview with Garry Dallas. Garry's a great guy and a phenomenal sidemount diver and instructor. In this episode Garry and I discuss: the benefits of sidemount, what it takes to be a great sidemount diver, sidemount boat diving, building awareness, and the importance of developing the "hover". and much more... If you like the podcast please subscribe and consider leaving us a 5-star review. Like our Facebook page to stay in touch and receive updates on coming episodes - https://www...
Sep 25, 2018•22 min
In part 2 of my interview with renown cave explorer and modern day sidemount pioneer, Steve Bogaerts, we discuss: Cave exploration The importance of building comfort levels and experience The Divesoft Liberty Sidemount Rebreather and much more... If you like the podcast please subscribe and consider leaving us a 5-star review. Like our Facebook page to stay in touch and receive updates on coming episodes - https://www.facebook.com/speakingsidemount/...
Sep 18, 2018•23 min
This is a special episode, for a special moment, as we officially launch the "Speaking Sidemount" podcast!!! Last month, I reached out to Steve Bogaerts... renown cave explorer and one of the modern day greats of sidemount. I asked Steve if he would do an interview for my new podcast on sidemount diving. Without hesitation, he agreed and wow... the information he shared blew me away. Steve is without doubt one of the most knowledgeable and experienced sidemount divers on the planet but, as we'll...
Sep 11, 2018•25 min
Part 2 of our interview with Tomasz (Michur) Michura. In this episode we discuss steel vs. aluminium cylinders, his dual bladder configuration, boat diving and our wishes for the sidmount community. If you like the podcast please subscribe and consider leaving us a 5-star review.
Sep 03, 2018•21 min
In episode 2, I cover the foundations of a good sidemount diver and then interview one of the world's great sidemount "skills technicians"... Tomasz (Michur) Michura of Sidemount Silesia in Poland. In part 1 of the interview, Michur and I discuss his background, sidemount diving, and the skills practice he does... an episode not to be missed!!!
Sep 01, 2018•26 min
Steve Davis sets the scene and talks about his vision for the "Speaking Sidemount" Podcast. He then covers the benefits of sidemount diving by sharing the "7 Reasons Why You Should Dive Sidemount". Subscribe to the show to get future episodes and consider giving us a 5 star review if you liked the show. You can check out our website, like our Facebook page and subscribe to our YouTube Channel via the links below. https://www.sidemountpros.com https://www.facebook.com/speakingsidemount https://ww...
Aug 18, 2018•11 min
