As a relatively new diver I was extremely pleased with the quality of the videos and instruction that I got from the series. Steve had useful and relevant tips that all divers would benefit from.
The video series are well organized, clearly presented, and of a very high quality. I have done online learning through some of the training agencies, and I can say... read moreAs a relatively new diver I was extremely pleased with the quality of the videos and instruction that I got from the series. Steve had useful and relevant tips that all divers would benefit from.
The video series are well organized, clearly presented, and of a very high quality. I have done online learning through some of the training agencies, and I can say that these videos are an order of magnitude better!! Also, I found the comments and discussion from others who had watched the videos quite useful.
Thanks Steve read less

Overall very good videos. What I would like is more detailed modification options to other side mount systems than xDeep. For example Apeks WSX in my case. Also I would like to see more different options for cold water diving. Because some of these solutions don't work very well in cold water (+4 °C) with thick under gloves. But very good instructions to every sidemount... read moreOverall very good videos. What I would like is more detailed modification options to other side mount systems than xDeep. For example Apeks WSX in my case. Also I would like to see more different options for cold water diving. Because some of these solutions don't work very well in cold water (+4 °C) with thick under gloves. But very good instructions to every sidemount diver regardless of your level. read less

This is an awesome training course. Perfect for those thinking about diving this style or experienced Sidemount divers. Really appreciate how you continue to add more resources. Great Job Steve!

I have been following Steve martin for several years, from his older website to the new. Using the modifications on my other two side mount rigs to finally getting my latest, XDeep Tec. The information has been invaluable! A year has passed since I signed onto the online courses, I initially purchased Sidemount Essentials and then added on another course. The... read moreI have been following Steve martin for several years, from his older website to the new. Using the modifications on my other two side mount rigs to finally getting my latest, XDeep Tec. The information has been invaluable! A year has passed since I signed onto the online courses, I initially purchased Sidemount Essentials and then added on another course. The video's are HD quality and to say they are in depth is stating it lightly. You will get the WHY on everything not just do it this way. The in water explanation by Steve on each video shows exactly what is happening with the divers set up and then the steps to correct the deficiency is explained in detail. No other video, book or diver I have met was able to convey this message. For me, this was by far the best money I have spent for sidemount. The common statement I hear from other sidemount divers is "I'm not comfortable in the rigging", I used to say the same thing, not anymore! Purchase, watch, watch again. The best part is you can take it anywhere! Even while your on a dive trip! I go back on my IPhone, IPad and laptop, not just at home, the quality is the same. There are many great instructors out there the difference is you can take this one with you 24, 7, 365! read less

Good job Steve! Great tutorials for both new and experienced divers. You are taking SM to the next level. Going where nobody has gone before 😀

Hi Steve,
I am Chiwon Lee, a professional diver from South Korea. Thanks to your videos, I have learned side mount diving since 2013. You are my great inspiration to upgrade my side mount diving skills. So luckily, I bumped into you at Grand Cenote in Mexico in 2015. I was so glad to meet you although you may not remember me. Anyway, I sincerely appreciate... read moreHi Steve,
I am Chiwon Lee, a professional diver from South Korea. Thanks to your videos, I have learned side mount diving since 2013. You are my great inspiration to upgrade my side mount diving skills. So luckily, I bumped into you at Grand Cenote in Mexico in 2015. I was so glad to meet you although you may not remember me. Anyway, I sincerely appreciate your updates about the side mount diving tips and gears. I definitely highly strongly recommend your videos to others. I really look forward to your forthcoming videos, and I hope to have another chance to meet you in the future.
Best,
Chiwon read less

There is nothing worst than getting a sidemount kit, signing up for a course and having a terrible instructor. Trust me, good sidemount instructors are a rare find!
With Steve Martin’s training videos you can be sure you got a great instructor who, through his videos, answers all the questions you have regarding sidemount. It teaches you all the tricks, tweaks and skills needed to have... read moreThere is nothing worst than getting a sidemount kit, signing up for a course and having a terrible instructor. Trust me, good sidemount instructors are a rare find!
With Steve Martin’s training videos you can be sure you got a great instructor who, through his videos, answers all the questions you have regarding sidemount. It teaches you all the tricks, tweaks and skills needed to have an enjoyable sidemount dive. All you need to do is get wet and apply all the knowledge you learnt! read less

There are so many good reviews here, why would adding another one make a difference? Well, it might not, but this review is from a technical dive instructor who had already been diving sidemount for some time. I didn't really need to take this online course, and as an educator (professor,) I am quite familiar with teaching strategies, methodologies and pedagogy. However, these aspects of... read moreThere are so many good reviews here, why would adding another one make a difference? Well, it might not, but this review is from a technical dive instructor who had already been diving sidemount for some time. I didn't really need to take this online course, and as an educator (professor,) I am quite familiar with teaching strategies, methodologies and pedagogy. However, these aspects of education are not always effectively transferred to online courses, especially in dive courses, which is a physical activity that needs to be practiced where there is no access to a video - underwater. Yet, Steve manages to turn his online program into a simulated face to face one. There is so much information here that even in a face to face situation, this material would take months to cover, and more to absorb (especially for the beginner.) The benefit of a video course like this is that rather than taking notes, the student can watch the information over and over. Steve breaks down the information into simple ideas and concepts, and then demonstrates pretty much most of the possibilities, slowly and comprehensively. This series is as effective for the teacher of diving, as it is for the student of sidemount. Of course, as has already been mentioned, it is not designed to be a complete sidemount course that doesn't require a good instructor to work with, and Steve will not certify a diver who finishes this online series unless Steve actually gets in the water with that candidate, but the program is an incredibly informative resource for any hands on course with a good instructor, and it is of the highest quality educationally that I've seen in the diver education market. Thanks Steve! read less

The videos are very detailed and comprehensive. There is an endless amount of information and rewatching the videos always reminds me of something more I can do. Great value. Thanks Steve!

Fantastic videos and a must for anyone who really cares about been the best side mount divers possible. these videos along side a good instructor and you will bet set up with the best knowledge and skills out there.

I'm following Steve for longer time now, but invested in online course when I enrolled in DM and IDC course after short chat with Steve. Covering all diving styles (BM, twin, SM, hand signals,...) and getting tips and tricks helped me a lot during courses. Style of presentation is very clear and focused and you can always return back to check any detail you are... read moreI'm following Steve for longer time now, but invested in online course when I enrolled in DM and IDC course after short chat with Steve. Covering all diving styles (BM, twin, SM, hand signals,...) and getting tips and tricks helped me a lot during courses. Style of presentation is very clear and focused and you can always return back to check any detail you are missing. I benefit a lot also as instructor and for sure I'm giving to my students better training and lessons.
I did SM course after this online course and my IDC and for sure I gain from it much much more than I would without. Solving some initial problems and issues was just a natural process.
Seriously, no course and no training with any instructor can beat price/value ratio of this online course!! Even in-water training with Steve himself not! 🙂 read less

The best online training ever. Easy to understand and very well made.
Greetings from Denmark.

Excellent training material, I've learned a great deal about sidemount diving through Steve's videos. I especially like that each video talks about a single specific topic, making it easier to absorbe. Great job Steve!

I had been diving sidemount for about a year before I watched any videos from Steve and when I subscribed I basically started over on my gear set up per Steve’s directions and it was such a huge improvement. I allowed myself six months of video training and practice at home before I met Steve in Mexico for my full cave class. This... read moreI had been diving sidemount for about a year before I watched any videos from Steve and when I subscribed I basically started over on my gear set up per Steve’s directions and it was such a huge improvement. I allowed myself six months of video training and practice at home before I met Steve in Mexico for my full cave class. This helped me prepare so much and allowed me to focus on the in water skills. The training is not just to complete the minimum requirements, Steve pushes you to be the best you can at all skills to make you a safer and more competent diver in all your diving adventures. Without a doubt this was one of the hardest things I have ever done but it was so worth it and I can see a huge difference in my skills that I gained throughout this process.
I can not recommend Steve and his training enough! read less

  I've won an access to the online course awhile ago and as I'm going through the course at my own pace, I'm learning and honing much through him. Thanks again for the given knowledge.

Great videos, absolutely worth every penny. The explanations, the attention to detail, the logic behind everything, the presentation, even the humour in some cases - in one word, awesome.
Great job, Steve, keep the good stuff coming. Safe diving.

Great knowledge base that quickly became essential to me. I'm very happy with the way lessons are structured and delivered. It reminds me rather an academic class that is full of information, well-structured and delivered in quiet manner. I really appreciate the absense of background noise, distracting music etc. It's also convenient to refresh some topics since phone and earplugs is all you need.

  Great set of videos. Would definitely recommend to all side mount divers. Clear and helpful videos from setting up your rig all the way to technical diving and everything in between. Hopefully will have the change to get in water with Steve in the near future.