I'm a relatively new recreational SM diver, and have benefited tremendously from subscribing to sidemounting.com, a treasure trove of online training resources for SM divers. While my SM instructor was fantastic, it was a lot of info to absorb in a few days. Being able to reference videos and other perspectives has proved to be very valuable. I have no affiliation to the site other than being a paying member.

Sidemounting.com online training is a critical component for all recreational and technical divers. I consider the start of my technical training sidemount essentials, which I did with Joe Seda in Florida, even though I had completed a Tec 40 / sidemount class prior to starting my training with Joe. The online training allowed Joe to focus on the in-water skills development, which was the foundation for cave training and all other technical training including trimix with Vas Proud. The online training shows what all divers should expect from high quality in-water training, and it expedites in-water skill development. My daughter, who is just starting her journey... read moreSidemounting.com online training is a critical component for all recreational and technical divers. I consider the start of my technical training sidemount essentials, which I did with Joe Seda in Florida, even though I had completed a Tec 40 / sidemount class prior to starting my training with Joe. The online training allowed Joe to focus on the in-water skills development, which was the foundation for cave training and all other technical training including trimix with Vas Proud. The online training shows what all divers should expect from high quality in-water training, and it expedites in-water skill development. My daughter, who is just starting her journey into diving, has watched the backmount diving videos prior to starting open water training, and I am reviewing the instructors videos to make sure I'm the best 'buddy' I can be for her through her training process. I cannot stress enough the importance of these training tools in the safe development of recreational and technical divers. Daniel Glynn (father and cave diver) read less

I have never tried sidemount before but from studying his online video training, I knew that Steve was the perfect man to teach me and be confident about it. ...And I wasn't wrong! It was truly a life experience week!!! The Sidemount Essentials course has far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher, has a lot of patience and puts a lot of time and effort in everything he does with his students. Everything is planned and worked with great detail. I found it a memorable and a rewarding experience. The Sidemount Essentials Course transformed my diving. My awareness and skills level under water raised... read moreI have never tried sidemount before but from studying his online video training, I knew that Steve was the perfect man to teach me and be confident about it. ...And I wasn't wrong! It was truly a life experience week!!! The Sidemount Essentials course has far exceeded my expectations. Steve is a great teacher, has a lot of patience and puts a lot of time and effort in everything he does with his students. Everything is planned and worked with great detail. I found it a memorable and a rewarding experience. The Sidemount Essentials Course transformed my diving. My awareness and skills level under water raised where I never expected in such a short period of time. Everything is in the right place... the harness set up, the weight amount and position, the cylinder trim and your balance in the water. This makes you feel very relaxed, confident and experience the true sidemount set up... and no back pain!!! 🙂 The course was very demanding yet very enjoyable. Every day starts with a theoretical and planning session and ends with a video review about our drills in the water where everything is discussed in great detail. We drained our cylinders every time we went into the water and that's why our learning curve is so high! Everything was done in a relaxed and secure atmosphere yet with extraordinary professionalism. Don't think twice about taking this course with Steve. If you are truly engaged in Sidemount and want to be a great diver, Steve will help you to achieve more than you ever expected! read less

Hi Steve, I really enjoyed your Sidemount Essentials course in Gozo! Have probably never spend my money on anything better. It made so much fun and I enjoyed every single minute of it. Seeing your dedication and experience is simply amazing. You pay attention to the smallest details and you are always striving to improve things even further. I also love your enthusiasm to capture all those details, new equipment, new methods, hints etc. with the camera to be able to include them in upcoming videos to the benefit of everyone. Speaking of your online training videos I must say that they are a class of... read moreHi Steve, I really enjoyed your Sidemount Essentials course in Gozo! Have probably never spend my money on anything better. It made so much fun and I enjoyed every single minute of it. Seeing your dedication and experience is simply amazing. You pay attention to the smallest details and you are always striving to improve things even further. I also love your enthusiasm to capture all those details, new equipment, new methods, hints etc. with the camera to be able to include them in upcoming videos to the benefit of everyone. Speaking of your online training videos I must say that they are a class of its own. They definitely get you well-prepared for the things you need to know during the in-water training and I think that exactly this concept is the key to the steep learning curve because the time underwater can be used efficiently. Thank you so much for everything Steve! Cheers, Nils read less

I met Steve, a little over 10 years ago when he came to Portugal to teach our staff to Sidemount (at the time it was the early days of Sidemount). I could immediately see his level of enthusiasm, technical ability, and professionalism. That moved to an all-different level with his new website and online training. The contents are so complete either for someone starting, someone experienced and instructors alike. Thanks for all the effort to make sidemount a known and easy way to dive.

First of all, let me say how much the content you have made available has improved my diving and my instruction to other students! I would like to upgrade my online course subscription to Package 1, which includes the instructor material. I'm always looking for other techniques to improve my students' experience when they take training with me. Thank you!

I just want to say, your online training is top notch. I learn something every time I log in. The fact that you go above and beyond to engage with your subscribers only adds to the already incredible value we get from your site. Thank you very much for your time.

Your work is greatly appreciated, started sidemounting with your online videos, completed a speciality course on it and just finished my UTD cave 1 a couple of days ago. Learning from your videos made a massive difference, so hats off Sir. Keep the great content coming 🙂

Hi Steve, I just saw the new chapters you are adding into your online courses. Really like them. Especially helpful, when reviewing videos and searching for just a part in a video. I starting using them as soon as I noticed them. Cheers, Timo

I'm sure you get this all of the time, but I really do appreciate your online videos. I have used them to get my sidemount set up much better, and as an instructor, I have also been able to diagnose student issues and remedy them much more quickly. So, I want to thank you very much for that

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 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... 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 read less

Steve/Vas, your instructor series is phenomenal. Please let me be the first to say you are correct in what you say. One can teach themselves how to SM just by watching the videos as I have done. However, I did compromise/sacrifice my learning curve without one of you (SM essentials instructor). It took me almost one year to get pretty good with AL80s. I then took the first level of tech diving a year after that and told my tech instructor I was doing it in SM configuration. I had to tell him I taught myself which he responded with “you most likely will have to... read moreSteve/Vas, your instructor series is phenomenal. Please let me be the first to say you are correct in what you say. One can teach themselves how to SM just by watching the videos as I have done. However, I did compromise/sacrifice my learning curve without one of you (SM essentials instructor). It took me almost one year to get pretty good with AL80s. I then took the first level of tech diving a year after that and told my tech instructor I was doing it in SM configuration. I had to tell him I taught myself which he responded with “you most likely will have to take a SM workshop with me depending on how I do on dive one”. After the first dive he said “there is no reason for you to take a class with me”. So your online training is spot on but if I had it to do all over again I would see your guy Joe Seda first. I will, in the future, take the course with him so I can be the best I can be. Regards Tony read less

Hi Steve, Your tutorials are amazing and are a valuable addition to any instructor’s toolbox. I teach PADI in Cyprus, and I took a few courses trying to master this type of diving that although came from cave diving, became very popular among recreational divers . But I found that only using your technique , I am certifying capable and confident sidemount divers , which , I know, will not be a nightmare for any dive boat and/or Dive guide by using up double the space and needing double the time to kit up. I also know that they will look streamlined underwater and be... read moreHi Steve, Your tutorials are amazing and are a valuable addition to any instructor’s toolbox. I teach PADI in Cyprus, and I took a few courses trying to master this type of diving that although came from cave diving, became very popular among recreational divers . But I found that only using your technique , I am certifying capable and confident sidemount divers , which , I know, will not be a nightmare for any dive boat and/or Dive guide by using up double the space and needing double the time to kit up. I also know that they will look streamlined underwater and be safe. And it is all due to your structured approach in explaining every aspect of sidemount diving , where configuration is crucial. I would not hesitate to recommend it to any instructor teaching sidemount! Thank you very much ! read less

Thank you for your great work, it is a huge help for everyone getting into the Sidemount world. I recently did a cave sidemount crossover course with Natalie Gibb in Mexico and could join her Training well prepared due to your online resource.

Please send me a renewal code for the Package 1 - Instructor Course. I look forward to enjoying my 5th year with Sidemounting.com. You and your team continue to be a great source of inspiration and guidance! All the best! Scott

Love your vids Steve. I’m in Nova Scotia Canada. Just got my tdi sm cert in August. I bought your online course to supplement my training. It’s helped me a lot! Thank you

Hi Steve, I wanted to thank you for all the sections of the online courses, it was really worth going through all these lessons, I learned more online than I thought. Your well-made videos, actually help me understand a lot of things much faster than from book and other materials. I am planning to repeat the most important lessons before the water course. Regards Rafal

I just have this enlightening experience with your online course. I had few experiences with other instructors in my scuba 'career', but I can honestly say that I never saw such a useful, deep, and practical explanations about how to become a better scuba diver. When I did my PADI AOW training, I was struggling with buoyancy control as I tried to shoot my SMB. I asked my instructor how to improve my buoyancy. He said just practice. He had a good buoyancy control surely, but didn't explain to me about the importance of proper weighting, breath control, etc. Your videos were eye opener. Not to... read moreI just have this enlightening experience with your online course. I had few experiences with other instructors in my scuba 'career', but I can honestly say that I never saw such a useful, deep, and practical explanations about how to become a better scuba diver. When I did my PADI AOW training, I was struggling with buoyancy control as I tried to shoot my SMB. I asked my instructor how to improve my buoyancy. He said just practice. He had a good buoyancy control surely, but didn't explain to me about the importance of proper weighting, breath control, etc. Your videos were eye opener. Not to mention that every one of my dive buddy didn't really understand why I wanted to dive sidemount. Even now highly recommended instructors ask me why I dive sm. What is the use of it? Mostly cave divers do it. I am very happy that I did choose sm. It is a different world. Nobody really taught me or checked how I do SM, but many times I dive with others, they mention how good my trim is. I learned everything from your videos, how to setup my equipment, enter or exit water, or solve problems, etc. I hope we can meet sometimes and can have a training together, because I want to improve and help others to become much better, quality divers. I am sure that there many excellent divers and instructors out there, but I am sure that your contribution to the scuba diving society is huge and very important. Thank you for that! Regards, Csaba read less

Steve, just wanted to thank you for your incredible online Sidemount course. I did my PADI Sidemount training last year but always felt like my XDeep harness setup wasn't streamlined where I wanted it. The instructor was good, but I could tell he did not live and breathe sidemount. At the time I had signed up with your free course system which was helpful but obviously left you wanting more. I am doing my Overhead Environment training this November in Florida and wanted to make sure my skills and setup were up to speed. After watching your entire online course (WOW). I decided to rebuild my... read moreSteve, just wanted to thank you for your incredible online Sidemount course. I did my PADI Sidemount training last year but always felt like my XDeep harness setup wasn't streamlined where I wanted it. The instructor was good, but I could tell he did not live and breathe sidemount. At the time I had signed up with your free course system which was helpful but obviously left you wanting more. I am doing my Overhead Environment training this November in Florida and wanted to make sure my skills and setup were up to speed. After watching your entire online course (WOW). I decided to rebuild my XDeep harness setup using all your recommendations. I re-did my entire bungee system, my attachment points, wing, etc... all using your setup. I finally feel my setup is where it needs to be, and I felt very comfortable in the water. So again, thank you. Next is working on all my skills which are much easier to work on now that my harness is setup correctly. Wish I spent the money on your training a year ago. Take care and please keep the updates coming. Thanks, Jason
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Two months ago I started my PADI Sidemount specialty and about the same time I enrolled for the Sidemount online training on Sidemounting.com. So far I learned more from the online training videos than what I learned from the PADI specialty course. What I found is that what you learn from the online training is not been taught by your PADI course simply because that’s not part of the course. Things like setting up you cylinders, setting up your Sidemount BCD, deciding the correct bungee lengths, weight checks and placement, plus donning your cylinders when in the water. There is so mush to do, you simply... read moreTwo months ago I started my PADI Sidemount specialty and about the same time I enrolled for the Sidemount online training on Sidemounting.com. So far I learned more from the online training videos than what I learned from the PADI specialty course. What I found is that what you learn from the online training is not been taught by your PADI course simply because that’s not part of the course. Things like setting up you cylinders, setting up your Sidemount BCD, deciding the correct bungee lengths, weight checks and placement, plus donning your cylinders when in the water. There is so mush to do, you simply can not teach this in a 3 dive course, the online video’s are a very big help here, and they are a big help during your progress of getting better and more experienced. The biggest mis in my opinion on the PADI Sidemount specialty is that the instructors aren’t really Sidemount divers, they dive with you in back mount dive gear and are not really able to give you feedback on your gear setup. This also affects the ability to do some of the important exercises like out of air procedures with the long hose, if your instructor doesn’t have a long hose, how can they demonstrate the skills I am to do? For now I keep following the online course, occasionally filming myself so I can see how I was doing in the water, then I can correct this on the next dive if needed. I big thanks to the Sidemounting.com instructors for making me a better sidemount diver! read less

Thanks for creating the online sidemount course! I have found it very helpful and have been diving SM since and loving it! From boats to shore dives your tips really help, even with simple things like stowing your mask in your fins. Please send me the upgrade cost to upgrade to include the technical course subscription?

To my favourite "phantom" mentor and fellow diver that I hope to cross paths with, the further I get into the online Instructor Series, the more I find just how comprehensive it is. Personally, I think both you and Vas did a brilliant job! So far, the only thing I would like to see is STUDENT EVALUATION VIDEOS. Specifically, covering student issues that the two of you have found most challenging to address, along with explanations on the approach that was taken to successfully work through them. Safe travels!

I am really enjoying your online courses. By far the best I have come across, the videos are brilliant. We set up my sidemount system this morning and took a long shore dive. We are in lockdown here so we have limited sites where we can dive. Still, managed 2 hours and 7 minutes average 8 metres. We’ve no sidemount instructor here in Bahrain, so your video training is tremendously helpful. Thank you.

Hi Steve, just to let you know. My wife started watching your online training and she was triggered by your statement “that a diver who made an experience in sidemount diving being perfectly trimmed, will have never felt so stable in the water.” Long story short, I got her in the pool and kitted her up, she now dives sidemount and is fully stoked!

  It is definitely a great base of help, knowledge, instruction and inspiration in all fields of diving. Steve is an incredible professional, with an impressive knowledge base and didactics. I'm very grateful for how much I've learned and I'm constantly learning from Side Mount..

  Worth every penny. Just finished my side mount training and I was way ahead of the curve because I studied these videos. I had all my gear put together and dry run techniques down before I even got with the trainer. Even if you don't plan on sidemounting, the videos on proper weighting are priceless. Why isn't this stuff standard fare with the training agencies? The back mount and all the tips and trips are excellent as well.

  A great resource with thorough explanations, examples, and demonstrations. I will continue to follow these video workshops and updates as I progress through my diving journey.

Thank you for the wealth of training information on sidemount. It is without a doubt the best money and investment I have spent with regards to diving. I have watched all the online videos multiple of times and often go back to certain ones to review on whatever I am working on.

Amazing online series that has been massively beneficial towards my sidemount education. The detail Steve goes into in each video has helped me step my diving up to another level. Thank you!

I would like to thank you for your astonishing work creating training materials, not just for sidemount, but for all divers in general. I belong to those who believe proper training is key to good scuba diving practices, and your online training certainly helps on that front. Philippe, South Korea.

  I'm not an instructor, but I'm always looking for new input. I stumpled upon Steve's videos and found them so helpful. The training concept is top notch and I would love to see more instructors following his approach. I started with the backmount package and was so into it from the early beginning that I ended up even booking the instructor package because I couldn't get enough. Now it's time to get into the water as soon as Covid allows it again. The videos have input for any type of diver and describe many basics very clearly and visual, which are too often neglected. Keep up... read moreI'm not an instructor, but I'm always looking for new input. I stumpled upon Steve's videos and found them so helpful. The training concept is top notch and I would love to see more instructors following his approach. I started with the backmount package and was so into it from the early beginning that I ended up even booking the instructor package because I couldn't get enough. Now it's time to get into the water as soon as Covid allows it again. The videos have input for any type of diver and describe many basics very clearly and visual, which are too often neglected. Keep up going Steve, I cannot wait for new videos 🤙 read less

I cannot say enough about the online training video series. The quality of the instruction, the level of detail and how much I have learned from them is amazing! Your very clear and simple demonstrations have been an incredible learning experience for me as I continue to work through the 4 training modules. Thank you so much for developing these and I look forward to continued learning in your online program.

I hear you say often, you welcome any feedback. So my feedback is, that I very much appreciate your e-learning platform. I found it, as the best on the market compering by the content. As a teacher, I can imagine how much time does it cost to create valuable training materials. So thank you very much, I am sure I am not the only one you've made a better diver.

  I signed up in 2019 for the full program in the search for better ways of side-mount diving (and diving in general). The videos are focussed on a single topic, easy to follow and greatly narrated. Pointed me to a lot of things to learn and maybe even more to unlearn.

In 2021 when the instructor series came out I signed up for that as well. Another great series with a treasure trove of information on how to improve the side-mount courses given to students. However, the tips apply to all in-water training courses.

Both the regular series and the instructor series are great and improved both... read moreI signed up in 2019 for the full program in the search for better ways of side-mount diving (and diving in general). The videos are focussed on a single topic, easy to follow and greatly narrated. Pointed me to a lot of things to learn and maybe even more to unlearn.

In 2021 when the instructor series came out I signed up for that as well. Another great series with a treasure trove of information on how to improve the side-mount courses given to students. However, the tips apply to all in-water training courses.

Both the regular series and the instructor series are great and improved both my diving as well as my teaching skills. read less

  I have found these online courses to be invaluable in improving my sidemount diving. Sidemount is both skill and equipment intensive. So it is essential to spend a great deal of time in and out of the water to get it right. These courses break down sidemount diving into manageable chunks that really makes them easy to follow and the skills easy to replicate on your own. I have just started to view his instructor series and am already noticing that his videos provide insights that it took me years as an instructor to learn on my own. This program will make better instructors, which will... read moreI have found these online courses to be invaluable in improving my sidemount diving. Sidemount is both skill and equipment intensive. So it is essential to spend a great deal of time in and out of the water to get it right. These courses break down sidemount diving into manageable chunks that really makes them easy to follow and the skills easy to replicate on your own. I have just started to view his instructor series and am already noticing that his videos provide insights that it took me years as an instructor to learn on my own. This program will make better instructors, which will improve the sport. I'm definitely going to find time to take a course from him soon! read less

Thank you, I upgraded to the instructor series 😉. Sadly, I learned much more in your online courses than in my “live” sidemount course with a SDI/TDI instructor in Egypt. With your latest tutorials it's now much better (especially as you have included more “cold water” details, and I live in Tirol/Austria, where cold water / drysuit is the “normal” setup). Keep going! Günther

I love your videos, far more detailed than a training agency or manufacturer provides.

Love the instructor series so far (have gone most of the material), it is a treasure trove of information and tips on how to conduct the best training you can as an instructor. It helped me redefine some of my teaching techniques, now I will need to practice them.

Due to where I live there are only a handful of sidemount divers living on Borneo island. And the instructor whom I took my sidemount course with is not even a seasoned sidemount diver himself… I did not enjoy diving it during the course and I blamed on the rented BC. It was a vendor who introduced me to check out Steve’s website when I was making purchase of my Xdeep Stealth TEC during my visit to Australia last year. To be honest, I was feeling very reluctant to sign up for Steve’s online workshop at first, as it is very expensive for me especially when... read moreDue to where I live there are only a handful of sidemount divers living on Borneo island. And the instructor whom I took my sidemount course with is not even a seasoned sidemount diver himself… I did not enjoy diving it during the course and I blamed on the rented BC. It was a vendor who introduced me to check out Steve’s website when I was making purchase of my Xdeep Stealth TEC during my visit to Australia last year. To be honest, I was feeling very reluctant to sign up for Steve’s online workshop at first, as it is very expensive for me especially when I have to convert from my super weak Malaysian Ringgit to British Pounds. It was a leap of faith for me, not knowing how much I could grow from this hefty investment that I have put on an online course. But then, magic started to happen my investment is returning as I have gone deeper and through every chapter. I have setup my harness and rigs as instructed in the video and I remember how I was eager to try it out in the pool. My biggest improvement I’ve took away from Steve’s workshop are my donning and doffing speed, tank trim and my backward finning.
3 months later, during our diving season has reopened, I remember the facial expressions my sidemount instructor had when he saw how efficient and effectively, I could get both my tanks done and jumped into the water waiting for him, and how I could get out of the water as soon as I have surfaced without going through the drama stowing the long hose on the surface. That was our first dive together after 3 months I have taken my sidemount course with him. Yes, my sidemount skills have surpassed my sidemount instructor in merely 3 months time, now how cool is that? 😁
So, if now you are to ask me if it is worth to sign up for Steve’s online courses? I will say F* yeah, don’t hesitate! 🤘🏻
Thank you Steve. C.W. read less

Course Progress 100% Yeeehaw! 😉 Sidemount, Free Training and Backmount (nearly) is done. Dear Steve, dear Vas, I thank you very much for your work. I really enjoyed the course and although English is not my mother tongue, I was able to follow it very well and understand everything in combination with the videos and photos. Since I’ve booked the whole package, I’m now looking forward to the other courses. However, I am even more looking forward to the In-Water-SM-Course at your location, which will hopefully take place next year. With the previous video course, I can well imagine that the In-Water-Training will be very effective... read moreCourse Progress 100% Yeeehaw! 😉 Sidemount, Free Training and Backmount (nearly) is done. Dear Steve, dear Vas, I thank you very much for your work. I really enjoyed the course and although English is not my mother tongue, I was able to follow it very well and understand everything in combination with the videos and photos. Since I’ve booked the whole package, I’m now looking forward to the other courses. However, I am even more looking forward to the In-Water-SM-Course at your location, which will hopefully take place next year. With the previous video course, I can well imagine that the In-Water-Training will be very effective and efficient. Now, I wish you a nice christmas. Greetings from the Baltic Sea coast, Germany. Jan read less

The best online video training their is, better than most face to face training, although putting into practice with a we’ll qualified sidemount trainer solidifies your training, well done Steve

Wonderful opportunity for all diving enthusiasts in "Sidemount configuration" to learn and refine this excellent technique of immersion made by Steve Martin, True master of this discipline. Steve has prepared for all this promo video that focuses in a few minutes, the essence and the ingenious techniques available on sidemounting.com. Choose the best in this sport and continue your training in the water by visualizing the lesson studied on the "personal device". To all the Sidemounter enthusiasts, to soon. Antonello

Hello Steve, A short feedback. I've bought the on-line course and I've just watched some videos. I'd like to let you know that this is the best and most valuable investment I've made since I'm diving. You have done a great job Steve !!! Thank you. Best regards, Eros Francolini

I recommend Steve Martin's Online Sidemount course to anyone who wants to know anything about sidemount diving, I have benefited greatly from his online course.
Even thought I took two physical sidemount courses from deferent instructors, I didn't benefit from them as much as I benefited from Steve's online course. I should say all I know about sidemount Diving I owe it to Steve, and I'm still looking forward to do a physical sidemount course with him.

  I signed up for this program with a ton of dives already under my belt, training from top-notch instructors across several different agencies, and had been a dive professional for many years. I thought I was a pretty good diver. But after watching just a few of these videos, I realized that I not only had a lot to learn but a lot to unlearn, as well.

To say that this program revolutionized my understanding of diving would be an understatement. To me, it is the most valuable single source of diving information currently in the market, and it just keeps getting better!

  I Was on Gozo and training whit vas's and Audrey ind dec and it took my diving ti a whole other level. I definitely want to go back for more training.

  I was fortunate enough to be able to take a sidemount class and a full cave class with Steve Martin. I had a subscription to his videos well before the class. The videos were an amazing amount of help for the course as well as practice. Having Steve and his affiliates work with me though these two courses is the best memory I have of any training or experience in diving. If you have the opportunity to work with Steve or any of his sidemount essentials instructors, it will change the way you think, the way you dive, and the way you... read moreI was fortunate enough to be able to take a sidemount class and a full cave class with Steve Martin. I had a subscription to his videos well before the class. The videos were an amazing amount of help for the course as well as practice. Having Steve and his affiliates work with me though these two courses is the best memory I have of any training or experience in diving. If you have the opportunity to work with Steve or any of his sidemount essentials instructors, it will change the way you think, the way you dive, and the way you appreciate those who have truly mastered sidemount at a level that is nearly unparalleled.

Erik Augustine
SSI Instructor Trainer
Advanced Trimix
Full Cave read less

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  I subscribed to the online courses and am very happy with the quality and wealth of information in the videos. I recently switched over to the xDeep Stealth Tec harness and followed along with the xDeep specific videos to setup my new harness. Although I still need to make some minor tweaks, I was pleasantly surprised at how good the initial setup turned out. I highly recommend these videos to certified sidemount divers as a supplement to their initial training.

  THANK YOU for making sidemount as good as it can get. I dive 5,6 cylinders and i don't miss (i actually sold everything) from my backmount gear. Before you, Sidemount had limitations but now, no more. Thank you.

Wealth of information, meticulous attention to details and great presentation. Thorough explanations not only "how" but also "why" with exhaustive troubleshooting. Mr. Martin established a standard in online diving education in general and sidemount in particular. Must take if you are thinking diver and want to become a better one.

  excellent video series on all aspects of sidemount, well worth subscription

  I bought the online course. It really helped me in my sidemount education

  As a new SIdemount Diver it was kinda hard for me to find good trainings / teachers close to my hometown hrere in Germany. So i was lucky to find Steve Martin online. After wachting just a few of the Sidemount training videos i was able to improve instantly ! This pushed Sidemount to my personal next level! Big thanks to Steve !

  If you think your two-dive sidemount specialty makes you a competent SM diver, you should seriously take a look at Steve's online courses. Even in recreational diving, sidemount is much more than just clipping your tanks on the side.

Especially if you think that sidemount "just does not feel right", this online course will be eye-opening for you and my money is on your instructor just not being sidemount-competent.

Unlike in many other online courses, Steve goes in a great depth of now only explaining WHAT to do, but also WHY and are the implications of each setup/procedure decisions and usually demonstrates everything in the water with his... read moreIf you think your two-dive sidemount specialty makes you a competent SM diver, you should seriously take a look at Steve's online courses. Even in recreational diving, sidemount is much more than just clipping your tanks on the side.

Especially if you think that sidemount "just does not feel right", this online course will be eye-opening for you and my money is on your instructor just not being sidemount-competent.

Unlike in many other online courses, Steve goes in a great depth of now only explaining WHAT to do, but also WHY and are the implications of each setup/procedure decisions and usually demonstrates everything in the water with his students.

I like his no-bullshit approach, especially to basic but often overlooked skills like buoyancy, trim and weighting, which are a must for a competent diver. His video on weighting helped win more than one argument 😀

Even if you are a highly competent diver, you can still learn a lot from his videos and discover new approaches for the way you dive. I myself got very thorough sidemount training in caves of Mexico, but Steve's videos helped me a great deal with the transition to using sidemount with drysuit here in Denmark. 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.

  It is a very helpful set of video training for beginners to advance sidemount diver. Even as an instructor, you can learn something new. Highly recommended to all.

  Can't say enough how helpful Steves videos have been. Not just on the side-mount stuff, but throughout his series of skills. He has obviously spent a decent amount of time thinking of how best to present all the information, with plenty of top tips to learn. Whether you are already a skilled diver or new to the sport. There is plenty to gain from diving into his online courses.

  One of side mount scuba diving pioneers. I learned lots of skills from his videos.

Amazing videos with a lot of details. Even as a experienced diver you can learn some nice tips and tricks

  Got to give a shout out to Benjamin Stanfield for recommending this to me. I have been going through all the videos and learning how I can improve myself in diving whether it's inside the water or outside. I am learning new things and will be using those new skills to train to become a better backmount diver and eventually a great sidemount diving. Keep up the good work.

  So great to discover this spéciality! the videos are amazing and inspiring ! Thank you very much Steve Martin from Reunion Island ! 🙂

  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.

  Highly recommended to all sidemount divers (whether new, experienced or even instructor) desiring to improve their knowledge & skills, step by step, and at their own pace.

Steve, I'm going to renew my subscription!

  It's very very valuable for improving my sidemount skills and more importantly, building up a proper and practical sidemount configuration concept as well. I've repeatedly watched the online training videos before every time I drump into the water practicing. You will learn something new after each watching. The investment is worthy and definitely the right choice.

  It is the best step by step online training for sidemount diving. I got many useful hints, how to mount tanks, witch have normal valves.

Thank you Steve and good look

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 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

As an aspiring technical and sidemount diver, these videos are invaluable. I found that the trials Steve has gone through show in his experience when guiding students and pros alike. The methods shown are through his extensive experience in water and using his teachings has reduced my learning curve significantly. - P.dauteuil

As a sidemount diver for over ten years and teaching it for over five, I find that there are few great resources to leave a new sidemount diver (ex Student) with once they go it alone. This is where Steve's online courses excel, its literally like having your own dedicated instructor in the room with you. Teaching elements and key points are explained, demonstrated and zoomed in to provide that vital detail that is missing from so many other reference materials.
Want to move from Steel tanks to aluminium tanks and don't know how to set them up? There is so much... read moreAs a sidemount diver for over ten years and teaching it for over five, I find that there are few great resources to leave a new sidemount diver (ex Student) with once they go it alone. This is where Steve's online courses excel, its literally like having your own dedicated instructor in the room with you. Teaching elements and key points are explained, demonstrated and zoomed in to provide that vital detail that is missing from so many other reference materials.
Want to move from Steel tanks to aluminium tanks and don't know how to set them up? There is so much useful information available at such a great price that it really should be in the library of any serious diver wanting to get the best out of their sidemount diving.

It is without doubt the best reference that a new or even experienced sidemount diver or instructor could ever have. I recommend it to all my students.
Mark Rowe - Dive Pro read less

Just completed the Sidemount Essentials course in Gozo. An intense, wonderful 5-day programme, professionally led by Steve, supported by Audrey Cudel at Gozo Technical Diving. The course perfectly matches the online video series. Highly recommended to all divers desiring to improve their knowledge & skills.

I bought the videos even though having a couple hundred sidemount dives under my belt, mainly because I was curious since I was always diving the same system and methods since I started and most people I dive with do so as well.

The material is well structured and contains a load of information for sidemount beginners. Even for seasoned sidemount divers there are a few interersting points to take away.

However if you already experienced the material is a bit slow going and could be more condensed. Some parts could be explained better as to WHY a specific setup is used.

I enrolled in Steve's course a year ago. I went through it and practiced configurations on dryland prior to actually taking an OWSM course in Mexico. I found the training went smoothly and there were no surprises as everything and more is covered in this course. I found it a useful reference afterwards to refresh my knowledge and to fine tune my configuration. I highly recommend it.

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!

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 diver regardless of your level.

I follow Steve since he started to publish video about sidmount. I use this configuretion from 2012 but only when I saw Steve diving I understen how far i was. So, when Steve published his on line video course, I immediately perform it.
The course took me step by step in his world and allow me to spend time trying skills instead of looking for the right configuration.
Subsequently I started the I follow Steve since he started to publish YouTube videos about sidemount. I use this configuration from 2012 but only when I saw Steve diving I understand how far I was. So, when Steve... read moreI follow Steve since he started to publish video about sidmount. I use this configuretion from 2012 but only when I saw Steve diving I understen how far i was. So, when Steve published his on line video course, I immediately perform it.
The course took me step by step in his world and allow me to spend time trying skills instead of looking for the right configuration.
Subsequently I started the I follow Steve since he started to publish YouTube videos about sidemount. I use this configuration from 2012 but only when I saw Steve diving I understand how far I was. So, when Steve published his on-line video course, I immediately perform it.

The course took me step by step in his world and allow me to spend time trying skills instead of looking for the right configuration. Subsequently I started the technical formation and I get the maximum yield from the course.

Another important thing: after the first release I asked Steve by PM and the web to help me in some configurations that had not been treated. Into the second release in 2017 I find all the answers I was looking for.

So, I can say that Steve's course is really interactive because he listens to our problems and solve them! Thanks Steve read less

  Fabulous videos, worth every penny. There is a wealth of information here that serves as an excellent foundation for new divers or a great review for already certified divers. I look forward to meeting and diving with Steve at some point in the future!

These videos are an excellent resource for sidemount divers at any experience level. So much of sidemount diving is managing equipment, and Mr. Martin’s step-by-step instruction videos do a tremendous job of transferring his considerable experience in sidemount instruction into digestible chunks that are easily replicated in real world diving. For the novice, Mr. Martin provides useful context and a building-block style of teaching that is easy to follow. Moreover, Mr. Martin is full of tips and detail-oriented advice that are useful to experienced divers as well. There is so much here that as I continue to gain more experience with sidemount I find myself watching... read moreThese videos are an excellent resource for sidemount divers at any experience level. So much of sidemount diving is managing equipment, and Mr. Martin’s step-by-step instruction videos do a tremendous job of transferring his considerable experience in sidemount instruction into digestible chunks that are easily replicated in real world diving. For the novice, Mr. Martin provides useful context and a building-block style of teaching that is easy to follow. Moreover, Mr. Martin is full of tips and detail-oriented advice that are useful to experienced divers as well. There is so much here that as I continue to gain more experience with sidemount I find myself watching the videos again and again to better understand concepts that are relevant to my new experience level. Overall Mr. Martin has mastered the art of teaching by video, and I look forward to continuing my scuba education with him. read less

If you want to save yourself a lot of time and effort figuring out your sidemount configuration and skills, this video series is the best investment you can make. It's not a substitute for quality in water instruction but it is a great a pre and post course reference.

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 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... 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

I have used the online videos for the past year to improve my sidemount diving skills. I decided to renew the subscription based on continued updating of content by Steve. I have found his videos to be informative, well balanced and very educational. Every video has tips that are not taught in sidemount classes. The information learned has improved my trim, balance, and other critical skills. I highly recommend his video series to any diver wanting to improve their sidemount diving skillset.

The way the topics are covered and broken by this course is really excellent. It allows you think beyond the conventional way of thinking. You also quickly realize the insights and explanations are very useful. The workshops make the learning real world and I can say from experience that this course really works. Whether you are new to diving or very experienced, there is most certainly value in this material.

Steve's online videos are a great value and a resource that I regularly use. Steve is a leader in diver education, and he has spent countless hours developing and testing the techniques and equipment presented in his online videos. The video presentations are clear and comprehensive. I wholeheartedly recommend Steve's online videos, and I am certain that viewing them has made me a better diver.

Sidemount can be overwhelming due to the different choices in equipment, the various ways it can be configured, and the new skill set. Steve’s video series explains everything you need to know in great detail, with high quality video.

These videos keep providing value, not just for sidemounting but for some great tips for diving in general. Steve does a nice job explaining the key concepts and the demos are good.

Unfortunately I have never had the opportunity to follow an inwater class with Steve but his videos helped me pick up many details that others had kept secret. As an instructor, I consider that his pedagogy is excellent and that quality has improved since the first videos. Congrats. Lionel

At only 25 dives I consider myself a very new and an inexperienced diver. These videos have been a great help in getting started with what I believe is some of the best knowledge available online regarding sidemounting and scuba diving in general. I can easily spot the clean and efficient differences between Steve's logical methods vs other setups online. The vids are worth every penny!!!! I love being able to pull them up when ever I want. Plus Steve even takes the time to answer personal question on each individual video. Its the best you can get aside for... read moreAt only 25 dives I consider myself a very new and an inexperienced diver. These videos have been a great help in getting started with what I believe is some of the best knowledge available online regarding sidemounting and scuba diving in general. I can easily spot the clean and efficient differences between Steve's logical methods vs other setups online. The vids are worth every penny!!!! I love being able to pull them up when ever I want. Plus Steve even takes the time to answer personal question on each individual video. Its the best you can get aside for face to face, one on one with a top notch instructor. Steve is a great instructor and seems like a great guy. Glad to support him in order to keep getting his knowledge and great service. Thank you very much. Please keep up the great work!!!! read less

Steve's Online Sidemount course is the best investment I ever made in an online course.
I have learned so much from his online course from techniques to gear setup. his online course is like my sidemount Bible I always refer back to it and perfect my techniques

Thank you Steve for making this possible.

This is great web based training. The classes are split into multiple videos which you can easily re-watch if you've forgotten something. Lots of tips on what to do and what to avoid doing.

Steve's videos had been an invaluable knowledge for my sidemount skills. I do believe that this method of delivery is best suited for advanced dive training since you can always refresh the skills from the video, something that others are providing the theorical parts only

Before I did Steve online course I did the padi sidemount speciality and of course I learnt a lot in the water on that course but then i started watching Steve videos and practicing the skills in the pool (video myself at the same time so I could criticise myself after) and personally for me most of Steve methods have worked for me 😀
Thank you Steve 👍

Steve Martin’s method is absolute. The online training is a treasure trove to any diver seeking Sidemount knowledge. No agency teaching can compare. The choice is simple.. choose sidemount success.. choose Sidemounting . com
Subscribe to Steve Martin’s online video training today!

I love how you’re giving the diving community a taste of your online videos. I had purchased the videos several months back and have really enjoyed them. The previews that you are showing are only the tip of the iceberg compared to the full access ones. It is well worth the time and money to watch these videos. I went for the “everything included” package and I have learned so much from these step by step, very well put together series. I can see the amount of time and work that Steve has put towards these instructional videos. I would highly recommend purchasing these videos!

I will be renewing for the third year in a row. I love having something to go to when I need a little help every now and then. Steve is precise and to the point in his videos. And I love the new videos about diving the caves in Florida as those are the caves I dive. Looking forward to new videos. Thanks for the help Steve.

For me as a new certified PADI Sidemount Diver this course helped both to prepare my self for the course and to actually being able to travel to Malta and do a full week of Sidemount diving after without loosing time on how to set up my gear and all the other things they dont teach you at PADI. For me getting the certification was just the first step into SideMount Diving. I go back to the videos from time to time to refresh and pick up new ideas and techniques that can be refined. Thank you!

As a diveinstructor it´s great to get som new ideas and to see how Steve´s set up equipment and skills. Videos is very easy to follow and everything is well done.
Great tool for every diver who wants to start with sidemount diving.

A very good comprehensive video tutorial. Though I made hundreds of dives with sidemount I learned a lot! And it helped me to teach better courses. For anyone instructor out there who thing about proper sidemount teaching this course will help a lot!

Ron Breines (the last reviewer) and I share a surprising amount in common. I'm also a university professor and dive instructor. I've recently started sidemount diving and having exceptional online material available is invaluable. As has been said, online material doesn't replace quality, in-person instruction. However, no matter how hard one tries, it is impossible to absorb and retain all the information transferred during in-person training which is often condensed into a short period of time. An online resource such as Steve's videos allows me to review and recall info forgotten. The snow is finally melting in Canada and I will be getting back in the... read moreRon Breines (the last reviewer) and I share a surprising amount in common. I'm also a university professor and dive instructor. I've recently started sidemount diving and having exceptional online material available is invaluable. As has been said, online material doesn't replace quality, in-person instruction. However, no matter how hard one tries, it is impossible to absorb and retain all the information transferred during in-person training which is often condensed into a short period of time. An online resource such as Steve's videos allows me to review and recall info forgotten. The snow is finally melting in Canada and I will be getting back in the water with a complete online refresher course to help me get tuned in. As a fellow dive instructor I can appreciate the knowledge transfer skills that Steve has honed over years of teaching. When you watch his videos you are learning from a master! read less

Of all the various online courses I have taken over the years (non SCUBA included) these are by far the best.

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 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

Really very useful videos for all levels..i found very interesting the different techniques to sidemounting with standard valves tanks.also the rescue video are very helpful ..Thanks a lot Steve for your hard work and all useful tips and tricks
Each time i watch the videos I learn something new

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 instruction series. Unlike most online courses in other areas of study I have taken, the videos I have viewed are clear, concise, and give adequate information to improve many aspects of SM diving, and are applicable in other areas of diving as well.
Steve's "face-to-face" method of presenting the material makes the viewer get that "in-class" feel that helps transfer the knowledge by allowing the viewer to follow along while the video is running. This has already helped me better adjust my gear, which allows me to be a better diver in general.
I would highly recommend this series to those that want to improve... read moreGreat instruction series. Unlike most online courses in other areas of study I have taken, the videos I have viewed are clear, concise, and give adequate information to improve many aspects of SM diving, and are applicable in other areas of diving as well.
Steve's "face-to-face" method of presenting the material makes the viewer get that "in-class" feel that helps transfer the knowledge by allowing the viewer to follow along while the video is running. This has already helped me better adjust my gear, which allows me to be a better diver in general.
I would highly recommend this series to those that want to improve their dive skills. read less

Once a training course is over it is not always possible to go back with the what if questions. Steve’s excellent video course allows valuable follow up study, so you can find answers when you do it for real. As a PADI instructor, I find Steve’s videos invaluable for my personal diving and for those tricky to answer questions from students. Keep up the good work Steve

I'm a back mount tec/cave diver just getting into sidemount. Steve's videos are incredibly helpful to me learning sidemount. They are very well put together. More important though, is that he explains, demonstrates and gives the reasons why his side mount methods are better than others. If you're a diver at any level I highly encourage you to watch his videos! They will definitely help you become a better diver!

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

Greetings from Denmark.

I started watching the side mount online series Xmas 2017. I have been enthralled by the dedication that has gone into the development, commentary and quality of the videos. from the setting up of tanks, harnesses to S-Drills, ascents and descents. A must for all aspiring and qualified sidemounters and dare I mention it, backmounters. (who have not seen the light yet!)

Simon C

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 😀

I have a great pleasure watching instructional videos from Steve. They do not replace the in-water training, but they add a great value of tips and hints and make you think more on your skills and how to be a better diver. Great value!

It is the best way to improve your skills. Concise videos, that you can see several times will let you improve your diving

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 an enjoyable sidemount dive. All you need to do is get wet and apply all the knowledge you learnt!

JUST GREAT !!!

Steve doesn't just teach, but his videos are actually fun to watch and inspiring

I started learning about sidemount with Rob Neto’s book, but learning sidemount started with Steve Martin’s online training.
What is particularly good that Steve explains why you need to do things.
What I miss sofar is a subject about ring bungees and the Dive Rite setup for tanks, if only for completeness.

Fantastic online materials.
Superb attention to details.
Like and definitely recommend to anyone wishing to try smth new in scuba.

I have had these videos for the last 12 months and still keep going back to them to check up on little things. I mainly do open water diving and had been self taught side mount for about 12/18 months before I bought these videos. What a difference they made to my diving. It was all the little tweeks that you can make to balance and adjust the system that I was missing. Made a world of difference. If you think that £143.00 is a lot for some on line video you would be so wrong. They are well made and informative well every penny.

These videos are a must for anyone getting into sidemount. It doesn't replace a good instructor, but it gives you a huge amount of useful information that will help you get more out of a course.

I believe that instructors who teach sidemount should also watch these videos, so that they can pick up some additonal tricks on helping their students.

awesome new series like them even better then the old ones
again picked up some new stuff..would like to contribute a little as I see some small improvements possible for loopbungee attachment for people who dive real cold water an have dry gloves very thick undergarments etc...

Online based training by Steve Martin is really good, explained very well and you can replay the videos how many times you like. He also personally answers any questions you might have about the training material.

Hello Steve,
Your online training vids, way of diving, tips on setting up equipment are just amazing.
Finally, my setup works the way it should be, and I really appreciate your kind of teaching.
Good job.
BR
Lukas

Great teacher! If you are back mount diver, you must try this.