“The only source of knowledge is experience” …Albert Einstein

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
Günther Plank 1 day ago
I love your videos, far more detailed than a training agency or manufacturer provides.
Samuel Abbe 1 week ago
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

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
Eros Francolini 2 months ago

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 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


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.


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.
Dmitri Bassarab 1 year ago
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


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.


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.


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.


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
KL Gregger 2 years ago

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.
Cristian Pellegrini 2 years ago

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.
Glen Ball 2 years ago

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.
Samuli Kaakinen 2 years ago

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


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
Mike Kefalas 2 years ago
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.
Michael Shell 2 years ago

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.
Fletcher Kelly 2 years ago

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.
Patrick Mullaney 2 years ago

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
Julien Chango 2 years ago

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
Manuel Centeno 2 years ago

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.


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!
Jared Grant 2 years ago

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.
Chris Fletcher 2 years ago

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!
Johan Röisland 2 years ago

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
Blake Phillips 2 years ago

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.
Alexey Alvianskiy 2 years ago

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
Dai Leake 2 years ago

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!
Matthew Fish 2 years ago

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


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!


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.


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.
Stephen Griffith 2 years ago

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...


Good morning Steve.
Yes, me and my 2 friends all studied together all your SM videos and configured our Stelth tech in that way. It was really helpful. We have already dived sidemount rigs (Apex, Razor and my home made). We mostly 95% do cave diving with SM and occasionally we do sump diving and exploring. But with the Stelth rig and your video instructions these is an other world :). We are all certified cave divers. We also use multiple stages to get further in the cave. We never did a proper SM courese or took someone to correct our trim, stage pozition, managing scenarios. We... read moreGood morning Steve.
Yes, me and my 2 friends all studied together all your SM videos and configured our Stelth tech in that way. It was really helpful. We have already dived sidemount rigs (Apex, Razor and my home made). We mostly 95% do cave diving with SM and occasionally we do sump diving and exploring. But with the Stelth rig and your video instructions these is an other world :). We are all certified cave divers. We also use multiple stages to get further in the cave. We never did a proper SM courese or took someone to correct our trim, stage pozition, managing scenarios. We are using knowledge from our experiences and previous courses. And is going pretty good 🙂 Not the best, but enough to dive safely.
The idea of doing the in water training with you would be to refine our SM skills, to get some ideas how to manage scenarios, what to correct, ect.
I know that the price of the course will be an issue. But that we will discus if we will decide to come on Gozo.
It would be a pleasure to get trained from you.
We will keep in touch. Please let me know when you will have a fix schedule, so we can talk further.
Thank you again for answer me back.
I whish you a pleasant day.
Best regards.
Matej Koršič from Slovenija read less


I started diving in July 2017. Since then I have spent almost every weekend in the water doing saome diving and learning new skills. My mentor is a sidemounter and when I decided to go into intro to tec that is the platform he steered me into. That is 3 months ago. I have been enjoying learning the new platform and honing my skills particularly the back kick. One of the guys at the shop, Jay Lytell suggested to look at Steve's website that it had a lot of good information. Wow he was not wrong.
The information is invaluable. To say the least being relatively... read moreI started diving in July 2017. Since then I have spent almost every weekend in the water doing saome diving and learning new skills. My mentor is a sidemounter and when I decided to go into intro to tec that is the platform he steered me into. That is 3 months ago. I have been enjoying learning the new platform and honing my skills particularly the back kick. One of the guys at the shop, Jay Lytell suggested to look at Steve's website that it had a lot of good information. Wow he was not wrong.
The information is invaluable. To say the least being relatively new to the sport I got all the courses, trying to get kids and wife into this also. Watching and seeing the various skills and tips have helped me improve quickly with my skills. Still need some work with buoyancy or better yet staying still in the water, buoyancy not bad. I tend to move my feet a little which makes me move around too much. I am reminded of it. LOL
I have an Apeks 25 rig which is great, but now these guys are all in XDeep rigs. Making me jealous but I am learning and gaining experience I will try the XDeep for sure.
All the info here and what I have been able to implement and practice have helped me in the water every time I get in. Looking forward to next time. Water in Northern Virginia at Millbrook Quarry is 40 F and it gets to you after a while. Need some warm weather or a trip. Keep up the good work Steve. read less


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 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... 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
Jay Lytell 2 years ago

Extremely thorough training, covering every possible topic in detail. All rigging/equipment videos are shot in HD close-ups to ensure everything is crystal clear for you to understand. In-water shots and other on-land training is equally excellent and I can't recommend the course enough, simply brilliant.
Henrik Söderlund 2 years ago

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 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... 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
Ron Breines 2 years ago

Learn straight from one of the very best. There's not much else to say, the online courses are very well laid out, easy to follow and understand, and are separated into bite-sized pieces with appropriate amounts of repetition to reinforce learning. To say it's 100 times better than something like the PADI eLearning is really doing it a disservice: it's not even in the same league.
A good amount of attention is placed on properly setting up gear before even hitting the water, and it makes transitioning into something like sidemount very easy for experienced divers. I literally followed the instructions for setting up my harness, got... read moreLearn straight from one of the very best. There's not much else to say, the online courses are very well laid out, easy to follow and understand, and are separated into bite-sized pieces with appropriate amounts of repetition to reinforce learning. To say it's 100 times better than something like the PADI eLearning is really doing it a disservice: it's not even in the same league.
A good amount of attention is placed on properly setting up gear before even hitting the water, and it makes transitioning into something like sidemount very easy for experienced divers. I literally followed the instructions for setting up my harness, got in the water, clipped and bungeed my tanks, and I was in trim from the get-go. This allowed me to focus on diving rather than messing around with gear configurations, harness sizing, and other nitpicky points that could have taken 5-10 dives to fine tune.
I can't recommend these courses enough. If you're interested in becoming a better diver, you owe it to yourself to check these courses out. They may seem a bit pricey at first, but the value is actually tremendous. I hear that the in-person classes are of the same caliber, although once you enter that realm there are far more options, some of which are probably closer to home. As far as I can tell, Steve Martin is the only one doing online courses like this. read less


Clear, comprehensive training. An excellent resource for both students and instructors. If you have a question about sidemount configuration, gear or skills, the online material provides well thought out guidance. Online training is not a substitute for in-water training, but your diving will improve after watching all of Steve's training videos. I found that my buoyancy control improved after weighting myself correctly using Steve's protocol.
Daniel Glynn 2 years ago

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 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... 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


Educational online series with outstanding quality and awesome level of detail. During in-water training Steve is one of the very few instructors that really can put himself in the student's shoes... whatever problem you have in diving, Steve can identify and fix it in an efficient manner.
Christoph Söhnel 3 years ago