Sidemount Workshops

“Knowledge without practice is useless. Practice without knowledge is dangerous”

There are a whole host of reasons why your sidemounting leaves a lot to be desired. Join us for a workshop in Gozo (Malta) and we’ll figure it out together.

Duration

as long as you need

group size

2 divers max for your comfort of learning

Entry Requirements

a sidemount certificate from any organisation

160 EUR per day

The price includes:
- tanks & fills
- equipment

Interested in these workshops?

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Sidemount Workshops in Gozo in Details

Do other divers look at you in sympathy as you try to don your cylinders? Are you struggling to figure out why your tanks resemble wings towards the end of the dive? Are you perfectly happy while in motion but a disaster the minute you stop to do anything? Does your lack of buoyancy leave a trail of destruction behind you?

Sidemount, more so than other configurations, requires precise setup and kit considerations. A good sidemount diver understands that the positioning of cylinder bands, the length of the bungees, the placement of weights, plus a million other factors are all so important to the optimisation of the overall setup.

We’ll help you analyse your configuration & work with you to identify gaps in training, correct bad habits & any other issues that are causing you problems.

Some of the common issues we will work on include:

Kit adjustment & shake down
Donning and doffing
Finning
Cylinder & thermal considerations
Buoyancy & gas consumption

Get rid of useless hardware and anything else that is getting in the way of good diving.

It’s no secret that Sidemount divers are renowned for taking too long when getting into & out of the water. Learn how to quickly and efficiently don and doff your cylinders using a variety of entrance and exit techniques.

Sidemount will never be comfortable if you are unable to use your fins to manoeuvre efficiently. Learn to move forwards, backwards, turn and stay still while carrying out your tasks.

One of the many benefits of sidemount is that you can dive with any cylinders that are available! Steel, aluminium, different sizes, shapes and valves. Wetsuit and aluminiums, drysuit and steels, no right-handed valves….it's all workable. However, if you don’t know how to modify your setup you’ll be a mess.

A natural result of working on the above issues will be that your buoyancy and gas consumption greatly improve. Proper buoyancy forms the platform for everything else & will form the central focus of all workshops.

Kit adjustment & shake down

Get rid of useless hardware and anything else that is getting in the way of good diving.

Donning and doffing

Finning

Sidemount will never be comfortable if you are unable to use your fins to manoeuvre efficiently. Learn to move forwards, backwards, turn and stay still while carrying out your tasks.

Cylinder & thermal considerations

Buoyancy & gas consumption

Certification

These workshops are informal and focus on your needs and expectations, therefore there is no certificate at the end. Our aim is not just to teach you the basics, but to provide you with the strongest base skill set from which you can continue to grow and improve after the workshops.

Why Train with Us?

Best Instructors

Train with an instructor who eats, breathes and sleeps sidemount.

Here, Sidemount is not just another course among hundreds of courses - it’s the main event! We exceed all agency standards and make sure you don’t leave the course as a liability on dive sites and boats.

Small Group Sizes

We choose quality over quantity any day!

Small group sizes. 2 divers max per course, 4 divers max per guided dive. Without a doubt, the smaller the group the better the experience.

Personal Approach

Courses are completely tailored to you, your needs and your diving preferences.

Perhaps you want to dive sidemount in a drysuit with steels or on holiday in the tropics with a wetsuit and Ali’s. We’ll make sure you’re confident and ready for anything.

Commitment
to Safety

Learn to sidemount efficiently and safely by focusing on entries, exits and emergency drills.

Diving in sidemount configuration requires extra consideration for keeping yourself and others safe and taking care of emergencies. Become an asset to any dive team by enhancing and practicing your Rescue skills.

The Right Way

Learn skills and procedures at the right level and become fully competent.

Save yourself months of frustration. Many divers take a sidemount course that is far too basic and leaves them with massive gaps in their knowledge and skills. Don’t be that diver. We have invested in our own diving skills and education and we use this base to teach to the highest level.

Testimonials

David

If you're looking to master sidemount then check out Sidemount Society in Gozo, led by the exceptional Chris and Chloe. Their expertise and passion for 'The Art of Diving' is unparalleled. They consistently create a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive, ensuring each diver gains confidence and skill. Highly recommended for anyone serious about advancing their diving capabilities in the magnificent waters of Gozo.

Alex

(...) One of the standout qualities of Chris and Cloe was their unwavering dedication to ensuring my comfort and safety throughout the entire sidemount diving experience. As a relatively inexperienced diver, their patience and meticulous attention to detail immediately put me at ease. They took the time to thoroughly explain every aspect of the gear and the diving process, making sure I felt confident and informed before submerging into the underwater world.

Barry

I have been trained by and have dived with Chris and Chloe Godlewski of Sidemount Society, in the Uk, Philippines and Gozo over the past few years. Their knowledge and passion for sidemount diving is phenomenal and very addictive. Add to this their patient teaching skills, love of underwater photography and an unlimited enthusiasm to dive and the result is a guaranteed amazing diving experience with these guys, Sidemount Society is well worth checking out! (...)

Frequently Asked Questions about Sidemount Workshops

Who are sidemount workshops for?

Many divers take sidemount courses that are too basic which leads to frustration in the water. If you are struggling with your sidemount system a workshop is for you.

What is the difference between a sidemount workshop and a sidemount course?

Sidemount courses are designed to teach divers how to dive in sidemount configuration. Sidemount workshops are for divers who are already sidemount certified but want to improve their skills.

Will I get a certification after a sidemount workshop?

No. Sidemount workshops are typically 1 -2 days and focus on identifying and working on specific issues the diver is struggling with. No certification is given after a workshop.

Can I rent Sidemount equipment for the workshop?

If you plan to dive sidemount regularly, you should purchase your own sidemount equipment. Configuration is key in sidemount diving. Workshops will focus on setting up your equipment correctly.

How can I get ready to sidemount in a new environment?

Sidemount is suitable in most diving environments and is extremely versatile. A workshop with a reputable instructor is a great way to prepare for sidemount diving in a new environment.

Why don’t I feel comfortable in sidemount?

There are many reasons why you are feeling uncomfortable in your sidemount setup. Attending a workshop with a knowledgeable instructor will help you identify and fix any configuration issues.

Why won’t my sidemount cylinders stay in trim?

In sidemount, the correct placement of cylinder attachment points and bungee systems is key. Attending a workshop with a knowledgeable instructor will help you identify and fix your configuration issues.