The Book
First published in 2015, Sidemount Diving: The Almost Comprehensive Guide was developed to provide structured, experience-based guidance for divers adopting and refining sidemount configuration.
The expanded second edition, released in 2020, significantly broadened the scope of the work. In 2025, a third edition was released to incorporate continued advancements in sidemount configuration, address evolving trends within the diving community, and refine formatting, particularly within the eBook version.
At the same time as the third edition release, Recreational Sidemount Diving: The Not So Comprehensive Guide, was released. This book is a streamlined adaptation of Sidemount Diving: The Almost Comprehensive Guide, developed specifically for recreational divers seeking focused configuration guidance without extended technical depth.
Today, the both guides serve as a widely used technical reference for recreational and technical divers worldwide.
Who This Book Is For
This book is written for divers who want to better understand how sidemount diving systems are configured and refined underwater.
It may be particularly useful for:
- divers beginning to explore sidemount diving
- divers working to improve trim and sidemount cylinder positioning
- instructors teaching sidemount diving configuration
- experienced sidemount divers refining their equipment setup
The book examines the principles behind sidemount configuration, equipment placement, and system balance, drawing on years of exploration experience.
Topics covered in the book include:
- sidemount configuration principles
- cylinder rigging and alignment
- trim and buoyancy balance
- hose routing and equipment setup
- gas management strategies
- diving from boats
- monkey diving (single cylinder sidemount diving)
Purpose of the Guide
Sidemount diving requires more than relocating cylinders to the diver’s sides. Effective configuration demands balance, streamlining, redundancy planning, and deliberate problem-solving methodology.
This guide was written to provide:
• Structured configuration principles
• Clear explanations of trim and weighting strategy
• Gas management considerations
• Equipment selection analysis
• Practical adaptation for recreational and overhead environments
• Troubleshooting methodology
Edition Development
First Edition (2015)
Established foundational configuration methodology during a period when structured sidemount resources were limited.
Second Edition (2020)
More than doubled the length of the original work and expanded technical discussion, illustrations, and application scenarios.
Third Edition (2025)
Incorporates evolving trends in sidemount configuration, refines instructional clarity, and resolves formatting inconsistencies, particularly in digital formats, to improve usability and reader experience.
Each edition reflects the continued development of sidemount diving as both equipment and application have evolved.
What Makes This Guide Different
Unlike brief agency manuals or configuration summaries, this guide examines sidemount diving in depth.
It emphasizes:
• Why configuration choices matter
• How minor adjustments affect trim and efficiency
• The relationship between streamlining and gas consumption
• Systematic evaluation rather than improvisation
The result is a reference designed to remain relevant even as equipment models change.
Editions & Languages
The guide is currently available in multiple languages, including:
• English
• German
• French
• Spanish
• Dutch
Additional translations are in development as the international sidemount community continues to grow.
Table of Contents
A detailed breakdown of chapters and subject matter is available below.
Purchase Options
The guide may be purchased directly or through authorized retailers.
Amazon | Apple | Kobo
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Continued Development
Sidemount diving continues to evolve. While equipment changes over time, foundational configuration principles remain central to efficiency, safety, and streamlining. This guide reflects ongoing refinement rather than static publication.
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