Sidemount diver course

Sidemount diver course-the Art of Trim

Experience the Red Sea with Unprecedented Freedom. Eilat’s crystal-clear waters and iconic shore entries are the perfect classroom for the PADI Sidemount Diver course. Whether you’re navigating the reef at the Caves or exploring the depths near the Satil wreck, diving in a sidemount configuration offers a level of stability and streamlining that backmount simply can’t match.

Technical Precision Meets Underwater Comfort

Sidemount isn't just a "look"—it's a technical evolution. This course is designed for divers who value gear efficiency and physical ease.

Customized Gear Geometry: Learn to configure a modular harness (like the Hollis SMS or XDeep Stealth) to fit your specific body frame. For divers who prefer a lighter load on land, moving the weight of the cylinders from your back to your sides makes the walk to the water effortless.

Optimal Hose Routing: Master the "long hose" primary and short neck-mounted secondary setup for clean, snag-free diving.

Cylinder Management: We dive into the physics of tank buoyancy. Learn how to manage aluminum cylinders as they become positive towards the end of the dive, keeping them perfectly parallel to your body at all times.

Redundancy as Standard: By managing two completely independent air sources, you gain a massive safety margin—a critical skill for those looking toward future technical or cavern training.

Why Train with Us in Eilat?

Shore-Entry Mastery: Eilat is famous for its easy access. We utilize this to practice cylinder donning and doffing in shallow water, ensuring you’re comfortable before heading to the reef.

Perfect Conditions: With minimal currents and high visibility, you can focus entirely on your trim and propulsion techniques (like the modified frog kick) without fighting the elements.

Small Groups, Big Progress: Our instruction focuses on the "micro-adjustments" of weight distribution that make the difference between a good diver and a master of buoyancy.

Course Modules

Theory & Workshop: Mastering the "Sidemount Mindset" and equipment assembly.

Confined Water Sessions: Weighting, trim checks, and regulator switches.

Open Water Dives: Real-world application among the vibrant corals of the Eilat Coral Nature Reserve.

1. FAQ: Common Questions about Sidemount in Eilat

Q: Is Sidemount only for technical or cave divers?

A: Not at all! While it originated in cave diving, recreational sidemount is perfect for any diver who wants better balance, less back strain, and longer bottom times. It’s a game-changer for photographers and anyone who loves a "hydrodynamic" feel.

Q: I’m a relatively light diver. Won’t two tanks be too heavy for me?

A: Actually, sidemount is often preferred by smaller or lighter divers. Since you can clip your tanks on once you are in the water (and unclip before getting out), you don't have to carry the full weight of the equipment on your back while walking on the shore.

Q: Why use Aluminum tanks in Eilat?

A: In Eilat, we primarily use aluminum 80cf tanks. They are excellent for sidemount because they become slightly positive when nearly empty, allowing us to teach you how to adjust your trim and keep the tanks perfectly aligned even as your gas level changes.

Please note

Buy diving insurance Diving insurance is mandatory in Israel by the law. We are not allowed to take you diving if you have no insurance. If you still don't have a diving insurance, here is a link to buy one from Israeli insurance company. Buy diving insurance (open the link in the new window). As an option you can check with your travel insurance to add scuba diving to your policy. The insurance should cover, in writing: full medical coverage for the diver in the event of evacuation and medical treatment, including treatment in a decompression chamber. You can also buy worldwide annual DAN diving insurance. Important note: buy diving insurance in advance and forward it to our email (nautilus.eilat@gmail.com). We want to avoid delays in the morning at the very last minute when all the group is ready to go, so please buy it in advance – at least a day before. Be aware to put in the correct start date for the policy.
Refresh dive. According to the law in Israel you will be asked to take a part in a refresh training including a few exercises to refresh the basic diving skills if you haven't dived in the last 6 months or do not hold proof of dive from the last 6 months. Valid proof of dive includes: stamped logbook, personal dive computer with logged dive within the 6 month, official letter from a dive center stating name and date of dive with them. We do not charge an extra fee for a refresh dive. However, if you have not dived for several years and/or do not have much experience and/or feeling “rusty” please schedule a refresh course.
Take in consideration minimal time interval before your flight back.

Underwater photography/videography service. Preorder photo/video session and get high quality images of your dives.

We offer morning pick up free of charge. Drop off is not provided . We send navigation details if you come with a car.

Take a taxi or the bus number 15 to Reef Herbert Samuel hotel. There is pay parking available next to Village Beach.