I hated sidemount & technical diving because I wasn't ready to take those courses.

It was the first time diving skills didn't come easy to me. Looking back, I should've stopped after the sidemount course and gotten comfortable in the configuration by fun diving before moving on to the technical courses.

My hope in sharing this is to help others feel empowered to slow down their training goals. I truly believe it will help you in the long run.

[timgosling]

I went back-mount single, back-mount twins and then side mount, all in cold water. Side mount felt really nice after twins but, you know what, when I go on holiday in the Caribbean and the water's 85F and I have a 63 single - it's like being a baby seal. So, so free! But I still love the twins and SM; it's just different.

[troop]

Great advice. Although I wish I had you in the military when I was in, that attitude and your gutting threw this problem would have been awesome to work with. Looking forward to diving with you in Montana one of these days. Never change Sarah you’re awesome.

[stevemitchell]

Wow!!
going through that know
Side mound, O2, Nitrox and Dry suit course all in few months… and it’s 38 degrees in the water until mid March. I wounded how much I will remember at the end of the day.

[stevemichel]

I just completed my tdi side mount online looking forward to the pool then quarry !! Whish me luck.

[VahhabPiranfar]

Going through these courses consecutively helps me to integrate the skills into my mind and body. 🧠💪

[WordizbonDon]

I think I’m going to stay at AOW for quite some time

[eriknodland]

I get a ton a students that show up for tec that just aren’t ready. I’ve found there is no magic number or dives or the right experience but it just varies from person to person. I’ve had students that go straight through and were very ready and I’ve had students that had taken a long break from classes and just focused on diving that still aren’t ready.
I like when the classes are broken up so you get time to practice in the new config and bring the new skills up to the level they need where it isn’t task loading you and hurting buoyancy and trim…

[akashashokan]

Can you please tell me where you did the course in-return for work.

[pucioy]

I was the same while ago. I just asked myself a question: do I like to dive or just taking courses and exams? After honest consideration I stopped at what I got and just dive. Imagine what happened - I started to feel more confident, focused and safe in the water. Greets Sara :)

[davidb]

i know the feeling I rushed as well in some of my classes.

[dclangst]

I say this and people accuse me of gatekeeping.

[Ublomor]

But in a couple of your videos you highly recommend going side-mount 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[scubamuds]

This is excellent advice. I'm sharing this with my students. Zero to hero is always a mistake.