Speaking Sidemount

In this final episode of Speaking Sidemount for 2025, brought to you by XDEEP, Steve Davis sits down with Omar Derbala, a technical and CCR instructor born and raised in Dahab, one of the most iconic and influential technical diving locations in the world.Omar quite literally grew up in a dive centre, surrounded by technical divers from an early age. This upbringing shaped his calm, precise, and disciplined approach to diving and teaching.In this conversation, we explore: What it’s like to grow up diving in Dahab Why Dahab remains a global hub for technical diving Omar’s transition from open-circuit sidemount to CCR Why the KISS Sidewinder became his rebreather of choice Training and mentorship under Jacek Konikowski and Patrick Widmann Safety culture, humility, and mindset in high-level technical diving This episode is a deep and thoughtful discussion about the environment, equipment, training philosophy, and what truly matters as a technical diver — and a fitting way to close out a fantastic year for Speaking Sidemount.🎥 Watch full episodes & bonus clips: https://www.youtube.com/@sidemountpros 🎧 Listen to the Podcast - Spotify | Apple | Google — search Speaking Sidemount Podcast📘 Sidemount books: https://www.sidemountpros.com/store🤿 Train with Steve: https://www.sidemountpros.com/courses💛 Support the show: https://www.Patreon.com/SpeakingSidemount📸 Follow Steve on Instagram: @nzsteved🛠️ Thanks to our sponsor XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu and to Omar Derbala https://www.instagram.com/omar_derbalaa/

In this brutally honest episode brought to you by XDEEP, Steve Davis sits down with Chris Richardson, founder of Deep Six Gear, to unpack three decades of hard truths inside the dive industry. From the early days at Oceanic to the realities of online retail, dealer politics, teaching professionalism, and gear innovation — Chris lays it all out.We also honour the lives and contributions of Michael Menduno (AquaCorps, InDEPTH) and Nancy Easterbrook (DiveTech Cayman), two giants whose impact continues to shape the world of technical diving.If you’re into sidemount, tech diving, dive instruction, or the dive business, this episode is packed with insights, lessons, and real talk you won’t hear anywhere else.🎥 Watch full episodes & bonus clips: YouTube.com/SidemountPros🎧 Listen to the Podcast - Spotify | Apple | Google — search Speaking Sidemount Podcast📘 Sidemount books: www.sidemountpros.com/store🤿 Train with Steve: www.sidemountpros.com/courses💛 Support the show: www.Patreon.com/SpekaingSidemount📸 Follow Steve on Instagram: @nzsteved🛠️ Thanks to our sponsor XDEEP - www.xdeep.eu and to Chris - Deep Six Gear — https://www.deep6gear.com

In this episode of Speaking Sidemount brought to you by XDEEP, Steve Davis talks with Mark Rowe, a former British Army Royal Engineer who began diving in 1989 and went on to become a leading sidemount and technical instructor.Mark shares his incredible journey from military service to full-time diving instructor, including his role in developing the Battle Back program, using diving to rehabilitate injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.We explore:🔹 His early days learning to dive in Sharm el-Sheikh before it became a Red Sea diving mecca🔹 Building the UK’s largest military dive club and founding Battle Back Diving🔹 The evolution of sidemount diving and why good instruction matters🔹 Insights on training, gear setup, and diving safely across multiple systems🔹 Rebreathers, tech diving, and the future of advanced diving educationWhether you’re a sidemount diver, an instructor, or just passionate about diving history — this is a deep, inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.🎧 Thanks to our Sponsor XDEEP - https://www.exdeep.eu📘 Grab Steve’s Sidemount Fundamentals eBook → https://www.sidemountpros.com/store🌐 Follow Mark Rowe at Rubicon Diving Lanzarote - https://www.rubicondiving.com

In this episode of Speaking Sidemount, brought to you by XDEEP, host Steve Davis interviews Álvaro Granell, a cave diving instructor from Mallorca. They discuss Álvaro's journey into diving, his transition to sidemount diving, and his path to becoming a cave instructor.Steve and Álvaro delve into the intricacies of diving education. As Álvaro is a high school teacher, Steve asks how he leans on his professional education background in dive instruction. They discuss the significance of daily practice, the role of video feedback in enhancing diving skills, and the necessity of continuous learning to fill training gaps. The dialogue also touches on diver safety, gas sharing protocols, and the evolving technology in cave diving, including the benefits of rebreathers. They discuss Mallorca's caves, their beauty, the history of exploration, and the specific differences between sump diving and cave diving. Álvaro shares insights into the caving community in Mallorca, the exploration and scientific projects that he supports, and his future plans in diving.

In this episode of Speaking Sidemount, host Steve Davis interviews Ana Gonçalves, a prosthodontist and sidemount diver, about her unique journey that intertwines her expertise in dentistry with her passion for diving. They explore the challenges and rewards of sidemount diving, the importance of proper training, and the risks associated with diving, including those related to dental work. Ana shares her experiences, insights into diving medicine, and her aspirations in hyperbaric medicine, providing a comprehensive look at the intersection of these two fields. In this conversation, Steve Davis and Ana Filipa Gonçalves discuss various aspects of diving, including the challenges and techniques of sidemount diving, the transition to rebreather diving with the Sidewinder, and the importance of building experience. They also touch on Ana's journey through her Mod 1 course, her aspirations for future diving in Mexico, and her career in dentistry, particularly her collaboration with DAN to address dental health issues related to diving. The conversation underscores the importance of having proper equipment, training, and safety protocols in the diving community. Get your copy of Steve's Sidemount Fundamentals eBook here - https://www.sidemountpros.com/store Thanks to: Our Sponsor - https://www.xdeep.eu Ana Gonçalves -https://www.instagram.com/agoncalves.dds.dmo Image Credit: Rui Oliveira https://www.instagram.comruipaoliveira/ Diving in Portugal - https://www.portugaldive.com Ana will be attending Diving Talks Lisbon 17 - 19 October 2025 with the DAN Europe team. More info here - https://www.divingtalks.com

In this episode of Speaking Sidemount, brought to you by XDEEP, Steve Davis interviews Anand Chandra Sekaran, a PADI Course Director based in Malaysia, who shares his journey from a small town in Malaysia to becoming a diving instructor, sidemount and cave diver. Anand discusses his early fascination with underwater exploration, the transition to sidemount diving, and the importance of effective instructor training. The conversation takes us back to the roots of Speaking Sidemount, covering the essential aspects of sidemount diving, including equipment setup and fitting, sidemount entries and exits, correct weighting, buoyancy control, and posture and propulsion techniques, emphasising the need for continuous learning in sidemount diving.Steve and Anand delve further into the intricacies of sidemount diving, discussing various aspects such as cylinder types, gas management, the significance of proper buoyancy, weighting awareness, and the integration of tech diving principles into instructor training. The discussion also emphasises the need for instructors to be well-versed in sidemount techniques and the importance of continuous practice and adaptation in different diving environments.Massive thanks to:Our sponsor XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu/Anand Chandra Selaran - https://www.antigravitydiving.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Anand Chandra Sekaran05:52 Diving Journey and Early Experiences06:22 Transition to Teaching Diving11:19 Challenges and Growth in a Diving Career14:10 Finding Passion in Teaching Diving16:46 Reflections on Diving Experiences18:38 Getting into Sidemount Diving23:16 Sidemount to Cave Training24:12 Suggested Level of Experience to Start Sidemount Diving25:17 Foundational Skills for Sidemount Diving28:48 Equipment Setup and Fitting Techniques30:09 Stability & Finning Techniques32:26 Entry and Exit Techniques for Sidemount Divers33:05 Sidemount Skill Development in the Water40:17 Steve Martin - Sidemounting.com Video Training42:32 Why the Gas Sharing Drill is So Important44:16 XDEEP Exploration Support Program45:45 Sidemount Gas Sharing/Hose Stowing47:10 Sidemount Boat Exit Techniques50:13 Sidemount Gas Management51:20 Cylinder Trim - Sliding or Fixed D-rings?56:44 Innovative Teaching Techniques in Diving01:00:11 Integrating Technical Diving Principles into Instructor Training01:01:36 Challenges in Instructor Development Programs01:04:16 The Role of Neutral Buoyancy in Diving Training01:08:33 Understanding Weight Checks and Buoyancy Control01:16:18 Pathway to Becoming a Sidemount Instructor01:20:12 Travelling to Malaysia - Visit Anti Gravity Divers01:21:09 Avelo - Exploring New Diving Technologies and Systems

In this episode of Speaking Sidemount, brought to you by XDEEP, host Steve Davis welcomes Xavi P. Tapia, a cave diver and instructor from Ecuador, who shares his journey through the world of diving. From his beginnings in the Galapagos Islands to establishing his dive center, "The Art of Diving" in the Dominican Republic. Xavi discusses the philosophy behind The Art of Diving and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning in the diving community. The conversation also addresses the challenges of adapting to various diving conditions, particularly cold-water diving, and the importance of safety and proper training in the sport. Xavi shares his insights on the importance of learning in diving, the beauty and challenges of diving in the Dominican Republic, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the underwater environment. He emphasizes the need for divers to adopt a student mindset, the unique diving experiences available in the Dominican Republic, and the significance of maintaining safe diving practices and preserving the natural beauty of the caves. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:19 Diving Journey and Experiences 12:34 Transition to Cave Diving and Instruction 16:24 The Art of Diving and Personal Growth 18:29 Diving as a Science and Practice 20:22 Collaboration and Community in Diving 22:57 Future Aspirations and Safety in Diving 29:19 Practice & Building your Skills 30:59 Navigating Cold Water Challenges 34:59 The Art of Diving: Training and Philosophy 38:44 XDEEP Exploration Support Program 40:15 Learning from Diverse Instructors 48:01 Exploring the Dominican Republic's Diving Paradise 52:55 Cave Diving Challenges and Experiences 01:05:38 Conservation Efforts in the Dominican Republic 01:10:09 Reinforcing Cave Diving Safety 01:15:25 Traveling to the Dominican Republic for Diving

It's great to bring you Episode 108 of Speaking Sidemount, the podcast dedicated to sidemount diving and cave diving—huge thanks to our show sponsor, XDEEP. In this episode, I interview Nick DeRutter, a Tech Instructor Trainer and the creator of the Dive Saga YouTube channel. We discuss Nick's diving journey, the ethos behind Dive Saga, and the exciting Bottom Line Projects Boh Yai Mine exploration, which is featured in an epic four-part series on Dive Saga. The conversation delves into technical diving, storytelling in underwater filmmaking, production quality, and the challenges of monetising dive content. Nick shares insights on the importance of collaboration with experienced divers and the future aspirations for Dive Saga, emphasising the need for continuous learning and growth in the diving industry. Enjoy :) Steve Image credit and thanks: Carolina Wells @divewells Thanks to Nick DeRutter @DiveSAGA and our sponsor XDEEP https://www.xdee p. eu/ Sidemount Fundamentals eBook - https://www.sidemountpros.com/store/sidemount-fundamentals-ebook

Hey, great to bring you Episode 107 with Stratis Kas and Lionel Wolowitz. Huge thanks to XDEEP for sponsoring Speaking Sidemount.In this episode, I catch up with Stratis Kas and Lionel Wolovitz. You may remember Stratis has been on the show twice before to discuss his cave exploration in Greece and his book "Close Calls". The latter proved somewhat prophetic, as Stratis recently experienced an Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE) following a series of "deepish", long-duration dives in Mexico. The incident was life-threatening, and Stratis credits his dive buddies, Lionel and Ruben, along with the medical teams in Playa del Carmen, with saving his life.In my conversation with Stratis and Lionel, we discussed the trip, the dives leading up to the incident, and the incident itself. Stratis recounts his thought processes, the mistakes made, and then reflects on the incident. He then hands over to Lionel, who gives his account of the rescue, what they saw, how they cared for Stratis, and the terrifying transfer to the hospital and medical/chamber treatment.Stratis and Lionel are incredibly open about the mistakes they made and why they feel these happened. They share the lessons learned and how we all can take something from this incident.As a postscript, following the recording of this episode, Stratis went to DAN Europe for testing and discovered he has a Type 3 PFO that will require surgery before he can return to diving. The PFO was likely causal in the DCI incident; now, questions remain around the other factors and how they may have contributed to the incident. More to come...Enjoy SteveThanks to Stratis and LionelImage Credit - Joram MennesOur Show Sponsor XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu/Sidemount Fundamentals eBook - https://www.sidemountpros.com/storeLionel mentioned the RescuEAN Pod, which would have made a significant difference in their rescue efforts - more here: https://www.rescuean.com/

In this episode of Speaking Sidemount, produced with the support of XDEEP, Steve interviews Maria Bollerup. Maria is one of the world's most passionate divers and explorers. Along with her dive partner Rannva Joermundsson, Maria heads Nixie Expeditions, an explorer group focused on combining dive exploration with conservation, science, and education.Steve and Maria discuss Maria's journey into diving, and her experiences with various expeditions, including the all-female Expedition Xunaan with Robbie Schmittner. They discuss the learnings from Xunaan Ha and how this was the genesis of the ambitious Expedition Buteng in Indonesia.This episode focuses on Expedition Buteng, how it was conceived, the planning and work that brought the expedition together, and the absolute"dream team" Maria and Rannva assembled. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, teamwork, community engagement, and the role of science in diving. Maria shares insights on the challenges of planning and executing large-scale expeditions, the significance of conservation efforts, and the need to inspire future generations of divers.Enjoy, Steve

In this episode brought to you by XDEEP, Ben Reymenants shares his extensive diving journey, from his early experiences in the murky waters of Belgium to becoming a technical diving instructor. He discusses the evolution of diving training and the risks associated with deep diving. The conversation continues with a reflection on the Thai Cave Rescue, where Ben played a significant role, highlighting the challenges and decisions faced during the rescue operation. Ben shares his experiences in cave diving and reflects on the lessons learned, including transitioning to cold water diving and the financial realities of a diving career. The discussion highlights the significance of community in diving and the personal growth that comes from pushing one's limits in the sport. Thanks & Image Credit - Pekka Tuuri

Hey, welcome to another episode of Speaking Sidemount, brought to you by our show sponsor, XDEEP, Insta360, and the show's patrons. In this episode, I meet Naomi Allen of Koh Tao Divers in southern Thailand. Naomi is a leading light in the next generation of premiere technical divers and instructors. She has spent the past few years training, teaching, and diving in Thailand with guidance and mentorship from Mikko Paasi, who should need no introduction. In my discussion with Naomi, we get into her background and journey to where she is today. We cover how Naomi trained in sidemount diving, cave diving, and the KISS Sidewinder, and has progressed on to participating in mine exploration projects with Mikko in Thailand. We talked a lot about the importance of mentors, how to train properly, and the differences between mine and cave diving. We also discuss the value of technical dive training for recreational instructors and how the skill sets transfer from tech diving to open water level courses. And of course, keeping it sidemount, we talk about the right way to train both as a sidemount diver and for those aspiring to be instructors. Enjoy... cheers Steve :) Photo credits: Krista Paasi and Maxime Cheminade Thanks to: XDEEP, INSTA360 and Naomi Allen. www.bottomlineprojects.com www.kohtaodivers.com Naomi's Instagram - naomi_underwater_

In this episode of Speaking Sidemount, sponsored by XDEEP and Insta360, host Steve Davis interviews Hollie Gallacher-Teggatt, a sidemount diving instructor based in Malta. They discuss Hollie's journey into diving, her passion for sidemount, and her studies in maritime archaeology. The conversation explores the significance of wreck diving, particularly in Malta, and the importance of preserving underwater cultural heritage. Hollie shares her experiences diving various wrecks, including the X127, and emphasizes divers' emotional connection with these sites. The episode also touches on the technical aspects of sidemount diving and the importance of teaching and sharing the love for diving with others. In this conversation, Hollie and Steve discuss the intricacies of sidemount diving, emphasizing the importance of trim, buoyancy, and equipment configuration. They share personal experiences and challenges during their diving journeys, highlighting the significance of building a strong foundation in diving skills. The discussion also touches on the evolution of sidemount techniques, the benefits of different cylinder types, and the process of setting up a sidemount harness. Hollie shares her recent transition to rebreather diving and the importance of empowering women in technical diving, showcasing the supportive community within the diving world. Thanks to: Our Sponsors: XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu INSTA360 - Get free accessories with an Insta360 X4 camera here -https://www.insta360.com/sal/x4?utm_term=INRFFJF Our Guest: Hollie Gallacher-Teggart @girlsthatsidemounts

This is the amazing story of Joseph Bicanic's decompression sickness (Bends) incident while cave diving at Boesmansgat or Bushman's Hole in South Africa. Joseph joined Richard "Harry" Harris and Craig Challen's "Dark Side of the Moon" expedition. While working on mapping the cave and also achieving a personal depth record of 210m, Joesph was "bent" and subsequently had to medevac to Johannesburg for hyperbaric treatment. Big thanks to our sponsor XDEEP and the patrons of Speaking Sidemount for making this episode possible.

It's great to bring you Episode #101 with Gus Gonzalez, one-half of the dynamic duo behind the YouTube phenomenon, "Dive Talk". Huge thanks to our podcast sponsor, XDEEP and episode sponsor, Seacraft along with the patrons of Speaking Sidemount for their support. In this episode Gus and I discuss his journey from novice diver to prominent figure in the diving community through the YouTube Channel, "Dive Talk". We learn how Gus and Woody met, the evolution of Dive Talk, and the chemistry that makes their show unique. Gus shares insights into his diving experiences, the challenges of balancing a professional career with diving, and the importance of delivering value and the content his audience wants. We discuss the challenges in delivering thoughtful reactions to incidents and respect for fellow divers. We explore dealing with criticism and haters, highlighting the significance of focusing on constructive feedback. We learn about the development of the Dive Talk Go rebreather with Mike Young, and the mission behind the Dive Talk Academy to ensure quality instruction in diving education. We continue discussing the success of the annual Dive Talk Meetup events, which have proved incredibly popular with over one hundred attendees. The conversation also touches on plans for diving events and opportunities for divers to connect and improve their skills. Cheers Steve

Hey, it's great to bring you... Episode #100!!! Six years, a lot of blood sweat, and tears as the saying goes but a huge amount of learning, growth, and fun... I've loved every moment. I want to acknowledge the support of XDEEP who had the vision to join us early as the show sponsor and have been with us every step of the way. I am incredibly grateful to Piotr, Patrick, Bart, Magda, Barbara, and the wider XDEEP team for their support. Other sponsors have also supported us... Shearwater, Seacraft, SEAL Drysuits, Fourth Element... and you'll hear it here first, Insta360. They are all fantastic brands that I love. Most of them I was diving before Speaking Sidemount and I'm very proud and thankful for their support. And then there is all of you. Thank you so much for your support as patrons. You are the group that helps with production costs so you are part of this team and I appreciate the support :). In this episode, sponsored by XDEEP and Seacraft, I catch up with one of the most interesting people I know... Josh Richards. Josh and I have known each other for five years and have knocked out some terrific dives together in some of the premier caves of Mount Gambier, South Australia... an area known as the "Limestone Coast". Josh and I delve into his fascinating journey from military service to stand-up comedy, to being in line for a one-way trip to Mars, and ultimately to becoming a prominent figure in Australian cave diving exploration. We discuss the intricacies of diving, the importance of teamwork, and the skills necessary for technical diving, particularly sidemount diving. Josh shares his experiences in discovering new cave systems in the Mount Gambier region and the dynamics of his team, the Soggy Wombats. Josh's stories emphasise the collaborative spirit of exploration and the joy of sharing discoveries with the diving community. Enjoy :) Steve

Hey great to bring you Episode #99, thanks for your support and XDEEP for sponsoring the show. This episode features our latest Sidemount Diving Secret - Cylinder Section: "Why You Could be Diving the Wrong Cylinders". Big thanks to Seacraft for sponsoring this segment. Check it out here - https://youtu.be/0Ksl9r7zC6I?si=ZNYWiYTGYBPWX_ZB In this episode, I meet Stefan Panis, a Belgian wreck, mine and cave diver, professional underwater photographer, and author. Stef got into diving at a young age through his parents, who were divers. He progressed from recreational to professional diving and eventually became a wreck diver. He combined his passion for diving with photography and started documenting shipwrecks. Stef's favourite exploration project is the Dover Straits in the UK, which has a high concentration of shipwrecks. He wrote a book called 'The Shipwrecks of Dover Strait' that combines history, pictures, and stories of his dives. Stef also enjoys mine diving and believes that Belgium's proximity to various diving sites contributes to the popularity of technical diving in the country. Stef started as a wreck diver but later discovered the thrill of diving in slate mines, which led him to pursue cave training. Stef and his team now explore and document mines in Belgium, providing valuable information for speleologists and emergency responders. He also organizes the Dive Expo Belgium, a dive event that brings together divers from all backgrounds. Stef discusses the challenges of transitioning from warm to cold water diving and highlights the benefits of DPVs in his diving projects, particularly the Seacraft GO. Thanks and enjoy :) Steve

It's great to bring you Episode #98 with the support of our sponsor XDEEP and the patrons of Speaking Sidemount. Huge thanks to both for their support. In this episode, I introduce a new segment 'Sidemount Diving Secrets' where I'll share some inside tips and tricks that I've picked up over the 11 years now that I've been diving sidemount around the world. Inside the episode, I'll give an overview of the tip, and given we are producing both video and audio episodes, I'll point you back to the Sidemount Pros YouTube channel for the detailed video of each "Sidemount Secret". Let me know what you think and also drop me a note back if you have a tip you'd like to share, or have an aspect of sidemount diving you'd like me to explore. To get us started, this month's Sidemount Diving Secret is regarding the routing of your drysuit inflator hose and is brought to you by Sidemount Pros and is featuring my eBook, "Sidemount Diving Fundamentals" which is available complimentary for Gold patrons and for purchase/download via Patreon or the store on my website at www.sidemountpros.com/store. In this episode, I catch up with Por Parasu Komaradat. Por hails from and is based in Thailand an absolute global mecca for all things diving, from beautiful reefs, to wreck diving. As we'll hear, a heap of caves and mines are being explored and opened up to suitably qualified and experienced divers. Por shares his background in mathematics and software engineering before transitioning to full-time diving. How he learned sidemount diving from Lamar Hires and went on to also train in Mexico. Por has been working as a technical diving instructor for 16 years. I share my own experience transitioning from software engineering to diving. We discuss the similarities between the two fields and the importance of having mentors in diving. Por also talks about the caves and mines in Thailand and the challenges and differences of diving in each. Por also shares his perspectives on the Mine Diving cross-over course and how important it is to understand how mining is conducted and how mines are created in safely conducting mine dives. Por shares his active projects, including exploring caves in Sulawesi and caves and mines in Thailand. He emphasizes the importance of teaching and building dive communities in the region. Enjoy Steve

It's great to bring you Episode #97 with the support of our brilliant sponsor XDEEP and the patrons of Speaking Sidemount, huge thanks to both for their support that makes everything you are about to listen to, possible. If you'd like to support the show become a patron for as little as $5 per month and get early access to every episode plus other benefits… pop over to www.patreon.com/speakingsidemount for all the details. Welcome to our first video podcast episode. I'm excited that we're now adding a different media format for the podcast. We will focus more on video from here on, plus the normal audio format we've been doing for many years. Video episodes will be available both through Spotify and YouTube. It's an exciting new era for Speaking Sidemount, so I hope you enjoy it. Please give me your feedback in the comments. I'm interested in everything... the quality and whether you enjoy seeing video more than just listening to audio. I'd like to know where you're consuming the podcast. Are you usually at home or on the move? Do you use a laptop, or TV, or watch on a mobile device? I'd love to hear your thoughts :). This month's episode is with Jacek Konikowski, an instructor trainer evaluator and IT for CCR CAVE, CCR Trimix levels, and the KISS Sidewinder. Jacek has chosen to specialize his teaching in the two areas of diving that he loves… Cave Diving and the KISS Sidewinder and as he describes, this match gives him the best of both worlds. Jacek shares his background and how he decided to base himself in Isla Plana to be close to an amazing cave, Cueva Del Agua. We get into a massive discussion on the KISS Sidewinder and the contribution that Jacek made to the pre-production testing of the exciting new Sidewinder 2. We go deep into the Sidewinder 2, covering the new features and the training. Would you believe it, heresy as well!! Jacek and I get into the backmount version of the Sidewinder 2. I think it's pretty exciting that we are looking here at what I consider the world's best side mount rebreather, but it's got a backmount mode. And as much as I said, it's heresy, I think it's going to be awesome to be able to have that opportunity to be able to have a backmount mode alongside sidemount. Jacek and I discussed when the Backmount mode might be useful and what is required to set it up and train on this mode. In addition, Jacek and I chat about Cueva del Agua and the special features of this cave. Enjoy Steve

Great to bring you episode 96 with the support of our brilliant sponsor XDEEP and the patrons of Speaking Sidemount, huge thanks to both for their support that makes everything you are about to listen to, possible We had a phenomenal response to part 1 of my interview with Steve Martin and Vas Proud of Sidemounting.com. Thanks to everyone who followed up with me for the discount code. I am sure you all will benefit greatly from the online video training. In this part 2 of the interview, we discuss: The path to getting better as a sidemount diver, the value of using video to improve, how to get back into sidemount diving after a break, how the online video training really focuses on the essentials of good diving regardless of the configuration, how a control line supports fast skill development, and we contrast different styles or configurations of sidemount. I am an absolute advocate of the sidemounting.com online video training. I honestly believe it will help any sidemount diver or instructor to improve their diving and as such, I have negotiated a special offer for all listeners of Speaking Sidemount – you can get a 15% discount on any of the training materials if you contact me directly for an exclusive promotional code. This offer is only available via Speaking Sidemount and again by contacting me personally via DM or email to [email protected]. Full disclosure, along with your discount Speaking Sidemount will also benefit financially from every purchase generated which will contribute to the ongoing production of this podcast. I sincerely appreciate your support. Cheers Steve

Awesome to bring you Episode #95 Steve Martin and Vas Proud - "Educating Sidemount Part 1" with the support of our brilliant sponsor XDEEP and the patrons of Speaking Sidemount. Huge thanks to both for their ongoing support of this podcast. I've spoken many times on this show about how I got started in sidemount. Steve Bogaerts' Ponderosa skills video was the trigger but quickly after that, I found Steve Martin's website. He was the first to promote the benefits of sidemount diving to a global audience. His content, images and video were incredibly compelling and form the basis of much that you will read to this day about sidemount diving. While I didn’t get the opportunity to complete a course with Steve, it was his recommendations and testimonials that led me to Tom Steiner and Gozo Technical Diving in Malta. I subsequently, had the good fortune to meet and dive with Steve while I was working and training with Tom. Just a year or so later Steve released his first online video training series. In my opinion, it was a watershed moment in sidemount. From the beginning I was taken with the level of detail in each of the video modules describing everything from setting up your harness, regulators and cylinders to putting it in the water with details on how to weight check properly, diver trim checks and fixes, propulsion training, base sidemount skills, and emergency drills. Over the subsequent years, Steve partnered with his former student Vas Proud to enhance and grow the online video training to the point today where it includes hundreds of hours of content including Intro to Sidemount, Sidemount Essentials, Sidemount Instructor modules, and a whiteboard series covering a huge array of tech diving content plus soon a cave diving series. I have used the videos to improve my sidemount diving and as a basis for my courses and instruction. It is in my opinion an essential part of any sidemount divers toolkit. Now in this episode which is part 1 of a two-episode discussion with Steve and Vas, we go into their backgrounds, how the video series came about, the thinking behind it and the benefits it provides, how the online video training compares and should be used alongside instructor-led training and we catch up and have a few laughs along the way. As I've described, I'm an absolute advocate of the sidemounting.com online video training. I honestly believe it will help any sidemount diver or instructor to improve their diving and as such, I have negotiated a special offer for all listeners of Speaking Sidemount – you can get a 15% discount on any of the training materials if you contact me directly for an exclusive promotional code. This offer is only available via Speaking Sidemount by contacting me personally via DM or email at [email protected] . Full disclosure, along with your discount, Speaking Sidemount will also benefit financially from every purchase generated which will contribute to the ongoing production of this podcast. I sincerely appreciate your support. Enjoy Cheers Steve

Hey, great to bring you Episode 94 Florian Symoens - "Transitioning to a Full Time Instructor" with the support of our show sponsor XDEEP and the patrons of Speaking Sidemount. Huge thanks to both for their support which helps to make this show possible. Well, there must be something in the water in Belgium. For such a small country, located in northern Europe… there seem to be so many divers from there doing great things. To date I've interviewed David DeBruyne 48, Laurent Miroult 63, Sanne Volja 74, and Ellen Cuylaerts 91… and for some time now I've been following the exploits of Florian Symoens. Florian is an ISE Tech and Cave instructor who for many years juggled his diving passion with his hospitality business. Surprisingly during COVID while his "nightlife business" was in lockdown, Florian's diving activities boomed with more courses and the time to explore the mines in Belgium with Sanne. As the world opened up so did the possibility that Florian could transition from his nightlife business to becoming a full-time Technical Diving instructor. As Florian and I discuss, there are so many of us who juggle our careers and diving so it was outstanding to hear his story and his plans for the future. In this episode, Florian and I discuss his diving background, the Inner Space Explorers or ISE Agency, and ISE's take on sidemount diving. We get into how Florian became a cave instructor and given that much of the diving in Belgium is mines, we contrast cave, wreck and mine diving, covering the similarities and the differences we need to be aware of. Florian takes us through the sale of his business and his progression to a full-time Tech instructor. We talk mine exploration in Belgium and then the tools required including the KISS Sidewinder rebreather on which Florian is now an instructor. Florian has experience on a bunch of rebreathers so we compare and contrast a few, in particular, the Dive Soft Liberty before we share our excitement on the upcoming release of the second generation KISS Sidewinder or Sidewinder 2.0 We close on Florian's plans for this year and beyond. Enjoy :) Steve

Hey, I hope you are having a great start to the year :)!! It's great to bring you Episode #93 Tamara Adame - "The Path to Cave Instructor". Thanks again for your support. Huge thanks also to XDEEP for sponsoring the show. Their support has been instrumental in the success of this podcast and it is sincerely appreciated. One of the pinnacles in the application of sidemount diving is of course cave diving and cave exploration. It's an addictive pastime to research and then ultimately physically search for and then investigate flooded holes in the ground in an attempt to find that euphoric "never seen before… virgin cave passage. Many cave explorers either started their journeys as sidemount and cave instructors or found their way to this profession as a way to pay for their passion. For the vast majority, it's a match made in heaven where they get to earn a living sharing and teaching about how to dive caves and then applying their skills to their exploration. Teaching is also the perfect way to keep their cave diving skills current and built into muscle memory. The path to becoming a cave instructor is long. There's joining courses with other instructors, observing their teaching styles and content, having your skills reviewed and critiqued, then when you are ready… assisting on courses, being evaluated and then eventually qualifying as a Cavern instructor, teaching, building experience and then repeating this process twice more to reach the coveted level of Full Cave instructor. I'm using the TDI agency levels here but they map easily to the levels of other agencies… long story short… it's a journey full of pressure, failures, learning, and ultimately I am sure one of satisfaction when achieving a pinnacle level in the dive profession. In this episode, Tamara Adame joins me to share her journey along this path to cave instructor under the mentorship of Patrick Widmann of ProTec Playa. I had the good fortune to meet and hang with Tamara a bit while I was at ProTec training with Patrick. She's an amazing person, a great diver, and has a real passion for caves and diving. Tamara talks about growing up around the ocean in Mexico and how this shaped her love of everything aquatic. She shares on her time in Belgium building her career before she found herself back in Mexico and ultimately falling in love with caves and cave diving. She shares on how she met Patrick and how he guided her on her path to becoming a cave instructor. Tamara goes into how she came to work at Protec and the standards-driven focus of the team there. We discuss the challenges, failures and ultimately achieving the standards required in cave instructor training and where Tamara is taking her diving including her scientific diving work and the search for "Tamara's Cave". Enjoy :)!! Steve

Great to bring you Episode #92 Pepe Tiburon: "Tren Maya - A Disaster in the Making". Big thanks to all of you and also to our brilliant sponsor XDEEP. Your support makes this podcast possible. Many of you will be aware of the environmental issues and development pressures experienced on the Yucatan peninsula in the area spanning from Cancun to Tulum. This area encompasses the largest cave systems in the world, many of which are also of huge archaeological and environmental significance, playing home to rare species of flora and fauna, Mayan artefacts, and geological features dating back millions of years. On top of that, the caves are aquifers that carry the water supply for all life in the region. Development pressures and the lack of adequate development controls have already damaged the region recently the Mexican Government's plan to build a train loop from Cancun to Tulum directly through the pristine jungle and above the precious caves of the region has caused huge concern and opposition. Known as Tren Maya, the train was originally planned to run along the highway meaning its impact would be manageable however, following opposition from the hotel industry, the Government decided to move the train 7km inland through the jungle and yes directly over some of the best-flooded caves on the planet. All cave divers should be concerned about this but more than that, the loss of jungle habitat, endangered species, and the ongoing and increasing damage to the water supply should worry us all. I have covered this topic in other episodes notably EP #36 Somos Los Cenotes with Phillip Lehmann, Natalie and Vince of Under the Jungle and also with Alessandra Figari #77 and Robbie Schmittner #85 but when Stratis Kas provided an introduction to Jose Urbina Bravo or Pepe Tiburon as he is known I took the opportunity to meet and find out more. In this episode, Pepe takes us through the background and history of Tren Maya and then describes the issues and terrible outcomes likely if this project is allowed to continue. He speaks not only of the damage caused by the Tren Maya project itself but also of the "Cancer" that will result in terms of additional development surrounding the train and environmental damage in these last remaining pristine jungle regions of Mexico. Pepe updates us on his progress including winning a legal injunction to stop the project before this was overridden by the Government. He talks of the ongoing battle to oppose the project and his recent trip to Mexico City to meet with the Government face-to-face. But Pepe also provides balance to the discussions with ways in which development might occur in the region where technology and modern techniques might both reverse current issues and allow for responsible development in the future. Lastly Pepe shares with us ways in which all of us who love this region and care about the environment might assist and support the fight to oppose the Tren Maya project in its current form. So sit back and join me with Pepe Tiburon in this episode of… Speaking Sidemount. Watch a video of Pepe showing the damage.

Hey, great to bring you Episode 91 Ellen Cuylaerts - "The Power of Positive" with the support of our sponsor XDEEP, and the patrons of Speaking Sidemount. Massive thanks to both for their support :)! Of all the disciplines associated with diving, photography and videography have always been special to me. The ability to capture that perfect moment, underwater, in often challenging conditions, dealing with lighting and composition along with the technical requirements related to the camera in an underwater environment. Add to that the dive skills to be stable in the water while seeking "the shot". I love shooting GoPro videos of my dives, clipping images and then editing them into almost a video logbook of where I have been and dived and then sharing them on the Sidemount Pros YouTube channel is satisfying. But like anything there are levels to this, and in photography, to capture images that are worthy of magazine spreads or covers and win awards against their peers is the pinnacle. There are many great photographers and videographers out there and I've had a few on the show such as Laurent Miroult, Stratis Kas, Philip Lehman, Natalie Gibb and Becky Kagan-Schott. Some have also worked on conservation and wildlife photography in their work. My guest in this episode is very much in this vein. Ellen Cuylaerts hails from Belgium and is an award-winning photographer focused on ocean wildlife photography. She has a unique perspective on her work as she seeks to develop deeper connections between humanity and nature through her images. Ellen is also a cave diver and now an explorer. She was part of the all-female Xunaan Ha project under the tutelage of Robbie Schmittner my guest in Episode 85. As we talk of Ellen's diving and her work we can’t help but touch on the many challenges that she has faced from being a mother to two high-functioning autistic children to losing her partner to suicide and a type 2 DCS incident that left her with paralysis. Through all of this, Ellen has shown extraordinary strength and resilience and most strikingly, an amazingly positive attitude and outlook. She now applies this to her work and to her conservation efforts where she is a leading speaker and voice for the environment. Sit back and enjoy my conversation with Ellen, in this episode of… Speaking Sidemount. Cheers Steve