Ever wondered what it feels like to dive without a tank on your back?
No Sidemount Cert Needed
Private 1-on-1 Available
From $245
Intro to Sidemount
Ever wondered what it feels like to dive without a tank on your back?
Sidemount is a different way to wear your gear — tanks clipped neatly to your sides, leaving you horizontal, streamlined, and in control. This activity gives you the chance to find out for yourself: we'll set you up with a harness, then head to a local shore site for a guided dive focused purely on how the kit feels.
Dive Without a Tank on Your Back
Sidemount is a different way to wear your gear — tanks clipped neatly to your sides, leaving you horizontal, streamlined, and in control. It's a configuration serious divers choose worldwide, not just for technical diving, but because it simply feels better underwater.
We'll set you up with a sidemount harness at Dive Centre Bondi, then travel together to one of our favourite local shore sites. Your instructor will guide you through a quick buoyancy and trim check before exploring — the focus is on how the kit feels, not on skills or drills.
Come curious, leave converted (or at least informed).
1
Meet
Dive Centre Bondi, 198 Bondi Road, Bondi Beach
Equipment briefing and harness setup, then travel together to the dive site.
2
Dive
Guided shore dive
1-on-1 guidance from your sidemount instructor — buoyancy & trim check, then explore.
3
Debrief
After the dive
Discuss your experience and next steps if you want to go further.
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Choose your date
Equipment
Included: single tank & regulator, weights, transport to and from the site, and a sidemount harness (subject to availability — contact us to confirm). If you have your own sidemount wing and harness, bring it along.
Please bring your own mask, fins, and wetsuit or drysuit suitable for Sydney water temperatures, plus a DSMB and spool if you own one. Personal gear can also be rented if needed.
Find quick answers to the most common questions about our courses, scheduling, prerequisites, and gear.
How do I book this experience?
Choose a date above, complete the booking form, and you'll receive an instant confirmation by email.
Do I need Sidemount certification?
No — you just need to be a certified Open Water Diver (or equivalent). No prior sidemount experience needed.
Is equipment included?
Yes — single tank & regulator, weights, and a sidemount harness (subject to availability) are included, plus transport to and from the site. Bring your own mask, fins, wetsuit, and exposure protection, or rent from us if needed.
What's the group size?
Small groups of 2–3 divers, with a private 1-on-1 session also available.
What if I need to reschedule?
Rescheduling is free as long as it's more than 7 days before your course starts. Inside 7 days there's a $100 transfer fee — by that point we've already committed your instructor, your equipment and the logistics for those dates.
Can I continue on to full certification afterwards?
Yes — if you love the feel of sidemount, we can talk you through the full Sidemount Diver pathway, from certification through to PADI TecRec.
I want to do this course privately, or with just my friends — can that be done?
Yes! We run private courses for individuals and groups when the scheduled classes don't line up with your availability. Get in touch and we'll arrange one for you.
Where will we dive?
This depends on the conditions on the day. We always pick the best and safest site for the swell, wind and visibility at the time, and we'll confirm where we're heading on the morning.
Can a friend or partner join for the day if they're not diving?
They're very welcome to meet us at the dive site, but unfortunately we don't have a spare seat in the vehicle for them.
Where should we park?
Ocean Street North is your best bet — free parking all day, a short walk from the dive centre. From there you can either come with us to the dive site or take your own car.
Can I use my own vehicle?
Definitely. Meet us at the dive centre to get fitted for your equipment — we'll transport it to the site and back for you. If you drive yourself you can head off straight from the dive site instead of coming back to the centre for the clean-up. The one exception is the last day of your course, when you'll need to come back to finish your paperwork.
Should I come earlier to try on the equipment?
No need. The start time is the time we want you at the dive centre — fitting your equipment is already built into it.
I don't have a dive buddy — is that okay?
Absolutely. We'll pair you with another diver in the group or with the instructor running the session. Coming on your own is completely normal here.
I don't have any equipment — can I still join?
Yes. We have a big range of scuba equipment available for you to use.