Episode #22 - Cave Exploration in British Columbia with Peter Norris

Image Credit - Eli Wolpin, https://www.facebook.com/eliwolpin.photographer

Many thanks to Rebecca Barrett who introduced me to Peter Norris... a cave explorer from British Columbia, Canada. She mentioned Peter was involved in some pretty cool projects and had discovered a unique cave system on Vancouver Island called "Wet Dreams" so with that... I just had to learn more.

Peter's a caver who became a sump and cave diver to extend his capabilities in exploring cave systems. Sidemount was an absolute necessity in this... Not only to enable him to pass restrictions but also to allow him to carry dive equipment through dry cave passages to reach the next sump.

In this episode, we discuss Peter's background in caving, his progression to cave diving and sidemount diving and we delve into his exploration projects, we each recount stories of getting trapped and how we dealt with that, we talk decompression, and to top it off we share our thoughts on AI for technical and sidemount diving.

and much more....

Look out for:

• Sidemount Fundamentals eBook - https://goo.gl/Davqc1

• Truk 2020 Sidemount Group - https://goo.gl/V8Hhrq 

If you like the podcast, please share with your friends and consider leaving us a 5-star review.

Episode #21 - Sidemount Customisation with Andy Goring SUMP UK

Let's face it, we all love to tinker with our sidemount equipment so in this episode, Andy Goring of SUMP UK and I discuss modifying your sidemount equipment.

We cover:

• Andy's background in diving

• How he conceives, develops and produces his custom parts

• How small customisations can make a big difference in your comfort

and much more....

Featured in this episode:

SUMP UK - https://bit.ly/2sYE6lv

• Sidemount Fundamentals eBook - https://goo.gl/Davqc1

• Truk 2020 Sidemount Group - https://goo.gl/V8Hhrq 

If you like the podcast, please share with your friends and consider leaving us a 5-star review.

Episode #20 - Multi-cylinder Sidemount

In this our 20th episode, sponsored by XDEEP, I discuss what it takes to complete decompression courses and dives in sidemount. 

I cover:

• Why additional training is necessary for multi-cylinder sidemount

• Choosing your cylinders

• Why traditional stage rigging is not recommended

• How to rig and don sidemount deco or stage cylinder

• Deco/stage regulator set up and stowing

• Weighting, trim and stability with 3+ cylinders

• How to complete a deco ascent "in the blue"

• How to complete a NOTOX gas switch

and much more....

Episode Sponsor: XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu/

Featured in this episode:

• Sidemount Fundamentals eBook - https://goo.gl/Davqc1

• Truk 2020 Sidemount Group - https://goo.gl/V8Hhrq 

If you like the podcast, please share with your friends and consider leaving us a 5-star review.

Episode #19 - Sidemount Diving Niue Island

In this week's episode sponsored by XDEEP, I share my experiences sidemount diving at Niue Island in the South Pacific including a really cool interview with Shannon Hunter, owner of Buccaneer Adventures Niue Dive.

I cover:

• Background on Niue Island and what makes it so special

• Considerations traveling as a sidemount diver

• Questions to ask dive operators in remote locations

• How get the operator "onside" and actually enjoy having you dive sidemount

• The skills you need to have to ensure a smooth sidemount diving experience

• Your chance to join me to dive/train sidemount in Niue Sep 2019. 

and much more....

Episode Sponsor: XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu/

Featured in this episode:

• Buccaneer Adventures - http://www.niuedive.com/ 

• Sidemount Fundamentals eBook - https://goo.gl/Davqc1

• Truk 2020 Sidemount Group - https://goo.gl/V8Hhrq 

Speaking Sidemount Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/speakingsidemount/

If you like the podcast, please share with your friends

Episode #18 - Sidemount & Cave Exploration with Natalie Gibb

In this week's episode sponsored by Shearwater Research, I speak with Natalie Gibb, consummate sidemount diver, cave instructor, explorer and co-owner of dive shop "Under the Jungle", Mexico.

We cover:

• How Nat got into sidemount, cave diving, and cave instructing 

• Her cave exploration projects in Mexico

• Building diving skills as you conduct exploration projects

• Nat's philosophy re sidemount and cave diving training

• The importance of natural navigation in cave diving

• Why cave divers should try dry caving

• Use of AI transmitters for sidemount and technical diving

and much more....

Episode Sponsor: Shearwater Research - https://www.shearwater.com 

Featured in this episode:

• Under the Jungle - https://www.underthejungle.com

If you like the podcast, please share with your friends and consider leaving us a 5-star review.

Episode #17 - Sidemount Diving Truk Lagoon

In this week's episode sponsored by XDEEP, I share my experiences sidemount diving at Truk Lagoon with Pete Mesley's Lust4Rust.

I cover:

• History of Truk Lagoon and Operation Hailstone

• My planning to complete sidemount trimix dives in tropical conditions

• Using Michur's XDEEP Stealth 2.0 Dual Bladder configuration for managing trim

• Travelling to Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia

• Our base and the dive facilities at Blue Lagoon Resort

• The wrecks, dive planning, decompression planning and executing our dives

• My personal favorites of the Truk wrecks

• Planning for a sidemount group to join the June 2020 trip 

and much more....

Featured in this episode:

Sponsor: XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu/

Pete Mesley's Lust4Rust - https://www.petemesley.com/lust4rust/ 

If you like the podcast, please share with your friends and consider leaving us a 5-star review.

Episode #16 - Dominican Republic Cave Exploration with Phillip Lehman

In this week's episode sponsored by XDEEP, I speak with Phillip Lehman, acclaimed graffiti artist, musician and music producer... but more to the point... amazing cave explorer and sidemount diver :)!

We cover:

• How Phillip got into sidemount and cave diving 

• His cave exploration partnership with Patrick Widmann

• The DRSS and safety issues re untrained divers being guided in the cave zone

• DRSS exploration projects

• The importance of practice in building sidemount skills

• Phillip's equipment including; XDEEP Stealth 2.0, video cameras, housings, lights and editing software

• Advice for aspiring underwater videographers

and much more....

Featured in this episode:

Sponsor: XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu/

DRSS - https://www.dr-ss.com/ 

If you like the podcast, please share with your friends, comment and consider leaving us a 5-star review.

Episode #15 - New Zealand Cave Exploration with Tom Crisp

In this week's episode, I speak with good friend and Kiwi cave explorer Tom Crisp. Tom has built a brilliant resume based on him just getting out there and finding projects that excite him and this has lead to the discovery of new caves in New Zealand as well as collaborations with the Wet Mules cave diving team.

We cover:

• How Tom got into sidemount diving

• His use of sidemount for cave exploration

• Cave diving projects in New Zealand and Canada

• The benefits of using Sidemount CCR for cave exploration

and much more....

If you like the podcast please share, comment and leave us a five star review :)!

Episode #14 - The Thai Cave Rescue with Erik Brown

Less than four months ago the world held its collective breath as a team of amazing divers from around the world supported by thousands accomplished the impossible, and rescued 12 boys and their coach from a flooded cave in northern Thailand.

In this episode, Erik Brown shares his experiences of his involvement in the rescue, the scene that greeted them, the organisation, long days, how the rescue plans were developed, and meeting other members of the rescue team... 

This is an brilliant story, please share the podcast with your friends.

More info at: https://www.facebook.com/speakingsidemount/

Episode #13 - Madagascar Cave Exploration with Patrick Widmann

In this week's episode sponsored by XDEEP, I speak with Patrick Widmann on the DRSS Madagascar Cave Exploration project.

We cover:

• How Patrick joined the DRSS

• His cave exploration partnership with Phillip Lehman

• How the Madagascar project came about

• The logistics of exploring in remote locations

• The hard work that goes unseen

• Finding a body in the cave

• Interesting uses for the XDEEP Stealth 2.0 Classic BCD

• Sidemount CCR

and much more....

Featured in this episode:

Sponsor: XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu/

Protec Dive Centres - http://www.protecdiving.com/

DRSS - https://www.dr-ss.com/ 

If you like the podcast, please share with your friends and consider leaving us a 5-star review.

Episode #12 - XDEEP Stealth 2.0 Deep Dive with Patrick Widmann

In this week's episode kindly sponsored by XDEEP, I am joined by cave explorer and designer of the XDEEP Stealth 2.0, Patrick Widmann. Together we discuss sidemount diving and do a deep dive into this very popular sidemount system.

We cover:

• Patrick's background, his beginnings in sidemount and cave exploration

• The explosion in sidemount diving

• How his relationship with XDEEP began

• The thinking behind the Stealth 2.0 design

• Key features of the Stealth 2.0 and why they are important

• How customer feedback has contributed to continued innovation in the Stealth 2.0 system

• Diving the Stealth 2.0 with different cylinder types and sizes

and much more....

Featured in this episode:

Sponsor - XDEEP https://www.xdeep.eu/

Protec Dive Centres - http://www.protecdiving.com/ 

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/speakingsidemount

If you like the podcast, please share with your friends and consider leaving us a 5-star review.

Episode #11 Sidemount Fundamentals - Equipment

In this week's episode, I start with a very special announcement... XDEEP will be joining us as the first sponsor of Speaking Sidemount. I have been diving the XDEEP Stealth 2.0 for the past five years and absolutely love this system. I am very appreciative of the support which will help me to continue developing Speaking Sidemount.

In this episode on: Sidemount Fundamentals - Equipment, I cover:

• Considerations in selecting a sidemount harness

• Setting up and fitting your harness

• Steel or aluminium cylinders?

• Selecting cylinders and valves

• Cylinder hardware

• Sidemount regulators and hose routing

and much more....

Featured in this episode:

Sponsor - XDEEP https://www.xdeep.eu/

Garry Dallas Loop Bungee Slipknot - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4J6uIOx0Cc&t=34s  

D-Luxe Bands - https://dluxedivegear.de/ 

If you like the podcast, please share with your friends.

Episode #10 - Audrey Cudel Interview

This week I interview my good friend Audrey Cudel. Splitting her time between her base in Gozo and Yucatan Mexico, Audrey is an amazing Sidemount and Cave Instructor and an absolute "ninja" in the water. In this episode we discuss:

• Audrey's beginnings in sidemount

• Her experiences with a variety of sidemount harnesses

• Adapting sidemount to different environments

• Audrey's approach to sidemount and cave training

• Choosing a sidemount instructor

• The limitations of sidemount

• Using dry gloves with sidemount

• Audrey's underwater photography

and much more....

If you like the podcast, please share with your friends and consider leaving us a 5-star review.

Episode #9 - Sidemount & Exploration: Jill Heinerth Interview

This week I interview one of the world's great divers and foremost explorers, Jill Heinerth. Jill and I talk about:

• Her beginnings in sidemount and exploration

• Considerations in fitting a sidemount harness for women

• Sidemount Rebreathers

• Bell Island, Newfoundland, Canada

• Jill's advice for aspiring explorers

• Preparing for dives and dealing with issues underwater

• Water conservation

and much more....

If you like the podcast, please share with your friends and consider leaving us a 5-star review.

Featured in this podcast:

Jill Heinerth - https://www.intotheplanet.com

Ocean Quest Adventures - https://www.oceanquestadventures.com

Episode #8 - Brian Kakuk Interview: The Caves of the Bahamas

Photo credit and thanks to Uli Kunz - Instagram @uli_kunz

Excellent interview with Brian Kakuk; cave explorer, cave/sidemount instructor and conservationist. Brian is a sidemount diving pioneer and the principal of Bahamas Underground. In this episode we talk about:

• The early days of sidemount diving

• How to choose a sidemount harness

• Cave diving and exploration in Abaco, Bahamas

• The KISS Sidekick Sidemount Rebreather

• Science and conservation of the Bahamas Caves

• Balancing conservation with tourism

• Sidemount training

and much more....

I you like the podcast please share with your friends and consider leaving a 5 star review on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/speakingsidemount/

Also welcome your comments below.

Thanks Steve :)

Featured in this episode:

Bahamas Underground: http://www.bahamasunderground.com/

Episode #7 - Garry Dallas Part 2: Bell Island & SF2 Sidemount Rebreather

Part 2 of my interview with Garry Dallas of Simply Sidemount.

In this episode Garry and I discuss:

• Cave exploration

• Bell Island, Newfoundland, Canada

• The Scuba Force SF2 Sidemount eCCR

• The importance of good training

and much more...

If you like the podcast please subscribe and consider leaving us a 5-star review.

Like our Facebook page to stay in touch and receive updates on coming episodes - https://www.facebook.com/speakingsidemount/

Featured in this episode:

Ocean Quest Adventures - https://www.oceanquestadventures.com

Scuba Force SF2 - https://www.scubaforce.eu 

Episode #6 - The Importance of the "Hover" - Garry Dallas Interview Part 1

Garry Dallas Interview Part 1

Part 1 of my interview with Garry Dallas. Garry's a great guy and a phenomenal sidemount diver and instructor.

In this episode Garry and I discuss:

• the benefits of sidemount,

• what it takes to be a great sidemount diver,

• sidemount boat diving,

• building awareness, and

• the importance of developing the "hover".

and much more...

Like our Facebook page to stay in touch and receive updates on coming episodes - https://www.facebook.com/speakingsidemount/

Episode #5 - Developing Comfort in Sidemount - Steve Bogaerts Interview Part 2

In part 2 of my interview with renown cave explorer and modern day sidemount pioneer, Steve Bogaerts, we discuss:

• Cave exploration

• The importance of building comfort levels and experience

• The Divesoft Liberty Sidemount Rebreather

and much more...

If you like the podcast please subscribe and consider leaving us a 5-star review.

Like our Facebook page to stay in touch and receive updates on coming episodes - https://www.facebook.com/speakingsidemount/

Episode #4 - The Beginnings of Modern Day Sidemount - Steve Bogaerts Interview Part 1

This is a special episode, for a special moment, as we officially launch the "Speaking Sidemount" podcast!!!

Last month, I reached out to Steve Bogaerts... renown cave explorer and one of the modern day greats of sidemount. I asked Steve if he would do an interview for my new podcast on sidemount diving. Without hesitation, he agreed and wow... the information he shared blew me away.

Steve is without doubt one of the most knowledgeable and experienced sidemount divers on the planet but, as we'll learn in this episode, sidemount is just his preferred tool to support his cave exploration efforts. In this interview, Steve shares on the beginnings of modern day sidemount, its applicability to different environments, the development of the Razor system, just what is "Bogaerthian" sidemount, configuring your sidemount system for different environments, and how he sees sidemount training.

Don't forget to subscribe to get the latest episodes and if you like the podcast, please leave us a review...

Episode #3 - Michur Interview Part 2

Part 2 of our interview with Tomasz (Michur) Michura. In this episode we discuss steel vs. aluminium cylinders, his dual bladder configuration, boat diving and our wishes for the sidmount community.