Experience Doesn't Equal Expertise | Christof Müller | Speaking Sidemount Ep 122

Does experience really make you an expert diver?

Most divers believe that more dives automatically lead to greater expertise. In this episode of Speaking Sidemount, technical diver, instructor and founder of The Thinking Diver, Christof Müller, challenges that assumption.

Steve and Christof explore what separates experienced divers from expert divers, discussing

• deliberate practice,

• human performance,

• decision-making under stress,

• standard operating procedures,

• The Dunning-Kruger effect, and

• Why buying more equipment will never replace the development of exceptional diving skills.

Whether you're a recreational diver, technical diver, sidemount diver or cave diver, this conversation is packed with insights that will change the way you think about training, preparation and becoming a better diver.

About Christof Müller

Christof Müller is a highly respected GUE technical diving instructor, sidemount instructor, cave diver and the founder of The Thinking Diver. His philosophy centres on developing thoughtful, capable divers through deliberate practice, critical thinking and mastery of the fundamentals rather than relying on equipment or accumulated dive numbers alone.

Thanks:

❤️ XDEEP proudly supports this episode. A huge thank you to XDEEP for supporting Speaking Sidemount and for their continued commitment to innovation in sidemount and technical diving

❤️ Thanks to the patrons of Speaking Sidemount, whose support makes this content possible. Become a Patron and get early access to every episode: https://www.patreon.com/speakingsidemount

Connect With Steve:

📸 Instagram: @nzsteved

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about sidemount diving, technical diving, cave diving, wreck diving, exploration and becoming a better diver:

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💬 Leave a comment with your thoughts

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📘 Sidemount Fundamentals eBook

🌐 Sidemount Pros: https://www.sidemountpros.com/store

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Sidemount 101 Part 2 | Putting it in the Water

You’ve bought the harness. You’ve set up the cylinders. Now comes the part that actually makes you a sidemount diver. In Part 2 of the Sidemount 101 series, brought to you by XDEEP, Steve Davis takes you from equipment setup into the water, covering the skills that transform sidemount from a configuration into a diving system. We’ll explore entries and exits, cylinder donning and doffing, weighting, trim, buoyancy control, propulsion techniques, regulator management, emergency drills, and the path to becoming a relaxed, stable and efficient sidemount diver.

If you’ve ever wondered why experienced sidemount divers look so comfortable and effortless underwater, this episode explains the principles and practice behind it. From achieving “relaxed static stability” to refining frog kicks, back kicks and buoyancy control, this is the roadmap to comfort, confidence and control in sidemount diving.

In This Episode:

• ✅ Sidemount entries and exits

• ✅ Donning and doffing cylinders

• ✅ Technical diving posture

• ✅ Proper sidemount weighting

• ✅ Trim, balance and stability

• ✅ Buoyancy control techniques

• ✅ Frog kick, helicopter turns and back kick fundamentals

• ✅ Regulator switching and gas management

• ✅ Essential emergency drills

• ✅ How to choose a quality sidemount instructor

• ✅ Continuing your development after training

Resources Mentioned:

📘 Sidemount Fundamentals eBook 🌐 Sidemount Pros: https://www.sidemountpros.com/store

📘 Steve Martin Sidemount Training Materials 🌐 https://www.sidemounting.com

First-time purchasers contact me for 15% Discount Code

🎥 Sidemount Secrets Series 🌐 https://www.youtube.com/@sidemountpros

🎥 Propulsion Techniques Video 🌐 https://youtu.be/tNOVh0j5ABs

📸 Darkside Divers Frog Kick Demonstration 🌐 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMGHUkBx_jD/

📸 Michur’s Website 🌐 https://sidemountsilesia.pl/?lang=en

Thanks To Our Sponsors:

❤️ This episode is proudly supported by XDEEP and the patrons of Speaking Sidemount, whose support makes this content possible.

Support The Podcast:

❤️ Become a Patron and get early access to every episode: https://www.patreon.com/speakingsidemount

Connect With Steve:

📸 Instagram: @nzsteved

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Sidemount 101 | Philosophy & Equipment

Have you ever watched really good sidemount divers underwater and wondered how they make it look so effortless? Meanwhile, your cylinders float, your trim feels unstable, hoses are everywhere, and it feels like you’re constantly fighting your equipment.

In episode 120 of Speaking Sidemount, Steve Davis breaks down the complete philosophy and equipment foundation behind exceptional sidemount diving after:

• 13 years diving sidemount exclusively

• 10 years teaching sidemount professionally

• Nearly 2,000 sidemount dives

• Training with Tom Steiner, Edd Sorenson, and Patrick Widmann

• Interviews with many of the world’s best sidemount divers, cave explorers, and instructors.

This is not another random gear video. This episode explains WHY good sidemount works — and how the right equipment platform, combined with strong diving fundamentals, creates calm, efficient, streamlined diving.

Steve walks through his complete modern sidemount philosophy, including:

• Why sidemount over backmount

• The XDEEP Stealth 2.0 setup philosophy

• Loop bungees explained

• Sliding D-rings explained

• Cylinder selection for different environments - Steel vs aluminium sidemount cylinders

• Proper sidemount cylinder rigging

• Valve positioning and cylinder trim

• Rotating turret and fifth port regulators

• Long hose vs short hose debate

• Streamlining and hose routing

• Building a stable sidemount platform

• Common sidemount mistakes divers make

This episode is Part 1 of a 2-part Sidemount 101 series. This episode will help you build a cleaner, more efficient and more enjoyable sidemount system.

In Sidemount 101 Part 2, Steve will move on to putting it all in the water:

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Stuck in a Wreck | The Moment Everything Went Wrong

I got stuck inside a wreck I knew better than anyone. This is the story of my close call on HMNZS Canterbury — and how complacency nearly cost me my life.

In this solo episode of Speaking Sidemount, brought to you by XDEEP, I break down a real close call during a wreck-penetration dive on the HMNZS Canterbury in New Zealand.

Despite years of experience, deep familiarity with the wreck, and even writing a dive guide for it, I made a series of small decisions that led to an entanglement in a confined space — just metres from my buddy, who had no idea I was in trouble.

This episode is not about a dramatic rescue — it’s about how complacency, narcosis, configuration, and team separation can quietly stack up and put even experienced divers at risk.

If you dive sidemount, wrecks, caves, or any overhead environment, this is a must-listen.

🔑 What you’ll learn:

• How experienced divers get into trouble.

• The real risk of complacency in familiar environments,

• How narcosis subtly influences decision-making

• Why configuration matters in wreck penetration

• The importance of team positioning and discipline

• How to slow down and make better decisions underwater

👍 Like this episode? Please Share — it really helps grow the show and support future content.

💥 Powered by XDEEP → www.xdeep.eu

📘 Purchase "The Canterbury Wreck - A Diver's Guide"

New Zealand → www.sidemountpros.com/store

Rest of World → https://a.co/d/0iduWFAh

📘 Grab Steve's "Sidemount Fundamentals" eBook → www.sidemountpros.com/store

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Naval Officer Analyzes the Scylla Wreck Tragedy | E118

In this episode of Speaking Sidemount, brought to you by XDEEP, Steve Davis reacts to and analyses the 2021 wreck-diving tragedy inside the wreck of HMS Scylla off Plymouth, UK.

This is Steve's reaction to Dom Robinson's interview with Adam Dent, the sole survivor of this tragic dive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMYKjZocins&t=1996s

On the dive in question, two divers lost their lives during a 3 Deck penetration dive inside the wreck of HMS Scylla. Steve examines the dive from the perspective of:

• A wreck diving instructor

• A technical sidemount, CCR Cave and Full Cave, and an advanced wreck diver

• A former Royal New Zealand Naval Officer and Marine Engineer Officer of HMNZS Canterbury, a Leander-class frigate of the same generation as HMS Scylla.

• Author of the book "The Canterbury Wreck – A Diver’s Guide"

Drawing on his years of experience serving aboard Leander-class frigates, HMNZS Canterbury and HMNZS Wellington, his training and wreck diving experience, plus hundreds of dives on the Canterbury wreck, most to 3 Deck and below, Steve discusses how the layout of a warship influences wreck-diving navigation and why advanced wreck protocols are critical when penetrating deep into multi-deck vessels.

Topics discussed include:

• The difference between recreational and "Advanced Wreck" diving

• Why warships become labyrinths underwater

• Advanced wreck diving planning

• The importance of progressive penetration

• Guideline use and its limitations

• Other methods of wreck diving navigation, such as strobes and the “lines of the wreck”

• The human factors that contribute to wreck diving accidents

• What to do if you become lost inside a warship.

This episode is not about criticism. It’s about learning and helping divers better understand the risks of overhead environments.

👍 Like this episode? 👉 Hit Like, Subscribe, and Share — it really helps grow the show and support future content.

🎧 Available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

💥 Powered by XDEEP www.xdeep.eu

🙌 Huge thanks to Dom Robinson - "The Deep Wreck Diver" https://www.youtube.com/@DeepWreckDiver

🙌 And to Adam Dent for sharing his story

📘 Purchase "The Canterbury Wreck - A Diver's Guide" → https://a.co/d/0iduWFAh

📘 Grab Steve's "Sidemount Fundamentals" eBook → www.sidemountpros.com/store

🙌 Support the show → www.patreon.com/speakingsidemount

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Why The KISS Sidewinder 2 Took So Long and Why It Was Worth It!

The Sidewinder 2 is here — and the story behind it is wild.

In this episode brought to you by XDEEP, Patrick Widmann joins me to share the real journey behind the years-long development of the Sidewinder 2 rebreather. From design struggles, manufacturing setbacks and testing fails, to finally achieving CE approval in January 2026.

Please sit back and enjoy this behind-the-scenes look from inside the project, showcasing the incredible drive and ambition of the entire KISS rebreathers team that has brought us to this point.

Huge thanks to Patrick Widmann, KISS Training Director, for sharing some time from his busy schedule.

Host Bio:

Steve Davis is a passionate sidemount instructor, technical diver, and the voice behind Speaking Sidemount. With extensive experience in sidemount and overhead environments, Steve brings deep insight and curiosity to every conversation.

🎥 Sidemount Pros YouTube Channel  ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@sidemountpros⁠

📘 Sidemount Fundamentals eBook: ⁠https://www.sidemountpros.com/store⁠

🤿 Train with Steve: ⁠https://www.sidemountpros.com/courses⁠

💛 Support the show: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/speakingsidemount⁠

📸 Follow Steve on Instagram: @nzsteved

🛠️ Thanks to our sponsor XDEEP - ⁠https://www.xdeep.eu⁠ and to our guest, Patrick Widmann.

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Episode 116 From BellBoy to Cave Mentor - Tavo's Darkside Story

In Episode #116, brought to you by XDEEP, Steve Davis is joined by Gustavo “Tavo” Padilla-Pohjanen of Darkside Divers, Mexico. From a rocky start in snowboarding to discovering peace and purpose underwater, Tavo shares his remarkable journey into diving, sidemount, and ultimately the caves of Mexico. Tavo opens up about the importance of foundational training, the need for a strong mindset and preparation before entering overhead environments, and how his passion evolved into Darkside Divers, a thriving training operation built with purpose alongside his wife, Laura.

This is a must-listen for any diver curious about the path to becoming a top-tier cave instructor—and why “just meeting agency standards” isn’t enough.

Guest Bio Gustavo “Tavo” Padilla-Pohjanen is a cave and technical diving instructor, co-founder of Darkside Divers in Tulum, Mexico. With roots in recreational diving and a deep commitment to progressive, foundational training, Tavo has worked with legendary instructors like Patrick Widmann, Fred Devos, and John Kieren.

Host Bio Steve Davis is a passionate sidemount diver, technical diver, and the voice behind Speaking Sidemount. With extensive experience in sidemount and overhead environments, Steve brings deep insight and curiosity to every conversation.

🎥 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/c/speakingsidemount

📸 Follow Steve on Instagram: @nzsteved

🛠️ Thanks to our sponsor XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu

and to Tavo PC Darkside Divers

Facebook: @darksidediversmx Instagram: @darksidedivers Email: info@darksidediversmx.com

Into Earth – Mick Friis’s video with Tavo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxp5on6jnHY

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Growing Up in the Mecca of Technical Diving | CCR, Sidewinder & Dahab with Omar Derbala

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.

📘 Sidemount books: https://www.sidemountpros.com/store

🤿 Train with Steve: https://www.sidemountpros.com/locations

💛 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 @omar_derbalaa

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Episode 114 "Lies, Lessons, and Legacy" - Chris Richardson on 30 Years in the Dive Industry

In this brutally honest episode brought to you by XDEEP, I sit 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: https://www.youtube.com/@sidemountpros

🎧 Listen to the Podcast - Spotify | Apple | Google — search Speaking Sidemount Podcast

📘 Sidemount Fundamentals eBook

🤿 Train with Steve

💛 Support the show: www.Patreon.com/SpeakingSidemount

📸 Follow Steve on Instagram: @nzsteved

🛠️ Thanks to our sponsor XDEEP - www.xdeep.eu and to Chris - Deep Six Gear — https://www.deep6gear.com

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Episode 113 - British Army to Sidemount Master: Mark Rowe's Incredible Diving Journey

In this episode of Speaking Sidemount, brought to you by our sponsor 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, which utilises 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 education

Whether 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.

🎧 Listen to or watch the Speaking Sidemount Podcast on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

📘 Grab Steve’s Sidemount Fundamentals eBook → www.sidemountpros.com/store

🌐 Follow Mark Rowe at Rubicon Diving Lanzarote - https://www.rubicondiving.com

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Episode 112 Álvaro Granell - Cave Diving Mallorca

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.

Thanks to: Álvaro Granell - https://www.youtube.com/@Agranell⁩ 

Image Credit - Miquel Perelló

Our Sponsor - XDEEP

Our Patrons. Support the show for as little as USD$5/month and get EARLY Access to every episode here - https://www.patreon.com/speakingsidemount

Get your copy of Steve’s Sidemount Fundamentals eBook - Click Here

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Episode 111 Ana Gonçalves - Dental Considerations for Divers

In this episode of Speaking Sidemount brought to you by XDEEP, 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 dental work while diving. 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 highlights the significance of proper equipment, training, and safety in the diving community.

Thanks to: Our Sponsor XDEEP - 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

Get your copy of Steve’s Sidemount Fundamentals eBook - Click here

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Episode 110: Back to Our Roots - The Fundamentals of Sidemount Diving

In this episode of Speaking Sidemount, brought to you by XDEEP, I interview 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.

We 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. Our 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/

Get a copy of the Sidemount Pros Fundamentals eBook - Here

Send Steve a DM for a 15% discount code to the video courses at Steve Martin’s www.sidemounting.com

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Episode 109 The Art of Diving with Xavi P Tapia

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.

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Massive thanks to:

Our sponsor XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu/

Xavi P Tapia - @the_art_of_diving

Episode 108 Nick DeRutter - Dive Saga

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.xdeep.eu/

Sidemount Fundamentals eBook - https://www.sidemountpros.com/store/sidemount-fundamentals-ebook

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Episode 107 Stratis Kas & Lionel Wolovitz - A Dive Gone Wrong: Lessons from a Serious DCI Incident

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 Steve

Thanks to Stratis and Lionel

Image Credit - Joram Mennes

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

Sidemount Fundamentals eBook - https://www.sidemountpros.com/store

Lionel mentioned the RescuEAN Pod, which would have made a significant difference in their rescue efforts - more here: https://www.rescuean.com/

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Episode #106 Maria Bollerup - Stunning Expedition Buteng

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 diver/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 to pull 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

Huge thanks to our Sponsor XDEEP

Our Guest Maria Bollerup - Nixie Expeditions

Sidemount Pros - Sidemount Fundamentals eBook

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Episode #105 Ben Reymenants - A Life in Diving

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.

Huge thanks to our sponsor XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu

Thanks to Ben Reymenants - https://www.bluelabeldiving.com/

Ben is supported by: XDEEP, Fourth Element, Seacraft, and Divesoft.

Thanks & Image Credit - Pekka Tuuri

Become a Patron of Speaking Sidemount here - https://www.patreon.com/c/speakingsidemount

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Episode #104 Naomi Allen - "Sidemount and Mine Diving Thailand"

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.

Get free accessories with an Insta360 X4 camera here.

www.bottomlineprojects.com

www.kohtaodivers.com

Naomi's Instagram - @naomi_underwater_

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Episode #103 Hollie Gallacher-Teggart - “Maritime Archaeology, Wreck Diving, & Love of Sidemount”

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.

Huge thanks to XDEEP, Insta360, and our patrons for supporting the show.

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Our Guest:

Hollie Gallacher-Teggart @girlsthatsidemounts