There are as many types of scuba instructors as there are types of diving. Some specialize in recreational diving and others in the more technical side. But it all begins with a love of the sport and wanting to convey that in the safest way possible. Eric Taylor is a great example of that. He says: “I specialize in Sidemount training, but I still love bringing in new family members through the Open Water Scuba Diver class. Although I don’t know the names of any of the fish, I am a technical cave diver with a fascination for wet rocks.”
Shown here in his full dry suit, we believe him! Speaking of his early training, he said “I originally planned on becoming an instructor for the wrong reasons, but I took 10 steps back during COVID before getting back into the sport slowly with a different shop. Over a 2-year Divemaster internship, I became a competent technical and cave diver. Slowly I realized my desire to become an OWSI (Open Water Scuba Instructor), which I completed in 2022 with SDI.”
Taylor currently specializes in sidemount education and preparatory courses that are used for further technical training. He notes that even purely recreational divers will become more stable and relaxed in the water after this training, and he hopes, find recreational diving more enjoyable.
What is sidemount? Who uses sidemount diving?
Sidemount scuba diving is a configuration where divers carry their tanks on their sides instead of on their backs. This setup was originally developed for cave diving, as it allows for a streamlined profile and easier maneuverability in tight spaces. Over time, it has gained popularity among recreational and technical divers for its numerous benefits.
Recreational Divers: Many divers find sidemount diving more comfortable, especially those who have difficulty carrying heavy tanks on their backs.
Technical Divers: Sidemount is popular for technical diving, including cave and wreck exploration, where flexibility and streamlined gear are essential.
If you’re interested in sidemount diving, specialized training is recommended to learn the techniques and equipment setup. It’s a fantastic way to enhance your diving experience and explore new underwater environments!
Safety is the number one concern
Stability is a cornerstone of safety in scuba diving because it directly impacts your control, comfort, and overall ability to respond effectively in various underwater scenarios. It is key to achieving proper buoyancy control, avoiding collisions with other divers and the reef, and optimizing your air consumption.
Taylor notes that while he can teach either SDI or PADI material, “I specialize in methodical, safety conscious, stable-diver education that crosses all agencies. Divers that are looking to become more stable and more knowledgeable in any configuration, but mainly sidemount, should contact me for more training or recommendations.” He can be reached at 804-380-8717 or email eric.scuba.taylor@gmail.com.
Based out of Miami, Taylor has a great sense of humor (go ahead, ask him what his connection is to the LGBTQIA+ community… we’re not sure we could print his smart aleck response) and stresses safety every time he talks about training new divers. He hasn’t had time to come on an Out Scuba event yet, he said, but “We must change that!” he says. If you’re looking to get certified or to take a refresher class and want to work on your stability in the water, give Eric Taylor a shout.
Image courtesy of Eric Taylor, all rights reserved worldwide.
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