SIDEMOUNT & TEC DIVING FAQS

A LIST OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sidemount diving questions

Questions on Sidemount and Technical Diving. Please feel free to contact me and discuss any of these points, or anything else, in more depth.

How much does Sidemount training cost in Gran Canaria?

The cost of a PADI Sidemount Diver course with Scott Finch Diving depends on your specific training goals, schedule and equipment preferences. Rather than a one-size-fits-all package, I offer custom pricing for divers seeking specialised scuba diving in Gran Canaria.

By partnering with top-rated Gran Canaria dive centres and using iconic dive sites such as the El Cabrón Marine Reserve and the Mogán wrecks, I provide bespoke 1-on-1 and small-group Sidemount training. This ensures maximum flexibility, a personalised Sidemount rig configuration and dedicated coaching.

CONTACT SCOTT FINCH DIVING today for a customised quote on your PADI Sidemount Specialty course in Gran Canaria.

How long does a PADI Sidemount course take in Gran Canaria?

It depends on the level of certification you are taking:

Sidemount Discover Scuba Try Dive: 1 day, 1 dive (plus an equipment setup workshop). A great option if you want to experience diving with twin cylinders before committing to a full specialty.
PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty Course: typically 2 days, 3 dives.
PADI Tec Sidemount Diver Course: usually 3 to 4 days, 4 to 5 dives, focusing on multi-stage cylinder rigging, technical gas management and advanced stage handling.

Because I specialise in 1-on-1 and small-group Sidemount courses, scheduling is easily fitted around your holiday or travel plans in Gran Canaria. CONTACT SCOTT FINCH DIVING to discuss your needs.

What are the prerequisites for a PADI Sidemount course? Is it right for me?

The PADI Sidemount Diver course is open to certified divers who want to learn a different way of carrying and managing their cylinders. You must be at least 15 years old and hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification or an equivalent from another recognised training organisation.

You don’t need previous Sidemount experience. The course teaches you how to configure and use a Sidemount system, manage two independent cylinders, improve your buoyancy and trim, and safely handle your equipment underwater.

Sidemount isn’t just for Technical divers or experienced cave divers. It can be an excellent option for recreational divers who want to develop their skills, improve their trim and buoyancy, or simply try a different approach. If you’re a relatively new diver, that’s not necessarily a problem — what matters is that you are comfortable in the water and ready to learn a new configuration.

I offer 1-to-1 and small-group Sidemount training in Gran Canaria, so the pace can be adapted to your experience and confidence. If you’re already an Advanced, Sidemount or Technical diver, we can use the training to develop more advanced skills and configurations.

Unsure if it’s right for your level? Contact Scott Finch Diving before booking and we can discuss your diving background and what you want to achieve.

Tec diving questions

How much is a PADI Tec diving course in Gran Canaria?

The cost depends on the level of technical training, the number of training days and dives, and the equipment and gases required. PADI Tec Basics, Tec Sidemount and Tec 40 are different courses with different training requirements, so there isn’t one fixed price for Technical Diving.

As an independent PADI Tec Instructor in Gran Canaria, I provide personalised 1-to-1 and small-group training, and partner with different dive centres to meet your needs. This lets the training be tailored to your experience, equipment configuration and certification goals, and keeps the price flexible.

Your course price can include instructor tuition, training dives and use of specialist Technical Diving equipment where required. Additional costs may apply for boat diving, equipment rental or course materials, depending on the course.

For an accurate price, CONTACT SCOTT FINCH DIVING and tell me which course you are interested in and your current qualifications. I’ll explain exactly what is included and give a clear price before you book.

How long does a PADI Tec diving course take in Gran Canaria?

It depends on the course and your previous experience. As a guide:

PADI Tec Basics: usually 2 days, introducing the fundamental skills, equipment configuration and procedures required for Technical Diving.
PADI Tec Sidemount: usually 3 days, including one confined-water session and four open-water training dives.
PADI Tec 40: usually 3–4 days, including four training dives, plus time for technical theory, equipment configuration, dive planning and practical skills. PADI describes Tec 40 as the first core open-circuit technical diving course and the transition from recreational to Technical Diving.

I offer 1-to-1 and small-group Tec diving courses in Gran Canaria, so the schedule can be adapted to your experience, progression and holiday plans. If additional training time is needed to meet the course standards safely, this will always be discussed with you.

What are the prerequisites for PADI Tec courses in Gran Canaria?

PADI Tec Basics:

Minimum age: 15
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent
PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver or equivalent
PADI Rescue Diver is recommended

PADI Tec Sidemount:

Minimum age: 18
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent
Minimum 30 logged dives
Enriched Air (Nitrox) certification is recommended

PADI Tec 40:

Minimum age: 18
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent
PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver or equivalent
PADI Deep Diver or proof of at least 10 dives to 30 metres or deeper
Minimum 30 logged dives, including 10 dives using Enriched Air Nitrox deeper than 18 metres
A current Diver Medical Statement

Equivalent certifications from other recognised training organisations may also qualify. The requirements can be complicated, so contact me before booking — I’ll look at your qualifications and experience and advise on the most suitable route into Technical Diving.

Is Tec diving for me?

Tec Diving isn’t for everyone — and it shouldn’t be. It may not be for you.

Technical Diving is not simply a way to dive deeper or take more equipment underwater. It requires a serious commitment to training, preparation, equipment, dive planning, gas management and disciplined procedures. Small mistakes can have much greater consequences, so Technical Divers need to follow procedures carefully and take responsibility for their preparation.

If you’re looking for something to try casually, or simply want to go deeper without the additional training and responsibility, Tec Diving probably isn’t for you.

However, if you enjoy learning, planning dives, developing your skills and understanding the equipment and procedures behind Technical Diving, it can be an incredibly rewarding part of diving.

You don’t need to know the answer before you contact me. Tell me about your experience, qualifications and what you’re hoping to achieve, and I’ll give you an honest opinion on whether you’re ready and which route makes sense. If you’ve never used technical equipment before, an introductory Tec experience or a Sidemount Try Dive is a good way to find out whether this style of diving suits you.

There is no pressure to become a Technical Diver. The aim is to find out whether it’s genuinely right for you. Contact me and we can discuss it in detail.