What does it really take to become an exceptional technical diver? In episode 123 of Speaking Sidemount brought to you by XDEEP, I sit down with my long-time mentor and friend Tom Steiner, founder of Gozo Technical Diving, to explore the philosophy that has shaped thousands of technical divers over nearly four decades.

I first trained with Tom in Gozo, Malta, in 2015–16, completing my Technical Sidemount Instructor, Normoxic Trimix, Full Cave, Advanced Gas Blender and Open Water Instructor qualifications before working for him as an instructor. Many of the standards I teach today were forged during that time.

With more than 17,000 dives and thousands of students trained, Tom shares why experience always outweighs certifications, how attitude determines success, why technical diving isn't necessarily about going deeper, and the lessons he's learned from a lifetime spent underwater.

We also discuss:

• Why chasing certifications can make you a worse diver

• What separates good divers from exceptional divers

• Building judgment and experience

• Teamwork and attitude in technical diving

• Sidemount vs twinset

• The evolution of technical diving

• Gozo Technical Diving today

• Greenland expedition diving and iceberg exploration

• How to choose the right instructor

• Instructor development and teaching philosophy

• The future of technical diving

Whether you're a recreational diver looking to progress, an experienced technical diver, or an instructor wanting to improve your teaching, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom from one of diving's most respected educators.

Thanks to our Sponsor, XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu

Follow Tom Steiner & Gozo Technical Diving - www.gozotechnicaldiving.com

Tom's Video Training Series - www.tomsteiner.pro

Tom's Recommended Reading:

The Checklist Manifesto – Atul Gawande

The Art of Learning – Josh Waitzkin

Deep Survivor – Laurence Gonzalez

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

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A huge thank you to our episode sponsor XDEEP for their continued support of technical diving education, and to the incredible Patrons of Speaking Sidemount who make these conversations possible.

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.In this episode:- Why experience doesn't always equal expertise- The biggest mistakes divers make when developing their skills- Deliberate practice vs simply logging more dives- Why good Standard Operating Procedures matter- Human factors and decision making underwater- The Dunning-Kruger effect in diving- Building capacity under stress- Why fundamentals never stop mattering- Equipment vs skill development- What separates good divers from great diversAbout 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/speakingsidemountConnect With Steve:🌐 https://www.sidemountpros.com🎙️ Speaking Sidemount Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📸 Instagram: @nzstevedSubscribe:If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about sidemount diving, technical diving, cave diving, wreck diving, exploration and becoming a better diver:👍 Like this video💬 Leave a comment with your thoughts🔔 Subscribe to Speaking Sidemount for future episodesResources Mentioned: 📘 Sidemount Fundamentals eBook 🌐 Sidemount Pros: https://www.sidemountpros.com/storeChapters:00:00 Episode Introduction05:24 The Thinking Diver Philosophy07:11 Experience vs. Expertise in Diving10:32 Benefits of Structured Training15:50 Skill Development Over Equipment Dependence19:39 Instructor Challenges and Student Learning26:36 Biggest Mistakes Instructors Make28:37 Understanding the Dunning-Kruger Effect in Diving36:05 Training Under Stress: Real-World Applications44:38 Maintaining Skills: The Importance of Practice45:55 Pre-Dive Rituals: Setting the Stage for Success57:30 Learning from Sports: Applying Pressure in Training01:01:11 Diving in New Zealand: Ocean vs. Cave Diving01:04:34 Training Environments: Lakes vs. Pools01:08:05 The Importance of Challenging Training01:11:20 Measuring Diver Progress Beyond Certifications01:12:40 The Qualities of a Good Dive Buddy01:20:43 The Role of Feedback in Diver Development01:23:35 Reflections on Progress and Future Diving Adventures

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.comFirst-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/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/speakingsidemountConnect With Steve🌐 https://www.sidemountpros.com📸 Instagram: @nzsteved

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 makeThis 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:📘 SIDEMOUNT FUNDAMENTALS eBOOKThe companion eBook for this episode and course manual for Steve's Sidemount Fundamentals course:https://www.sidemountpros.com/store🌍 Learn more about XDEEP:https://www.xdeep.euSidemount Pros:Website: https://www.sidemountpros.com📸 Follow Steve:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nzsteved/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nzsteved/❤️ Support the Podcast:Become a Patron of Speaking Sidemounthttps://www.patreon.com/c/speakingsidemount👍 If you enjoyed the episode:Like the videoSubscribeLeave a commentShare with your dive buddies

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

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 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, his training and wreck diving experience, plus hundreds of dives on the Canterbury wreck, Steve discusses how the layout of a warship influences wreck-diving navigation and why advanced wreck protocols are critical when penetrating deep into wrecks. Topics discussed include: • The difference between recreational and "Advanced Wreck" diving• Why shipwrecks 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. 💥 Powered by XDEEP www.xdeep.eu🙌 Huge thanks to Dom Robinson - "The Deep Wreck Diver" https://www.youtube.com/@UC1pUSPlTx_DGIMJNlAXYVqg 🙌 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

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

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 BioGustavo “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 BioSteve 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.🎥 Watch full episodes & bonus clips: https://www.youtube.com/@sidemountpros@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 PCDarkside DiversFacebook: @darksidediversmxInstagram: @darksidediversEmail: info@darksidediversmx.comInto Earth – Mick Friis’s video with Tavo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxp5on6jnHY