Sidemount wings are a specialised type of buoyancy control device (BCD) designed for sidemount scuba diving configurations. Unlike traditional back-mounted BCDs, sidemount wings are attached to the diver's sides, providing buoyancy and control while allowing for the carrying of cylinders under the diver's arms. This unique placement offers several advantages, including improved streamlining, easier access to valves, and the ability to carry multiple tanks without significantly increasing the diver's profile in the water. Sidemount wings are typically designed with a wing-like shape that wraps around the diver's torso, ensuring even distribution of buoyancy and enhancing maneuverability and comfort underwater.
The development of sidemount wings has been driven by the growing popularity of sidemount diving, particularly among technical divers exploring overhead environments such as caves and wrecks. These environments often require divers to navigate through tight spaces, where the flexibility and reduced size of the sidemount configuration can be significantly advantageous. Sidemount wings come in various sizes and lift capacities to accommodate different diving conditions and the number of cylinders being carried. They are often made from durable materials capable of withstanding harsh diving environments, featuring redundant bladder systems for added safety. As sidemount diving continues to evolve, so too do the designs and features of sidemount wings, with manufacturers constantly seeking to improve comfort, safety, and efficiency for divers in all types of underwater explorations.
