So, with having socially distanced during this pandemic, I took some time to really try to map out my diving goals for the next few years. Now, that's not to say that I'm definitely going to do everything, but I am always wondering what might be useful. Learning useful skills to make me a better diver is always worthwhile.
2020 is dedicated to professional diving pursuits, depending on the ability to travel. In 2021, however, I'd like to acquire additional skills in the tec realm. For me, this includes solo diving (or as PADI calls it, self-reliant diver) and side mount diving. Eventually, I'd like to do the Tec 40 or Tec 40 CCR courses (2022?). I don't aspire to dive caves. I also don't aspire to dive very deep, but the idea of more bottom time is nice if done safely.
Since most of my diving is done during travel, is it worth it to pursue this line of training?
While I don't know that I'd spend much time diving alone, I suspect that the training and skills would be incredibly helpful. I consider self-reliant diving really an extension of technical diving principles, as both require redundancy and planning.
Sidemount diving just seems like a lot of fun with more air (or EANx), resulting in greater bottom time. Again, this requires redundancy, planning, and more gear (and who doesn't love more gear). I have never been diving with someone diving SM. (For that matter, I've only been diving once with a guide diving twins - but that was in a cenote in Mexico.) Does anyone travel and use SM? Frankly, I think this is a great option, and I'd consider diving side mount more often on dive boats, maybe if others did too.
Thoughts? Other recommendations?