Academy Journal

Dive Deeper

Training stories, UK diving advice, conservation notes and course inspiration from the Diving Academy team.

399 Stories, 16 Topics — New Field Notes Every Week

399Articles & Field Notes

16Topics To Explore

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The Full Archive

CoursesWhy Autumn Is the Perfect Time to Start Your Dive TrainingThinking of learning to dive? Here is why an autumn start, training indoors through the winter months, sets you up perfectly for next year's diving.23 Sept 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

CommunityFrom Hobby to Career: Making the Leap Into Professional DivingThinking about turning diving into more than a hobby? Here is a realistic look at what a genuine career change into professional diving actually involves.16 Sept 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

GearWetsuit or Drysuit: Getting Ready for UK Autumn DivingUK water temperatures are dropping fast this autumn, here is a genuinely practical guide to choosing between a wetsuit and a drysuit for your diving.9 Sept 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

ConservationMicroplastics in the Ocean: What Every Diver Should KnowHow microplastics reach UK rivers and coastal seas, why divers are often first to notice them, and practical ways you can genuinely help protect marine life.2 Sept 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

Diver TipsSMB Deployment: The UK Diving Skill Too Many Divers SkipStruggling with your surface marker buoy? Here's why SMB deployment matters, the mistakes divers make, and how to actually get good at it for good.26 Aug 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

TravelCozumel Diving: Why Mexico's Reef Island Belongs on Your ListWarm currents, dramatic walls and effortless drift diving - here's why Cozumel remains one of the world's best holiday diving destinations around.19 Aug 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

UK DivingFarne Islands Diving: Seals, Scenery and Serious UK DivingGrey seals, dramatic rock scenery and genuinely exciting UK diving - here's our full guide to diving the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast.12 Aug 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

AcademiesThe Freediving Academy: One Breath at a Time in ReadingFrom your first static breath hold to instructor level, discover the complete pathway through Diving Academy's Freediving Academy in Reading.5 Aug 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

CoursesDry Suit Diver Instructor: Your Next Step at Diving AcademyReady to teach dry suit diving in the UK? See what the PADI Dry Suit Diver Instructor course involves, who it suits, and how it advances your career.29 Jul 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

CoursesBecome a Search and Recovery Diver InstructorWhat it really takes to become a PADI Search and Recovery Diver Instructor, from prerequisites to teaching your very first specialty course.22 Jul 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

Diver TipsHow to Plan a Family Diving Summer From Pool to SeaThinking of learning to dive this summer as a family? Here's a practical, honest timeline from your first pool session through to open water.15 Jul 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

CommunityDiving as a Family: What Learning Together Is Really LikeWhat actually happens when a family learns to dive together, from first pool nerves to a shared certification. A realistic, honest look inside.8 Jul 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

GearHow to Choose the Right Dive Mask for Every DiverFogging, leaking or the wrong fit can ruin a first dive. Our practical guide to choosing a mask that actually works for you and your family.1 Jul 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

ConservationWhy Kelp Forests Matter and How UK Divers Can HelpThe UK's kelp forests are vanishing fast. Here's why they matter, what's driving the decline, and how Reading-trained divers can help restore them.24 Jun 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

Diver TipsHow to Deploy an SMB Properly (Without the Panic)Struggling with your surface marker buoy? Learn the technique, common mistakes and practice drills every diver needs for safe SMB deployment.17 Jun 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

TravelDiving Gozo and Malta: A Complete Guide for UK DiversWhy Gozo and Malta belong on every diver's travel list - marine life, visibility, wrecks and caves, and what a full week of diving there looks like.10 Jun 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

UK DivingStoney Cove Dive Guide: Everything UK Divers Need to KnowA full guide to diving Stoney Cove, Leicestershire - conditions, attractions, facilities and how this inland quarry fits into your UK training.3 Jun 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

AcademiesInside the Conservation Academy: Diving With Real PurposeExplore the Conservation Academy pathway at Diving Academy Reading, from first course to citizen science, and see where it can take your diving.27 May 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

CoursesFull Face Mask Diving: Is This Scuba Course Right for You?Curious about full face mask diving? Discover how it works, who it suits and what to expect from this Scuba Academy speciality course in Reading.20 May 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

CoursesDiver Propulsion Vehicle Course: Scooter Diving ExplainedCurious about scooter diving? Here is everything the PADI Diver Propulsion Vehicle course covers, who it suits, and why it is well worth doing.13 May 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

TravelWorld Turtle Day: Planning an Early Summer Trip Around TurtlesWorld Turtle Day is the perfect prompt to plan an early summer dive trip built around sea turtles. Here is what to know before you book one.6 May 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

CommunityComing Back to Diving After Years Away: What to ExpectThinking about returning to diving after a long break? Here is what actually happens when you get back in the water, and how best to prepare.29 Apr 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

GearWetsuit or Drysuit? Choosing Exposure Protection for UK DivingWetsuit or drysuit for UK diving? A practical, honest guide to choosing the right exposure protection as the season gets underway this Easter.22 Apr 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

ConservationBasking Sharks in UK Waters: Gentle Giants Return This SpringEvery spring basking sharks return to UK waters to feed. Discover how divers can safely encounter these gentle giants and help protect them.15 Apr 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

Diver TipsSMB Deployment: The Skill Every Diver Should SharpenWhy a clean surface marker buoy deployment matters, the mistakes divers commonly make, and how to practise it before the season kicks off properly.8 Apr 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →