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

PADI 5-StarWritten By Real Instructors

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The Full Archive

TravelCozumel, Mexico: A Diver's Guide to the Perfect TripMarine life, the best time to visit, and what a typical week of diving looks like on Cozumel's famous drift-diving reefs and dramatic walls.1 Apr 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

UK DivingDiving the Farne Islands: A Complete Site GuideWhat diving with the Farne Islands' famous grey seal colony is really like, from conditions and wildlife to getting there and what to pack for it.25 Mar 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

AcademiesProfessional Academy: Your Path to Becoming a Dive InstructorHow our Professional Academy takes you from Divemaster through to instructor level, who it suits, and what a typical student's journey looks like.18 Mar 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

TecTec Sidemount: Is This Technical Course Right for You?What Tec Sidemount actually involves, who it suits, and how the course fits into a bigger technical diving pathway at Diving Academy in Reading.11 Mar 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

CoursesTec 50: Inside Diving Academy's Advanced Technical CourseThinking about Tec 50 this spring? Here's what the course covers, who it's for, what a training day looks like, and how it fits the pathway.4 Mar 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

FamilyHalf Term at Diving Academy: Family Fun and the Mermaid AppealIt's half term at Diving Academy. Here's what family activities are running, what mermaiding involves, and what our Mermaid Appeal is all about.26 Feb 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

CommunityOne Family, Three Generations: Learning to Dive TogetherFrom grandparents to grandkids, family diving works across ages better than most sports. Here's what a real family course actually looks like, week by week.19 Feb 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

GearWetsuit or Drysuit? Choosing UK Exposure ProtectionWondering whether a wetsuit is enough for UK diving or if it's time for a drysuit? Here's how to choose exposure protection that actually suits you.12 Feb 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

ConservationSussex Kelp Is Coming Back: What It Means for UK DiversSussex kelp forests are recovering after decades of decline. Here's what UK divers can actually see beneath the canopy, and how to get involved.5 Feb 2024 · 6 min readRead Article →

Diver TipsNew Year Skill Focus: Deploying an SMB ProperlyMake this the year your SMB deployment actually gets reliable. Why it matters, common mistakes, how to practice, and what instructors look for.29 Jan 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

TravelGozo and Malta: Mediterranean Diving Worth Booking NowThinking about a diving holiday this year? Here's what makes Gozo and Malta such a rewarding Mediterranean destination, from wrecks to marine life.22 Jan 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

UK DivingStoney Cove: The UK Dive Site Every Diver Should KnowA proper guide to Stoney Cove in Leicestershire, from what the diving is actually like to what to bring and why it matters for your training.15 Jan 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

AcademiesInside the Freediving Academy: One Breath, Real SkillCurious about freediving? Here's what our Freediving Academy actually covers, the real pathway through it, and who tends to fall in love with it.8 Jan 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

CoursesNew Year, New Skills: Inside the Advanced Training AcademyMaking a resolution to dive further this year? Here's what the Advanced Training Academy involves, who it suits, and how the pathway actually works.1 Jan 2024 · 7 min readRead Article →

ProfessionalMaster Scuba Diver Trainer: Your Next Step After InstructorThinking beyond your Open Water Scuba Instructor rating? Here is what Master Scuba Diver Trainer status actually involves, and why it matters.25 Dec 2023 · 6 min readRead Article →

CommunityThe Diving Academy Guide to Gifting Diving This ChristmasGift vouchers, course ideas and winter diving tips from Reading's dive academy, plus a look back at a busy, memorable year underwater in 2023.18 Dec 2023 · 6 min readRead Article →

CommunityComing Back to Diving After Years Away From the WaterThinking about returning to diving after a long break? Here is what actually changes, what stays the same, and how to ease back in safely this winter.11 Dec 2023 · 6 min readRead Article →

GearWetsuit or Drysuit: Choosing Your UK Winter Diving KitDeciding between a wetsuit and a drysuit for UK winter diving? Here is how they really compare, and what to look for before you buy, hire or gift one.4 Dec 2023 · 6 min readRead Article →

ConservationManta Ray Conservation: Why Every Diver Should CareManta rays face growing threats worldwide. Discover how citizen science, responsible diving and our Conservation Academy help protect these gentle giants.27 Nov 2023 · 6 min readRead Article →

Diver TipsBuddy Checks: The Two Minutes That Prevent Real ProblemsThe pre-dive buddy check takes two minutes and gets skipped constantly. Here's why it matters, what it should cover, and how to make it a habit.20 Nov 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →

TravelCozumel: World-Class Drift Diving in the Mexican CaribbeanWarm water, effortless drift diving, and reefs thick with life. Here's what a week of diving in Cozumel actually looks like, and when to go.13 Nov 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →

UK DivingFarne Islands Diving Guide: Seals, Wrecks and Cold WaterA practical guide to diving the Farne Islands: conditions, marine life, facilities, and how to prepare so a seal encounter lives up to the hype.6 Nov 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →

AcademiesInside the Conservation Academy: Diving With PurposeCurious about our Conservation Academy? Here's what it covers, who it suits, and the real pathway from your first specialty to genuine field skills.30 Oct 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →

CoursesSidemount Diver Instructor: Teaching the Streamlined LifeThinking about becoming a Sidemount Diver Instructor? Here's what the course really involves, who it suits, and why it's worth doing this autumn.23 Oct 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →

CoursesPeak Performance Buoyancy Instructor: Is This Specialty For You?Thinking about teaching Peak Performance Buoyancy? Here's what the specialty instructor course involves, who it suits, and how it fits your career.16 Oct 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →