Start Your Journey

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
WeeklyNew Stories Added

Explore By Topic

Courses

See all →

The Full Archive

TravelGozo and Malta: Mediterranean Diving Worth the TripWrecks, sea caves, and warm water within a short flight of home: here's what a diving trip to Gozo and Malta actually looks like, and when to go.17 Apr 2023 · 6 min readRead Article →UK DivingStoney Cove: The UK Diver's Ultimate Training GroundA full guide to diving Stoney Cove in Leicestershire: depth, visibility, wildlife, facilities, and how our Reading academy uses it for UK training.10 Apr 2023 · 6 min readRead Article →AcademiesInside the Conservation Academy: Dive With Real PurposeWhat the Conservation Academy actually teaches, who it suits, and how the pathway works, from a first speciality through to real project dives.3 Apr 2023 · 6 min readRead Article →CoursesAdvanced Mermaid: Fin Technique for Serious SwimmersReady to move past your first mermaid session? Here's what the Advanced Mermaid course covers, who it suits, and how to book at our Reading academy.27 Mar 2023 · 6 min readRead Article →CoursesPADI Discover Scuba Diving Leader: Your Next Step as a ProThinking beyond Divemaster? Here is what the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Leader course involves, who it suits, and how it fits your career path.20 Mar 2023 · 6 min readRead Article →Diver TipsSpring Diving Prep: Your Early-Season ChecklistFrom regulator servicing to buoyancy refreshers, here is a proper checklist for getting your skills and gear ready before the UK dive season.13 Mar 2023 · 6 min readRead Article →CommunityGetting Back in the Water: A Diver's Return After Years AwayThinking about diving again after years out of the water? Here is what a proper return really involves, from refreshers to servicing old gear.6 Mar 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →GearHow to Choose a Dive Mask That Actually Fits Your FaceA leaking or fogging mask can ruin a dive. Here is how mask fit, skirt material, and lens shape really work, plus tips for kids and cold water.27 Feb 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →ConservationMicroplastics and the Sea: A Family Guide for Half-TermHalf-term is a great time to talk to kids about microplastics and the ocean. Here is what Reading families need to know, and how they can help.20 Feb 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →Diver TipsThe Buddy Check: A Half-Term Skill Every Family Diver NeedsBuddy checks feel basic, but instructors say they're the skill most divers rush. Here's how to actually get them right every single time you dive.13 Feb 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →TravelCozumel Diving Guide: Caribbean Reefs for a Half-Term EscapeWarm water, drift diving, and family-friendly resorts. Here's what a week of diving in Cozumel, Mexico actually looks like this half-term break.6 Feb 2023 · 8 min readRead Article →UK DivingFarne Islands Diving Guide: Grey Seals and Northumberland WrecksEverything you need to know before diving the Farne Islands, from playful grey seals to conditions, visibility, wrecks, and getting there safely.30 Jan 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →AcademiesInside the Professional Academy: Your Path to Becoming a Dive ProThinking about diving for a living in 2023? Here's the full pathway through our Professional Academy, from Divemaster to instructor and beyond.23 Jan 2023 · 8 min readRead Article →CoursesWhale Defender: A New Year Course for Ocean AdvocatesStart 2023 with purpose. Learn what PADI's Whale Defender Speciality involves, who it suits, what a session looks like, and why divers love it.16 Jan 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →CoursesPrimary and Secondary Care: The First Aid Course Divers NeedWhat Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care covers, who it's for, and why this practical first aid and CPR course is worth doing.9 Jan 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →CoursesNew Year, New Depths: Make 2023 the Year You Learn to DiveWhy learning to dive is the New Year resolution that actually sticks, what the course involves, and how to make January the month you start.2 Jan 2023 · 7 min readRead Article →CommunityLearning to Dive as a Family: A Diving Academy StoryHow families learn to dive together at the academy, from first pool session to a shared open water milestone, and what it teaches beyond diving.26 Dec 2022 · 7 min readRead Article →GearDive Torches and Lights: A Christmas Buyer's GuideA practical guide to choosing the right dive torch or light this Christmas, covering lumens, beam angle, burn time, and UK diving needs in full.19 Dec 2022 · 7 min readRead Article →ConservationKelp Forests: The UK's Hidden Underwater RainforestsWhy kelp forests matter to UK marine life, how divers can help with restoration and citizen science, and why winter is the best time to dive one.12 Dec 2022 · 7 min readRead Article →Diver TipsLow-Visibility Diving: Mastering UK Winter ConditionsUK visibility drops fast in winter. Here is how to handle low-visibility diving safely, the mistakes to avoid, and how to practice before you need to.5 Dec 2022 · 6 min readRead Article →TravelGozo and Malta: Mediterranean Diving Worth the FlightClear water, dramatic walls, and genuine variety. Here is why Gozo and Malta remain one of our most popular diving holiday destinations year after year.28 Nov 2022 · 6 min readRead Article →UK DivingStoney Cove: Diving the UK's Favourite Inland QuarryEverything you need to know about diving Stoney Cove, Leicestershire, from depth and visibility to sunken attractions and how it fits your training.21 Nov 2022 · 6 min readRead Article →AcademiesInside the Freediving Academy: Your Complete PathwayA full guide to Diving Academy's Freediving Academy, from your very first breath-hold in the pool to advanced open water freediving and beyond.14 Nov 2022 · 6 min readRead Article →CoursesWreck Diver Instructor: Teaching Your Favourite SpecialtyThinking about teaching wreck diving? Here is what the Wreck Diver Specialty Instructor course covers, who it suits, and why it is worth doing.7 Nov 2022 · 7 min readRead Article →CoursesDeep Diver Instructor: Teach Divers Beyond 18 MetresReady to teach the Deep Diver specialty? Here's what the Deep Diver Instructor course covers, who it suits, and how it fits your professional pathway.31 Oct 2022 · 6 min readRead Article →