Extend: Drysuit Diver Specialty - Greater Manchester

Bespoke, small group and individual Diver Training done with a Backplate and Long-hose.

Oli presenting
Ready to extend your dive season and stay warm all year round? A drysuit course opens up a world of diving opportunities—no matter the weather.

In this course, you'll learn how to:
• Dive comfortably in cold water by layering smartly for warmth and flexibility
• Control your drysuit for precise buoyancy, safety, and comfort
• Understand which drysuit features help—and which ones hinder—your diving
• Choose the right drysuit for your needs, budget, and dive style

What makes our course different? Oli, our lead instructor, literally wrote the RAID Drysuit course—bringing major improvements to how drysuit training is taught worldwide. Train with the instructor who helped set the global standard.

BECOME A DRYSUIT DIVER

A drysuit diver perfectly hovering

Detailed Course Modules & Prerequisites

Our drysuit course is designed to build both confidence and competence in cold-water diving. Here’s what’s included:

Theory Module: Learn the principles of drysuit diving, thermal layering, suit types, and buoyancy control through engaging e-learning or in-person sessions.

Confined Water Session: Get hands-on practice controlling buoyancy, managing air migration, and responding to drysuit-specific scenarios in a safe, controlled environment.

Open Water Dives: Apply your skills in real-world conditions under expert supervision. We’ll guide you through multiple dives focusing on comfort, trim, and control.

Prerequisites:
You must be an Open Water Diver (or equivalent) and at least 12 years old. A basic understanding of buoyancy and underwater control is recommended, but we tailor each course to suit your experience level..

a Drysuit diver putting their Dry gloves on

The Importance of Drysuit Diving in UK Waters

The UK offers incredible diving—but it's rarely warm. Whether you're exploring inland quarries, wrecks off the south coast, or the dramatic sea lochs of Scotland, staying warm and dry is essential for comfort and safety. A drysuit allows you to:

• Dive year-round, expanding your season from a few months to all 12
• Maintain core temperature to reduce fatigue and increase bottom time
• Safely enjoy deeper, longer, or multi-dive days in cold conditions

If you’re serious about UK diving, a drysuit isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

A drysuit diver checking out the entry

Hands-on Training Sessions

Our training is built around real-world diving, not just textbook theory. You’ll receive:

• 1:1 or small-group instruction focused on your skill level
• Practical drysuit donning/doffing and emergency drill practice
• Buoyancy control exercises using the drysuit as your primary BCD
• In-water troubleshooting and real-time coaching

We take time to ensure you feel fully in control and comfortable in your suit before heading into more advanced environments.

a Drysuit Instructor demonstrating propulsion techniques

Equipment Recommendations

Choosing the right drysuit is key—and we’re here to help you get it right. During the course, we’ll guide you through:

Suit types: Membrane vs neoprene—what’s best for your diving style?
Undergarments: How to layer effectively without sacrificing mobility
Valves and boots: Understanding fit, positioning, and functionality
Optional add-ons: P-valves, heated vests, pockets, hoods, and more

Not sure what to buy? You’ll have access to expert recommendations and the chance to try different gear before investing. If you already have a suit, we’ll help you optimise it for performance.