April 2026 Level UP Podcast | Scuba Diving Industry Insights of 2026

Get the latest trends in dive retailing, travel, training, and operations with Level Up, the official podcast of Scuba Diving Industry Magazine. In this episode, industry leaders break down key topics shaping dive businesses worldwide – from consumer behavior and sustainability to safety, training, and operations from the April 2026 issue. 👉 Read more: https://scubadivingindustry.com/april-2026-issue-hub/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Show Overview Greg the Dive Master (https://scubaradio.com) opens Level Up, the dive industry trade podcast from Scuba Diving Industry Magazine (https://scubadivingindustry.com), with William Cline and Britain Cline. 01:28 – Britain Cline Topic: DEMA Advance Planning & The Scuba Show in Long Beach Britain previews the September DEMA issue, advertising opportunities leading into DEMA, and Scuba Diving Industry Magazine’s booth 706 presence at The Scuba Show in Long Beach. 04:49 – Steve Lopez, CA Topic: April Cover Shot, Casino Point, Catalina Steve shares the story behind his calico bass photo and explains how patience, fisheye perspective, and common marine life can create extraordinary underwater images. 08:42 – Cathryn Castle Garcia, Azores Article: It’s Time to Stop Talking Shop: Reframing the Language of Scuba Cathryn explains why “dive center” creates a stronger sense of community, belonging, education, and adventure than the more transactional term “dive shop.” 14:04 – Dan Orr, ID Article: Part 6: The Critical Role of Dive Leaders in Injury Recognition Dan discusses the stigma around decompression sickness, why divers sometimes delay reporting symptoms, and why dive leaders should create a no-fault culture around injury recognition. 18:36 – Margo Peyton, SC Article: Kids Summer Programs That Inspire the Next Generation of Divers Margo highlights youth programs, family-friendly dive center opportunities, citizen science, and ways retailers can use summer programming to bring new families into diving. 21:55 – Alex Brylske, Ph.D., FL Article: Balancing AI Photography and Conservation in Diving Alex explores how AI-generated and manipulated images can distort marine conservation messaging, damage credibility, and complicate citizen science efforts. 29:51 – Cheryl Patterson, OH Article: Why Trust Wins Travel Sales Cheryl explains why connection, honesty, and reliable travel guidance are now essential for dive centers selling group travel in a complicated world. 34:16 – Jeff McNutt, BVI Article: Part 3: Emergency Planning for Scuba Diving Centers Jeff explains what an Emergency Action Plan is, why every dive center needs one, and why practicing the plan is just as important as writing it. 38:19 – David Prichard and Lily Mak, TX Article: A Group Dive Guide to Fiji David and Lily give a helicopter view of Fiji’s islands, dive regions, soft coral sites, shark dives, Rainbow Reef, the Great White Wall, and Fijian cultural experiences. 44:56 – Jeff Cinciripino, CT Article: Under the Big Top: Tips for Planning and Executing Your Tent Sale Jeff breaks down the planning, marketing, logistics, staffing, pricing, signage, and weather contingencies needed to make a dive center tent sale successful. 50:24 – Kayla McIntyre, CA Article: Expanding the Pipeline With Community-Based Programs Kayla introduces EECI, a Los Angeles-area nonprofit using scuba, marine science, environmental stewardship, and blue economy exposure to create access for new divers. 55:14 – Gil Zeimer, CA Article: The Global Sport of “Octopush” Can Help You Add More Customers Gil explains underwater hockey, also known as Octopush, and how dive retailers can use pool access, team sponsorship, and community programs to create new revenue opportunities. 59:12 – Brooke Speedy, IN Article: Why Dive Retailers Need a Refresher Course Brooke explains why dive retailers should periodically review operations, staff training, emergency plans, customer communication, and generational buying habits. 1:02:09 – Michael Salvarezza & Christopher P. Weaver, NY Article: A Group Travel Guide to Europe’s Malta Michael highlights Malta’s history, wreck diving, shore diving, caves, tech-friendly operations, and why the destination deserves more attention from U.S. dive travelers. 1:09:25 – Deborah Dickson-Smith, Australia Article: Australia’s Best Islands for Group Dive Travel Deborah shares top Australian island destinations, including Heron Island, Lady Elliot Island, Great Keppel Island, Lord Howe Island, Christmas Island, and Cocos Keeling. 1:22:16 – William Cline, TX Article: Training vs. Experience: Why the Difference Matters William explains the difference between a training environment and an experience environment, and why that distinction affects customer service, comfort, safety, and resort operations. FREE! Subscribe: https://scubadivingindustry.com/subscribe-for-free https://www.facebook.com/scubadivingindustry https://www.instagram.com/scubadivingindustry https://www.linkedin.com/company/scubadivingindustry