Do I need a scuba refresher?

It doesn’t matter if you’ve logged 10 dives or 500 — if you haven’t been in the water for a while, you’re not alone. Many divers only dive on holidays or take long breaks between trips. And while the saying “it’s just like riding a bike” may be true of some things, scuba diving is a little different.

That’s why a refresher is one of the best things you can do before jumping back into the ocean. Here’s why:-

1. Skills Get Rusty (and That’s Normal!)

When you’ve been out of the water for a few months — or years — it’s easy to forget the small details:

• How to set up your gear smoothly and what to check for

• How much weight you need

• How to clear a flooded mask (without panicking)

• Remembering how to control and maintain your buoyancy

Even the most experienced divers admit to feeling wobbly after a break. A refresher gives you the chance to practice these essential skills in a relaxed, no-pressure setting and ask your instructor any questions you may have.

Hovering effortlessly

2. Buoyancy: The First Thing to Go

One of the greatest joys of diving is floating effortlessly; gliding like a manta ray and experiencing zero gravity. But after a bit of time off, buoyancy often feels less like a ballet dance and more like a bumper car ride! Doing a refresher lets you re-discover that sweet spot so you can enjoy the dive instead of fighting with your BCD. It's also a great opportunity to pick up some extra tips from your instructor and get used to the equipment again before the dive.

3. Safety for You and Your Buddy

Diving should always be done with a buddy. You’re there to look out for your buddy, and your buddy is there to look out for you. A refresher means you’ll have the chance to practice the buddy checks, communication signals and out-of-air scenarios.

4. A Confidence Boost

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a refresher is the confidence it gives you. Instead of worrying about whether you’ll remember what to do, you can relax and focus on the fun part — exploring coral reefs, spotting mantas, and making memories.

We’ve seen countless divers walk into the pool feeling nervous and walk out grinning, saying, “Oh, I remember why I love this!”

5. Myth Busting: It’s Not a Test or a Judgement

Some divers hesitate to sign up for a refresher because they’re worried it’s like being back in school. The truth? A refresher isn’t an exam. It’s simply a fun tune-up with an instructor or divemaster by your side. You go over the basics, practice a few skills, and get back into the rhythm. Even seasoned pros do refreshers after a long break — it’s smart, not shameful.

6. What to Expect in a Refresher

At Purple Dive, our refreshers will include:

• Reviewing equipment setup and pre-dive checks

• Practicing dive skills including mask clearing and regulator recovery

• Buoyancy practice; hovering and neutral buoyancy skills

• Safety skills; out-of-air scenarios and ascents

• A swim around the pool to get you back in the flow

  
  

You’ll also have the chance to ask your Instructor/Divemaster any questions or address any concerns. By the end, you’ll feel comfortable, capable, and excited for your dives!

Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last dive, and regardless of if you have only a handful, or hundreds of dives; a refresher is the best way to make sure your return to the ocean is smooth, safe, and stress-free. After all, diving should be about enjoyment, not anxiety.

So, before your next adventure, give yourself the gift of confidence — book a refresher and dive back in with ease.

Sea you underwater!