If you’re a certified PADI Open Water diver who hasn’t been in the water for a while, booking a refresher day from Puerto del Carmen is one of the best ways to shake off the rust and regain confidence before diving around Lanzarote. I run these refreshers regularly and have refined what I pack, how I structure the day, and the small local details that make the session relaxed and efficient. Below I share a practical checklist, a typical schedule, and on-the-water tips so you arrive prepared and leave with the skills and peace of mind to enjoy the Atlantic.
Who this refresher is for
This refresher is aimed at certified Open Water divers who haven’t dived for six months or more, or who feel nervous about certain skills (mask clearing, buoyancy, buddy checks). It’s also ideal for divers who want a quick brush-up before a guided shore or boat dives around Lanzarote’s volcanic reefs. I tailor each session to the group or individual: nervous first-timers get more time on basic skills, while confident divers can spend more time on navigation, buoyancy control or a guided familiarisation dive.
What I ask you to bring (my packing checklist)
- Logbook and certification card — I can’t sign a refresher without seeing proof of certification and your logbook entries (even if it’s a fresh cert, bring it).
- Swimwear and towel — lightweight neoprene tops are useful for cooler days; water is usually ~18–22°C depending on season.
- Shorty or 3mm wetsuit — I recommend a 3mm for most of the year; if you get cold easily bring 5mm.
- Mask, snorkel and fins — if you own them bring them. Properly fitted mask makes all the difference for comfort and clearing drills.
- BCD and regulator — bring your own gear if you’re comfortable with it; otherwise I provide well-maintained loan equipment but prefer you to use familiar kit.
- Exposure protection extras — hood, gloves for winter months.
- Sun protection — reef-safe sunscreen, a sunshirt and a hat for surface time.
- Small dry bag for phone and documents — I keep a larger dry box on the boat but personal dry bags are handy for shore sessions.
- Snack and water bottle — we’ll often take a break between confined-water skills and the open-water refresher dive.
- Optional: dive computer — if you have one bring it; otherwise I’ll brief you on using the centre’s computers.
How I set up the day (typical schedule from Puerto del Carmen)
I usually start from Puerto del Carmen because it’s central, easily accessible and has good launch points for both shore and short boat transfers. Here’s how a typical refresher day runs when I’m guiding or teaching:
| 08:30 — Meet at dive centre | Paperwork, equipment check, quick chat about your recent diving history and targets for the day. |
| 09:00 — Gear donning and surface/buddy brief | We go through an easy buddy check routine (BWRAF or S-ABCDE) and I demonstrate mask clearing, regulator recovery and BCD inflation/deflation on land. |
| 09:30 — Confined water skills | Shallow sheltered bay or calm harbour. We practice regulator clearing, mask clearing, controlled emergency swimming ascent (CESA) on low depth, and neutral buoyancy basics. |
| 11:00 — Break | Hydrate, snack, review skills; I give targeted tips on finning technique and trim. |
| 11:30 — Open water check dive (max 18m) | Short dive to practise skills in real conditions, navigation, and general comfort. I stay close and give hands-on corrections if needed. |
| 13:00 — Debrief and sign-off | We log the session, I sign your refresher in your logbook, and I give personalised advice for your next dives around Lanzarote. |
Where we dive from in Puerto del Carmen
For confined water I often use the sheltered harbour at Puerto del Carmen or small sheltered coves nearby depending on wind. For the open-water section we either launch a short boat trip to a nearby reef or do a shore-entry dive at a calm site like Playa Chica when conditions are right. I choose the spot based on current conditions, swell and the group’s comfort.
Skills I focus on, and why they matter
- Buddy check and communication — A fast, consistent buddy check reduces stress. I teach a simple routine you can repeat before every dive.
- Mask clearing — Even experienced divers can tense up; I show a relaxed method that works every time.
- Regulator recovery and clearing — Panic-free recovery is about practice and calm breathing; repetition matters.
- Buoyancy control — I prefer to spend extra time on weighting and hover skills. Good buoyancy saves air and protects fragile marine life.
- Ascents and emergency skills — Controlled ascent practice and how to use your SMB (surface marker buoy) properly for safety.
- Navigation — Compass basics and natural navigation around volcanic reefs so you don’t get turned around in low visibility.
Practical tips and common questions
How long does the refresher certification last? PADI considers anyone who hasn’t dived in 6–12 months for a refresher — after the day I’ll sign your logbook as having done a “refresher” or “check dive.” That’s usually enough to dive locally without additional paperwork, but always check with the operator you’ll dive with next.
Can I rent equipment? Yes — the dive centres in Puerto del Carmen keep good loan kit. If you have your own mask and fins bring them: they make the day much smoother. If you prefer specific brands I trust Suunto for computers and Mares or Scubapro for regulators and BCDs.
I’m nervous — how will you help? I break skills into tiny steps and only progress when you feel ready. I stay close, positive and I’ll adjust the session to give you more confined-water repetition if that’s what you need.
What about weather? Lanzarote weather is usually reliable, but wind can pick up. If conditions are uncomfortable we move the session to a more sheltered bay or postpone. Safety first.
After the refresher — next steps
Once you’ve completed the refresher I’ll give personalised dive suggestions around Lanzarote based on your comfort level: gentle reef dives near Playa Chica, interesting volcanic formations off Puerto del Carmen, or boat trips to sites with abundant marine life. If you plan multiple dives, consider a nitrox course or a buoyancy clinic to improve air efficiency and comfort.
If you want to book a refresher, check the practical pages on Scubalanzarote Co at https://www.scubalanzarote.co.uk or drop me a message via the contact page — I’m happy to tailor a day that fits your experience and goals. See you in the water!
