I am sure will do great. Here are all my tips for equalizing, many mentioned above, short and sweet:
1. Equalize often
2. In addition to the traditional nose pinching clearing, try these too:
a) exhale through your nose (do this now and then to equalize your mask as well as sinuses and ears)
b) when you are horozontal, roll your head from side to side as you equalize
c) swallow
3. Don't overthink the issue. Don't "wonder" if you are having an ear squeeze- it will be quite obvious.
4. Control your descent- a nice slow pace means everything until you get comfortable with the process.
5. IF you are still having issues, before day 2 consider taking a single little red sudafed as a preventative. My wife and I swear by them- just one, and just the little round red ones, about an hour before your first dive..
6. Relax and have fun.
7. If you have trouble clearing despite all of the above, pause, ascend a foot or two, run through the nose exhale, swallow head turn nose pinch sequence, and then resume a slow descent.
8. Don't force anything. You will descend- take your time.
It is normal to feel the added pressure form water as shallow as a couple of feet. Know that we all deal with pressure equalization, we are all different, and each of us has varying levels of issues at different times. Don't obsess, just pay attention to what your body tells you, and have a really great time! You will love the diving- first time is the best!
DivemasterDennis
1. Equalize often
2. In addition to the traditional nose pinching clearing, try these too:
a) exhale through your nose (do this now and then to equalize your mask as well as sinuses and ears)
b) when you are horozontal, roll your head from side to side as you equalize
c) swallow
3. Don't overthink the issue. Don't "wonder" if you are having an ear squeeze- it will be quite obvious.
4. Control your descent- a nice slow pace means everything until you get comfortable with the process.
5. IF you are still having issues, before day 2 consider taking a single little red sudafed as a preventative. My wife and I swear by them- just one, and just the little round red ones, about an hour before your first dive..
6. Relax and have fun.
7. If you have trouble clearing despite all of the above, pause, ascend a foot or two, run through the nose exhale, swallow head turn nose pinch sequence, and then resume a slow descent.
8. Don't force anything. You will descend- take your time.
It is normal to feel the added pressure form water as shallow as a couple of feet. Know that we all deal with pressure equalization, we are all different, and each of us has varying levels of issues at different times. Don't obsess, just pay attention to what your body tells you, and have a really great time! You will love the diving- first time is the best!
DivemasterDennis