Fast equalizing and negative entry

[Dody]

Hello. I just started diving 40 days ago but I have been diving several times a week and sometimes several times everyday. 22 dives now. Always ready to learn and progress within the boundary of recreational diving. In 2 weeks, I will start deep diving training but there is one thing that I know I will have trouble with: negative entry. I love the concept but since I started diving, I often have problems equalizing between 5 and 6 meters. If I go too fast, the pain is acute. I really need to stop my descent, event ascend to properly equalize before going back down. After 8 meters, I never have any issue equalizing. My current MOD is 32 meters. My question is: is there a way, a technique or a method to equalize faster? I use the Valsava technique but it is not always effective at this 5/6 meters barrier. Any magic advice?

 

[Centrals]

Negative entry is NOT everyone cup of tea.
Start to equalize on the surface before you take the giant step/back row. And continuous to do so as you descend.
Take good care of your eardrum.

 

[Dody]

Erratum: 23 meters not 32.

 

[BrackaFish]

Hello. I just started diving 40 days ago but I have been diving several times a week and sometimes several times everyday. 22 dives now. Always ready to learn and progress within the boundary of recreational diving. In 2 weeks, I will start deep diving training but there is one thing that I know I will have trouble with: negative entry. I love the concept but since I started diving, I often have problems equalizing between 5 and 6 meters. If I go too fast, the pain is acute. I really need to stop my descent, event ascend to properly equalize before going back down. After 8 meters, I never have any issue equalizing. My current MOD is 32 meters. My question is: is there a way, a technique or a method to equalize faster? I use the Valsava technique but it is not always effective at this 5/6 meters barrier. Any magic advice?

When I do fast drops I use the fast and often method. This means I try and equalize with every breath keep my neck stretched out and not tucked in. Remember from class that the % change in pressure is greatest in the first part of the decent and is easier the deeper you go. Also descending horizontal instead of head down will make this easier. After some practice this will all become second nature. Good luck and be safe.

 

[TMHeimer]

I've never done a fast (negative) drop. Wonder if rapidly swallowing would help? Maybe try that on a normal descent. I equalize internally most of the time (no "maneuvers", movements of jaw, etc.), but occasionally I have pulled myself down an anchor line really fast head first and found I had to swallow to keep my ears OK. Maybe that works for some on those "fast drops"?

 

[tursiops]

Valsalva really doesn't work for me. I use Lowry or Toynbee.
Beat the Squeeze: Equalize Like a Pro
I avoid negative entries.

 

[davehicks]

Don't do negative entries then. There is rarely a need for this and it is unnecessarily risky. If you are going to have a gear issue better to work it out on the surface. You can still drop quickly if needed from the surface.

 

[Centrals]

Try it couple of times in calm water and if you couldn't do it then so be it.
Do not force yourself. Sit out the dive especially on liveaboard in remote places with fast surface current.

 

[Julius SCHMIDT]

I've got quite a few years negative entries it's all I do
Think about it, gravity does the work and you steer
The surface is scary

 

[scubadada]

Hi @Dody

There are several circumstances when a relatively rapid, negative entry is preferred. Read the article cited by @tursiops and give the different methods a try.