Basic equalizing questions

[kat.hayes]

I just did my first OW and as part of it I did some free dives to around 20-25ft. I had a problem equalizing while descending. Previously I have done it while descending on scuba at a slow descent, though when using my legs to create enough force to push myself down, I found myself already down 5-6 ft before I was even able to consider equalizing.

What is the best way to equalize when pushing yourself down rapidly when free diving?

Thanks!

 

[zider]

Check out this page. Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page The video on here offers up alternate techniques for achieving equalization and is a great place to start.

 

[DiveBee]

Before you take the last breath, equalize your ears on the surface. Then you dont have to equalize until you are ~10ft down. By this time your left hand should be on the nose, pinching it. Your chin should be slightly tucked into the chest, as extended neck (looking at the bottom) makes it harder to equalize. Equalize often and carefully as you kick down. If you encounter a problem, dont push forward, level off in the water column and try again... if no luck, go back to the surface. NEVER FORCE EQUALIZATION!!!!!!! NEVER!

 

[kat.hayes]

Thanks for the link...I will spend some time here.

Check out this page. Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page The video on here offers up alternate techniques for achieving equalization and is a great place to start.

 

[kat.hayes]

1.) Are you suggesting that as long as I pinch my nose and equalize on the surface, I can go down to at least 10-ft without worrying about equalizing again?

2.) Not sure what you meant by"
"Your chin should be slightly tucked into the chest, as extended neck (looking at the bottom) makes it harder to equalize."

Are you recommending for me to tuck my chin slightly into my chest or not? Wasn't sure because you said it "makes it harder to equalize."

3.) What do you mean by "NEVER FORCE EQUALIZATION!!!!!!! NEVER!"

How do you force it?

Thanks!!!!

Before you take the last breath, equalize your ears on the surface. Then you dont have to equalize until you are ~10ft down. By this time your left hand should be on the nose, pinching it. Your chin should be slightly tucked into the chest, as extended neck (looking at the bottom) makes it harder to equalize. Equalize often and carefully as you kick down. If you encounter a problem, dont push forward, level off in the water column and try again... if no luck, go back to the surface. NEVER FORCE EQUALIZATION!!!!!!! NEVER!

 

[DiveBee]

Yes, equalizing on the surface will give you about 10ft without need to equalize again.

Some people dive with neck extended (looking at the bottom while diving down), this hinders the air passages and can make equalizing harder. Tucking your chin means keep your eyes and head parallel to the surface, not tilted back to look at the bottom.

Sometimes its hard to equalize. Various reasons: congestion, swelling, small eustachian tubes, extended neck position, etc). When you are unable to equalize - abort the dive, instead of trying to force it by trying extra hard equalize. Inner ear damage (barotrauma) is permanent, so be very careful. Equalization should be natural and easy. Any time its difficult, there is a medical reason.

 

[Soggy_Diver]

Eric Fattah, Canadian freediver, created an excellent document that walks you through equalizing, from basic to advanced, with dry land and water exercises that gradually build the skills. Here is the address of his webpage:

Eric Fattah's Freediving Page