Hello from Southern Illinois

[Illini]

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to introduce myself. Last weekend I completed my open water dives at Mermet Springs, IL at the quarry there.

I enjoyed it except for the following three things;

1) The water was about 65 degrees
2) The visibility was about 3-5 feet
3) I nearly blew out my eardrum (I went to see the doctor and he stated that I had a good amount of blood behind the ear and he thought I should quit diving).

I figure I just need to be a little better at equalizing my ears.

Shawn

 

[stairman]

Welcome,some people would kill for 65degrees.3-5 ft. aint much fun especially in the beginning.Remember to equalize early and often.If it wont clear dont force it.Ascend a little and try again.A blown ear drum is very painfull.I make sure to equalize a few times before a dive and if Im having trouble I may abort the trip.During cold season this occurs sometimes.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Hey Illini, welcome to Scubaboard. Congrats getting certified.

Go slow equalize often.

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

Welcome to :sblogo:
There has been much discussion on the forums about equalizing. Here is one thread that had alot of good information. http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/227469-clearing-your-ears.html There are many techniques and you might have to try them all to get it to work for you. Just know you can permanently damage your ears and you need to listen to your body. If you have anymore trouble, you might want to go to an ENT. Dive safe and good luck!

Carolyn:sharks:

 

[tstormdiver]

Hello there & welcome. I'm in Western KY & go to Mermet maybe twice a year. Not sure how many times I'll make it this year because of gas prices & distance (2- 1/2hr drive). I usually frequent Pennyroyal down in Hopkinsville, KY. If you ever find yourself down that way, look me up. I'm usually wearing the Drysuit you see pictured.

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Welcome to the board! Wow 65 degree water is warm! A wetsuit that fits properly makes all the difference as far as comfort goes. You were probably in a rental and those are notorious for not fitting right. That kind of vis makes things a lot less fun but visibility is not always that bad.

Good luck with the ears, like lives4sharks said, there's a lot of good information about equalizing here on the board.
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[Illini]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I plan on working on my technique to equalize my ears and to buy my own equipment.

Shawn

 

[pete sakes]

Martha's Quarry, just outside nashville tn, was 76 degrees this past weekend and had about 30 ft. vis.