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TheOcean:
First time I had to equalize it was very painful. It takes me a long time before I can even get to 15 feet. Most of the people I dive with know that already so I typically starty my dive 3-5 mins before they do. I have sinus problems but I didn't let that stop from enjoying to dive. This problem typically happens to first few dives of the season. After that yorur sinus will clear up or you will get use to equalizing.

However I have a method now that might be useful to you.

1. The night before I dive I typically take a non congestant to clear up my sinuses before I dive

2. If you are still plugged up take one as soon as you wake up.

3. Start your descent a few minutes before everyone or your buddy at least to 15'-20' feet. And wait for your buddy there. The most painful part is between 10'-2-' feet. After that your pretty much equalized.

4. Start equalizing(blowing out of your nose) the moment you submerge your head. Do it continously but not forceful. You might rupture your ear drums if your forcefully equalize.

5. If you feel any pain with your ears or head ascend a few feet until you don't feel the pressure anymore.

6. Also swallow and move your lower jaw side to side to help equalize as well. I found if you move your neck side as well sometimes help.

7. Don't rush to dive. Even though everyone is waiting for you let them. This is your dive not thiers. Thats why start a few minutes and tell your dive master or dive coordinator about your condition and typically they will go with you.

I hope those are helpful tips that can help you in the world of diving.
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Those tips are very helpful. Thanks for the advice. I go to an ENT on Oct 16th. I hope that I don't have a major problem. I really want to be able to dive. My husband takes his classes the weekend of the 17th-19th. I want to be able to take the class the same time he does.
 
Welcome to SB. You'll love it once you start.
 
That was a Discover Dive? It sounds like you have already done 1/2 of the open water exercises!

I'm happy to hear it was a positive experience.

Equalization gets a lot easier with frequent practice. Part of it is skill and part of it is physical conditioning of your tubes.

Pete
 
Welcome to scuba board, glad to see you here and have a wonderful and safe weekend. ~~~Babe~~~
 
Welcome aboard. You may also want to consider a private session with an instructor. Sometimes the pace of a group class doesn't help if you are having an equalization issue. When I was teaching (I certified over 200 Open Water students), I only had one that actually had a physical problem we couldn't get past but I had several that took a few session in the pool to get the proper method down.

Good Luck
 
spectrum:
That was a Discover Dive? It sounds like you have already done 1/2 of the open water exercises!

I'm happy to hear it was a positive experience.

Equalization gets a lot easier with frequent practice. Part of it is skill and part of it is physical conditioning of your tubes.

Pete
Click to expand...

Yeah that was just the Discover Scuba. The only thing I didn't do in class was tread water for 15 mins., no mask swim & few other exercises. My instructor only suggested that I remove my mask completely. It wasn't required for that class but I did it with no problem. I had a great instructor.
 
aquanex:
Welcome aboard. You may also want to consider a private session with an instructor. Sometimes the pace of a group class doesn't help if you are having an equalization issue. When I was teaching (I certified over 200 Open Water students), I only had one that actually had a physical problem we couldn't get past but I had several that took a few session in the pool to get the proper method down.

Good Luck
Click to expand...


The Discover Scuba class was a private lesson. My instructor also suggested that I might need private classes that way she can spend more one on one time with me & I won't get left behind if I can't complete one of the exercises. I hope when I go back Thrusday evening that I am able to equalize because I really want to be able to take my classes this weekend when my Husband takes his classes.
 
Thanks to everyone for the welcomes & the advice. This is a great website & I am looking forward to the awesome world of Diving.
 
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