Tabascocat
Registered
A word of advice from a real world perspective. AS a DM in many places being able to easily free dive to free an anchor, or recover an X is something that is not even supposed to be a slight issue.
Figure out what your issue is with equalization before you gte much further. Usually in free diving is it using the hands to swim and getting behind on the equalization, instead of leaving the surface with a properly performed tuck dive.
Not to scold but free diving is an OW class skill, supposed to be mastered in the OW course. Granted most instructors can't freedive so of course they cannot teach it the their OW divers either, but freediving matters. Swimming without Mask Fin Snorkel is a hangover from the LA County Lifeguards being the first scuba training agency. But Freediving matters.
I will work on this. Watched a few videos and read some articles. Evidently, I am heading down way too fast and just going for the gusto and not paying enough attention to equalizing. I go down fast because my lung capacity is not what it needs to be at. Doesn't help I focus on whats upcoming instead of tucking my chin under either. Lots of good tips I have found.
Now, off to find a place to practice in South Houston with visibility over a foot

As for my contacts, I will look into getting a mask with lenses in them if I decide to go the DM route. My dad has them and loves it, still diving at 67 too.