[cdavis]

Not sure what level you are, so hope this is helpful.

Try to make the first 1/2 of the dive as relaxed and as close to zero exertion as you can. Try not to move at all until you feel the first urge to breath. Get your weighting and surface dive technique down pat so it takes very little energy to get to your depth. Exhaling a little bit won't hurt your bottom times if you are very relaxed and might make it much easier to get down, resulting in net more bottom time. Overall, relax, relax, relax. Don't hyperventilate.

Good luck

Connor