equalization trouble

[Mike Newman]

I'm a beginner. I went diving with an experienced friend in a lake today and had a difficult time going deeper than 15 - 20 feet. Actually getting to 20 feet was very difficult. I couldn't equalize. I seem to do well until I pass about 10 feet then my head and ears hurt and I need to stop and maybe go up a foot or two to equalize. Then I try to dive down again but get more pain and I try but cant equalize any more. So I either level off or just come back up. My friend said it's time to go on deeper blue, so here I am. Any advice?
Somewhere on another thread someone mentioned rope training to learn to equalize. Would this work for me maybe? If so, how would I go about it?

 

[Simos]

There are many threads on equalisation, try searching on here and you'll find lots of advice. It just takes some practice - it's all about technique and relaxation.

Descending slowly feet first on a rope can help, you can also try descending at a shallow angle to 10-15 ft (instead of vertically down).

Be relaxed and keep your head at the neutral position - equalise often and especially in the first 5-10 ft. Remember if you are having trouble and pain at 10-15 ft you have failed to equalise earlier (first 5-10 ft). Equalising (gently) on the surface just before you dive can help with those first few feet which are tricky.

Remember - don't try to force equalisations, never blow hard out of frustration if you can't do it, you will only end up hurting yourself. If you feel any ear pain while descending come immediately up, don't try going deeper for any reason. If you've felt pain it's usually too late and you should have equalised earlier..

 

[Mike Newman]

Thanks Simos, I had tried searching the forums but had trouble finding anything. Then I noticed that I was only displaying threads from the last month. When I changed that I found many more threads. One lead me here : Prevention of Middle Ear Barotrauma
which I found very helpful.

 

[Simos]

Great - there is lots of freediving specific info on DB. It just takes practice and some patience, just don't force things

 

[apfire26]

Just curious, where are you from Mike?

 

[Mike Newman]

The Dalles, Oregon - Why?

 

[apfire26]

The Dalles, Oregon - Why?

Oh. Your name sounded kinda familiar like someone around my area. Figured id ask even though I knew it was a long shot, I'm getting desperate for people to dive with...I'm sure it shows, lol.

 

[Mike Newman]

I understand. My buddy is more than 100 miles away. I'm 3 hours from the ocean. My biggest problem is training safely. I have no one here to practice with.
I'm sure I will figure something out.