how deep do you go?

[new_z]

This is more for guys that are new, but anyone chime in. I have only done the 14ft in a pool, and my ears start to hurt once i get to the bottom. I'm sure there are lots of posts on what to do and how to fix this, but im just curious on what depths you guys are playing with.
Thanks!!!
Mike

 

[lungfish]

Hi New_Z!
Welcome!
If I understand your post correctly you are asking two questions. One is about the pain in your ears, which is corrected through equalization of pressure in the ear cavities and other spaces in your head and mask. The other is about diving depths.

I will offer one caveat before proceeding: don't learn how to freedive from a forum. It is a great source of info but nothing beats taking a course. You wouldn't learn how to mountain climb on your own, don't learn to freedive by yourself. Take a course.

If you pinch your nose as you read this and GENTLY pressurize your ears until you feel the eardrum turn convex, you will have completed an equalization. There are many different techniques for equalizing pressures in body cavities but the simplest is to hold your nose on descent while gently countering the pressure as it builds. It is as easy as falling down once you learn how. Next time you are heading down to 14ft try it, gently of course.

Regarding how deep we go, most of us don't broadcast our personal bests. I will tell you that members here range from surface snorkelers to world record class divers who can reach most of 100meters. Most of us who are active divers are diving somewhere between 25 and 60meters. I was below 40meters this morning. It isn't that deep for experienced divers.

I will tell you that many people who take freediving courses like those here at deeperblue and Performance Freediving are pleasantly surprised when they discover that they can reach most of 30meters with some good instruction on basic technique. I did 28meters in my first class...

Many of us don't dive for competition. Some are pursiuit divers, like spearfishermen. Some of us just like to swim inside a pod of dolphins at 18meters and be welcomed. Animals treat you very differently as a freediver, especially if you understand body language and use it. Check out my journal entries (Lungfish Chronicles) here at deeperblue.net for some fun stories...

Lungfish

 

[new_z]

Awesome info! I apolgize for being random, i just have millions of ?'s and being in korea, im not taking a class anytime soon i want to free/scuba dive. I want to be a PJ, and it all starts under/in the water.
Thanks again!

 

[lungfish]

Sure,
Happy to share. You can learn alot from these forums. I bet that if you looked around you would find freedivers in Korea. In fact, aren't the Amu a freediving culture that hunts and harvests by breath-hold diving?
Anyway, there is quite a bit of info and most of us appreciate the chance to think about issues and make certain that we understand what we are doing. So ask questions.
Be careful, freediving is dangerous.
Lungfish