looking to improve depth

[willloomy]

okay i have been diving for a year i would like to try to improve my depth i can get to 25-30 feet before i experience pain but my ears make lots of noise while equalizing and it takes a while for my left ear to pop (are they even supposed to pop) basicly does anybody have any tips or is there a guide online that will help me. i dive with a friend who is equal ability to mine so i have some safety. i wanted to take the performance free diving class this summer but it is too expensive right now.
every one on this fourm has been very helpfull so thanks in advance for any help

-will

 

[xstephenx]

How soon after you dive are you equalizing? I am lucky in that I can equalize pretty easily, but my wife has to equalize almost continuously. Maybe try equalizing earlier, or all the way down (equalize on the surface too). Basically, if you stay ahead of your equalizations you should be able to improve. If I fall behind on my equalizations, and end up too deep too fast, I have a really hard time catching back up.

 

[Giobbi]

Ur equalizing to late, try earlier and more often.

 

[JennyWren]

Try slowing down a bit, it could be that you are descending faster than you are able to equalize.

 

[lilhatchet]

Gotta agree with the others equalize early and often if you feel pain it's too late. I scuba I am fairly new to free diving but if you feel pain stop and equalize and if that doesn't work go up a bit and equalize. If you can't equalize get to the surface. You don't want to rupture an eardrum and end your diving for good.