Sam2000

Hi,

Just something I've been wondering for a while.

I read in places that people regulary dive to 100 foot, which is 30 meters. How on Earth do you manage it?

When I am swimming my ears and head start to hurt at three meters, I can manage four but no further than that. Obviously when I am swimming I am literally just relying on a good intake of air before I descend to supply me with oxygen. When scuba diving does the equipment allow you to go deeper?

Thanks,

Sam.

Scuba Mama

Yes, scuba allows you to equalize your ears on the way down. You learn how during your first few pool sessions. Much like flying in a airplane you learn to use clearing so your ears don't hurt.

Recreational divers in the U.S. are taught that 130 feet is maximum depth (experience divers with deep training), technical divers start at 170 feet.

Sam2000

Awesome, I was starting to get worried. I'd look pretty stupid going for a dive and getting stuck at three meters.

BanditDJB

Once you learn to equalize your ears you could be at 80ft and feel like your at 20ft. I am new to diving but that was the first thing we learned to do once we started to really dive. I learned to equalize in a 15ft pool and it works the same all the way down to 85ft (which is the deepest I've been), You just have to remember to do it often and before you start to feel any pain in your ears. When I went to 85ft I found myself equalizing every 2-3 feet on the way down. Whatever you do don't be embarassed to abort your dive if you can't equalize, you would be better off being able to hear than to keep your pride. On the last trip I went on my wife and I dove with a bunch of airforce guys and one of them had to abort his dive because he couldn't clear his ears and I'll tell you not one person made fun of him, in fact we all praised him on being safe. Next time you swim down to 15ft try to equalize on your way down at maybe 7ft and then again once you reach your 15ft goal, and you should be able to because I don't think the equipment is what helps people to fix that problem, its just a technique and you should be able to get your ears to stop hurting. Always be safe and I hope you enjoy your diving!