What is the most effective way to descend while maintaining orientation and attempting equalization of the ears?

Descending feet first is considered the most effective method for maintaining orientation and facilitating ear equalization. When divers descend in this position, they can easily see their surroundings and keep their body aligned in the water, which helps in avoiding disorientation that could occur with other descent positions.

Furthermore, this head-up approach assists in managing the pressure changes felt in the ears. Divers can use their arms to signal to their dive buddy or to adjust their position without difficulty while keeping their ears in an easier position for equalization. The feet-first position also allows for natural body instinct to adjust to depth changes, which can help in maintaining balance and stability as the diver descends.

This technique encourages a gradual approach to equalization with the ears, as divers can take a moment to focus on the equalization process, such as pinching their nose and blowing gently to prevent discomfort. In contrast, other positions might inadvertently inhibit effective equalization or make it harder to maintain a steady orientation underwater.