AN INTRODUCTION TO FREEDIVING EQUALISATION TECHNIQUES

BY BASSEL OUNAH – INSTRUCTOR TRAINER & FREEDIVING JUDGE

Freediving, also known as breath-hold diving, is a popular activity for people who enjoy the thrill of diving without using scuba equipment. One of the most critical skills in freediving is equalisation, which allows divers to safely and comfortably descend to deeper depths.

Equalisation is maintaining equal pressure in the middle ear and the surrounding environment during a dive. As a diver descends, the pressure of the water around them increases, which can cause the eardrum to become painful, or even rupture if not adequately equalised.

There are several techniques that divers can use to equalise their ears, including the “Valsalva manoeuvre,” the “Frenzel manoeuvre,” and the “Mouthfill manoeuvre.” The Valsalva manoeuvre involves pinching the nose and blowing gently against it to force air into the middle ear. The Frenzel manoeuvre involves tensing the back of the throat and blowing gently to force air into the middle ear. In the Mouthfill manoeuvre, we have air in the oral cavity and the tongue is down so we can charge more air into the mouth. With this manoeuvre, we first press with the jaw, then with the cheeks, and then with the tongue.

Another vital aspect of equalisation is learning how to equalise at the right time. Many divers make the mistake of waiting too long to equalise, which can cause discomfort or injury. It is essential to start equalising as soon as the descent begins, and to continue equalising throughout the dive.

It’s also vital not to over equalise. It’s easy to become obsessed and end up doing too much, which can lead to injury. The key is to find the right balance between equalising enough to avoid discomfort and equalising too much.

Equalisation is essential for any freediver and should be practiced and mastered before attempting deeper dives. With proper technique and timing, divers can safely and comfortably explore the ocean’s depths.

IN CONCLUSION:

Freediving equalisation is a crucial skill that allows divers to safely and comfortably descend to deeper depths. It involves using techniques such as the Valsalva, Frenzel, and Mouthfill manoeuvres to maintain equal pressure in the middle ear, and the surrounding environment. It’s important to start equalising as soon as the descent begins, and to continue equalising throughout the dive. With practice and patience, divers can master this skill and safely explore the ocean’s depths.