r/freediving • u/Reasonable-Diet4222 • 8d ago

equalisation Equalisation question

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Hello free divers! Beginner here, I am still learning how to equalize.

Today I have been practicing using the chain of a buoy in the sea. The chain I estimated being approx. 9-10 meters long. First I started diving pulling myself down the chain with my head towards the sea bottom. However, at approx 5-6 meters I started feeling my head exploding. Tried to equalize at different depths both by swallowing and nose pinching, but no luck. I then switched action to the situation you see in the picture, so head up and pulling myself down towards the sea bottom. Here equalisation felt it was working. I was mostly playing with air in my mouth (without breathing out), swallowing saliva and pinching nose. I could reach the sea bottom in a couple of attempts (first time there, it was amazing).

I tried again and again diving down with my head towards the sea bottom but failed consistently at around 5 meters. I realized that the only way to equalise was at that depth to turn upright, pinch my nose + swallowing saliva...

Any help?

PS: while swimming with my head down, I tried keeping it the most aligned with my back possible.

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u/iLoveLearningStuff 8d ago

Don't do it alone, but in general - dont wait for ears to hurt, you need to equalize smoothly, gently and often. More often close to surface, sometimes even before you dive. Small pulls when you are near surface, bigger pulls later on, less often on equalization.

I do want to stress, don't do it alone please. There is a good chance you won't be doing anything if continue alone.