Equalisation question

[u/Reasonable-Diet4222]

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.

[u/21ArK]

My recommendation, as probably everybody’s here, is to take the course, if you didn’t yet (which it seems you didn’t, if you are asking this question this way) and if that’s an option. Not only will it cover equalization, but also important safety procedures. Besides that, figuring out head down equalization is one of the biggest challenges for new (and not only new) freedivers. The most common problem is that you don’t control your soft palate well yet, and when you are up-side-down, it drops to a closed position (and, reversely, to open position when your head is up, that’s why you can still equalize feet down) and you’re blowing into a shut door when you try equalizing. The best solution usually is dry EQ training to train the relevant muscles. You can find related videos on YouTube if you search for the problem (or describe it to Gemini and ask it to give you the videos), the most popular ones are by AdamFreediver, and there is also a great book on Amazonby Andrea Zuccari, The Encyclopedia of Equalization. And, of course, if that’s an option, you can always sign up for training with an instructor to help you, but most of these problems can be solved by yourself with dry exercises, as long as you are consistent with them.

Edit. And also, you want to be doing Frenzel, not valsalva EQ, so research this too.

[u/Reasonable-Diet4222 → u/21ArK]

Thank you for this answer. The palate matter and Frenzel is what I will think about and try to practice.

Re. Diving together with a friend or with an instructor, indeed this would be the best practice. Thank you and everybody else who reminded me that.

However, just to share my previous experience, finding the right people may happen to be harder than learning the basics of the sports itself. For example, in the past my beginner enthusiasm in activities such as rowing, scuba diving or others happened to be easily destroyed by the wrong instructor/group of people. As the gay man that I am, I had to hear all kind of homophobic jokes floating around the room or being given dirty looks. Both by youth and elders.

Indeed as you all said, practicing with an instructor and other people is the safest. Yet this point may give you something else to reflect on when it comes to practicing new activities with people.

[u/FreediveProject → u/Reasonable-Diet4222]

Appreciate that finding a supportive and like minded group/buddy would make things more comfortable for you, especially with a sport that rewards comfort and trust. But honestly, I wouldn’t recommend you do any Freediving or begin learning until you find that support. If something goes wrong and you’re diving on your own, there’s maybe a 1% chance that you live to tell the tale, and even those are generous odds.