Equalising at 60m+

[Walrus]

Hi All,
I'm curious

I've read and understand the technique that Eric Fattah uses to equalize at great depths but wondering what people did before this.

ie Mayol & Majorca, Pipin...
I've read that Pipin & Umberto used 'Water equalisation' past 100m, but what did they(or do they) do at 50-100m.

Were they also exhaling air into their cheeks, then using some method to equalise once they got past the point where there is no air left in their lungs ?

If not, how the jeepers did they do it ?
Super stretchy lungs ?

When diving down most people lungs keep compressing until they reach their Residual volume, somewhere around 40-60m depending on the person ?
(Don't know the exact numbers just guessing)

Then past this where does the air come from to equalise ?

Any one got any clues ?


Thanks in advance,
Walter

 

[Erik]

Walter, those guys were in a "head up" position, which would make all the difference I think. Of course I've never done sled diving, but I know that heads up would allow more useable air for equalising. Dive to 30 metres on a line, noting the effort required to suck the air up into your mouth, then turn heads up, and sink further: you will notice that at that point it seems as if there is a lot more air for your mask and ears.
Cheers,
Erik Y.

 

[Walrus]

Erik,

I know Pipin & Umberto always did the sled rides "head up" like you said, but I'm pretty sure that back when Mayol & Majorca were doing it it was still heads down.

I know that's what they did in the movie, but then everyone who's seen it knows it's not very historically correct.

 

[Erik]

You're correct, they were heads down. I suspect they were using the same technique that Eric describes. Nobody was talking before the internet.
I discivered this technique on my own, after having problems breaking 26 metres. It came naturally as I pushed myself deeper, but took some practice. Maybe the early guys discovered it in the same way? Eric's article defined it, wheras I don't think Enzo and Jacques were telling people about their methods.....not a whole lot of people were asking, either!
Chers,
Erik Y.