equalization barrier?

[azapa]

I got stuck and 12m too a few years back. I can promise though that a years work and constant diving will remove that barrier easily as the desire to go deeper grows! All spearos I have ever met eventually and naturally (no training at all) switch to more efficient methods such as Frenzel as away to get down there.

 

[sai]

Unfortunately I don't have access to open water and every visit in the dive tower costs a whole lot (including the ride), so I can't really train depths as often as I would like to do it in the future. :t
But I've gathered some ideas while reading through the forum. The most promising so far seems to be to stop at the depth I fail, turn horizontal, equalize and go deeper.
My head position was not really neutral or even tucked in most of the time.
I think I'll also do some static or finning around at 15m, just to get used to the depth. I must admit I'm not 100% comfortable with it so far. :t

 

[maui400]

You can do a lot of training for depth even in a pool of about 4-5m. You can even simulate a dive of at least 40-50m in a pool by exhaling completely (not for beginners though!).
But you can practice Frentzel in a pool quite well:
Close your epiglottis and use only the air in your mouth for equalization.
There are also Frentzel exercises you can do on land.
(Frentzel-Fattah)

Most important is to be relaxed. My first dive this year in a COLD lake didn't work out well, because I was rather stressed. After I got used to the conditions + depth, everything worked much better.

 

[sai]

Our pool depth is 3.5m. What can I expect from a passive exhale at that depth?

 

[azapa]

you can expect trachea squeeze and other nastiest if you are not careful. Only do that type of training with someone who can watch you and who has experience in it. It can really hurt you. Take care.

 

[maui400]

For Frentzel training I would start with normal inhalation. First step is to do a Frentzel equalization at all, regardless how much you did inhale.
Check the forum + google. There are lots of exercises and infos around Frentzel.

 

[sai]

I did several tests to check if I'm using Frenzel or Vasalva, all came out positive for Frenzel.
Another thing I noticed is that everytime I do a Frenzel, I also open the e-tubes (like a BTV). If I concentrate on not opening them, it takes a lot more pressure to get the tubes open, even on land and sitting. So maybe when my body tension rises while descending I forget to use the muscles to open them voluntary and the increased pressure difference makes it impossible to open them.
I hope you can follow me. hehe

 

[azapa]

look at the "divers ear" video here: Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page

 

[maui400]

So maybe when my body tension rises while descending I forget to use the muscles to open them voluntary and the increased pressure difference makes it impossible to open them.
I hope you can follow me. hehe

Yes, sounds like a relaxation problem. Try to do it in the pool.

 

[sai]

Yay I was down to -20m today. My first goal is reached. :inlove
You were all right, it's about relaxation and keeping calm and getting used to depth.

 

[retaw]

gongrats Sai, great performance, keep up)))