equalizing upside down

[KangJ]

Hi,
im a beginner freediver from singapore, and i know this have been asked several times before.. but i just cant seem to be able to equalize upside down.
Ive tried to learn the frenzel but without proper guidance it doesnt seem to work.
please suggest!

thanks!

 

[Kars]

Can you equalise up side down hanging in air?

 

[red fraggle]

what is really the best method for equalising ?

 

[Kars]

the best?

Well,
One that is easiest to learn?
One that is most energy efficient?
One that provides the most certainty?
One that spans the greatest range of depth?

You see it's a compromise, and or a combination of techniques that allows the best freediving experience / result.

For instance BTV (Bouyoance Tubecolair Voluntair) Voluntary opening of the Eustachian tubes is very nice if you can do it. However it has it's disadvantages too. Difficult to learn, limited range of depth, less forgiving in regard to tiredness and mucus.

You see the question is a bit more complicated.
But if you want a good technique to start, begin with Frenzel. Not very easy to learn, but allows for much better pressure control and greater depths than Valsava and BTV.

Search for the excellent Frenzel Fattah document:
Liquivision : Freediving : equalizing


Love, Courage and Water,

Kars

 

[red fraggle]

thanks for the info.................will definately look it up......


regards

 

[KangJ]

ive tried equalizing with nose clips on a hand stand, but everytime i try, i just feel blood rushing into my head but nothing happens..

 

[Kars]

How does heads up equalising work for you?
and Horizontal?

At what tilt it stops functioning using normal Valsava (nose pinching + lung pressure)?

 

[KangJ]

How does heads up equalising work for you?
and Horizontal?

At what tilt it stops functioning using normal Valsava (nose pinching + lung pressure)?

heads up equalizing works perfectly for me.

at around when i try diving down at more than 45 or 50 degrees depending, i cant valsava any more. ive been trying to learn frezel but without proper guidance.. it just doesnt work.

 

[Phil C]

It's not uncommon for people with tight tubes to find thay lose the ability to equalise head down. Possibly due to the E-tube opening flopping closed when inverted. Suggest you to to a swimming pool with your dive buddy and experiment equalising keeping the head neutral - 3 finger width chin to chest. Have him/her rotate you and see where / if you lose the ability.

 

[Kars]

Nice one Phil,

In addition, I suggest you work out those equalisation muscles.
This company may be able to help you out: EUSTACHIAN TUBE, EUSTACHIAN TUBE INSTITUTE, EUSTACHIAN + ENT :: ENT SWITZERLAND :: GENEVE ORL :: ORL GENEVA
I have not tested their service, nor know of their techniques, so I love to hear of anyone having more insights how to deal with this not so uncommon problem.

Thanks.

 

[_Aaron_]

From a newbie...

The Frenzel method worked for me this summer when i realized that I also couldn't equalize head down. It takes a lot of practice and concentration, and you might need to try a few different things to get through the first couple steps of holding your breath with a neutral palate.

One set of instructions you can find links to in this forum talks about using a slightly inflated balloon to check your technique and to practice. If you haven't tried that, do so.

Don't read too much into the fattah mouthfill technique, as that's not important for what us beginners need to know!

Again, it takes practice on land. practice in front of the TV, driving, on the bus, riding your bike, all the time. Other people might wonder why you're making some funny faces, but it's worth it. Then, in the water, it takes a LOT of concentration on your first couple times out!

 

[Phil C]

Many people (myself included) cannot equalise head down (in air or water) with the valsalva. The Frenzel usually solves that.

If you are struggling with learning to Frenzel and want to do some research have a look at the links section on our website: http://www.aucklandfreediving.co.nz/

Using a balloon to check you have the soft palate in the neutral position is quite useful, another way is to use a camelback bladder with a couple of phonebooks sitting on top and the hose in your mouth.

Good luck,

Phil