what is packing

[fishon]

I keep seeing a lot about packing, but I don't really know what it is or when/why to do it. Thanks for any explanations. I figure it must be important since I see so much about it. Thanks again.

 

[Veronika]

Hi,
packing gives you a little extra air in your lungs. The procedure is explained in the famous document by Eric Fattah which can be found here: http://www.ericfattah.com/equalizing.html .
Apart from that, just give it a try and search on db, there are heaps of threads on this topic.
HTH,

Veronika

 

[Pezman]

You can also find highly technical explanations of packing and its physiological effects using the term "buccal pumping"

One of the papers that you'll turn up is this one, which is specific to breath-hold diving and pretty readable.

 

[fishon]

if it makes you faint what's so good about it? I was trying it and it didnt feel too good, I couldnt hold it in. But thats probably because I was overdoing it.

 

[naiad]

Originally posted by fishon
if it makes you faint what's so good about it?

It is possible to pack without fainting, and it can give a lot of extra air, but packing is probably not necessary for the beginner.

I don't find that it increases my static times at all, but for depths I will try it (I haven't done depths yet).

Lucia