10 Common FREEDIVING EQUALIZATION Mistakes (and how to fix them)
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- Опубликовано: 15 июл 2024
- When freediving, equalization mistakes are easily made. In this video we'll go over the most 5 common freediving equalization mistakes beginning freedivers make - and how to fix them. 🐬🐬 WATCH NEXT: This EQ Technique took me to 30m+ bit.ly/3nVWIOh
➡️ My website:
www.gertleroy.com
This channel is all about mastering freediving. Topics covered are breathing techniques, breath holds, mind mastering & meditation methods, as well as breath holding and being in the water.
Gert Leroy is a certified freediving instructor, 1x national record holder, and a freediving RUclipsr. His passion is to bring to you the experience of peace through the practicing of skilled breathing & breath holding techniques of freedivers. He helps you master freediving.
#Freediving #Underwater #Ocean
TIMESTAMPS
10 Common FREEDIVING EQUALIZATION Mistakes (and how to fix them)
00:00 intro
00:41 mistake #1 relying on valsalva
01:57 mistake #2 no dry equalization
04:14 mistake #3 no equalize frequently
06:21 mistake #4 looking at the bottom
07:07 mistake #5 forcing equalisation
08:16 mistake #6 not equalizing the mask
09:00 mistake #7 not relaxing enough
10:38 mistake #8 not practising free immersion
12:37 mistake #9 not analyzing
13:39 mistake #10 not trying feet first
14:50 bonus mistake: not having enough patience 
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The fins you recommend are out of stock. I just bought some Cressi pro stars?
0:45 this is about 0.06 bar pressure difference, so i think this is not exactly much
@@CarlSellers-js2ss sure. always good!
@@wormball not sure what you're referring to. 0:45 is about valsalva technique vs frenzel
@@gertleroy he says it does not work cos you go down in head down position so you are working against "enormous" water pressure. 1:05 However he himself says it is 60 cm of height, so i would not call this enormous.
Physiology of everyone is so different, was struggling to equalize my left ear, and as funny as it sounds, the only thing that helped me is smiling during equalization, instantly was able to euqualize both ears
the smile technique !
Awww thanks for that comment. Have problems with my left ear too. Smiling is always worth a try!
I love your attitude. I love that you say that you are there to learn things about yourself.
Freediving is the school of life. I wish I had started earlier 🙏
Thanks so much for all your videos! I get so much motivation out of them and always want to dive after watching a video!
You are so welcome!
Thank you very much! I'll have my first free diving course upcoming weekend and this video has definitely reassured me. Will remember the advices!
The content of your videos is just impressive. The quality went up a lot too - you've made great progress. I hope you reach broader audience and your sub count goes up.
Thank you so much Miazga! Really warms my heart ❤️ I put a lot of effort in these videos so it's good to know I'm heading the right direction. ✌️✌️
Another great video Gert, you show some talent as a comedian too😂, also very cool of you to include Harry Chamas from Freedive Passion in your video. The “relaxed legs” observation makes a lot of sense I had never thought os it but it’s so true. Good job man👏🏻
thanks Antonio. yeah there is so much you can say about a person's technique. so much you can tell from looking at a video. Glas you enjoy my videos :-)
This video is absolutely great, so helpful! Thanks Gert!!
glad it helps!!
Thank you for your educational videos, no matter how much research I do, I always find a small piece of information that makes a significant difference. And so, to your question, my biggest mistake was to not equalize early enough. Being somewhat naturally comfortable in the water since I was a child I would neglect to be proactive, and would only equalize after beginning to feel uncomfortable. At that time I wasn't aware that freediving was a thing and was completely unaware of any education pertaining to the sport including the risks, and opportunities for improvement.
Thanks for your feedback Adrian! Yes.. frequent eq is the key 🗝️
Hey, Man! I just want you to know that your efforts in making this video is very much appreciated!
My pleasure!
just getting my freediving certification. very much appreciate the video-- very comforting! That first time you forget to equalize, ouch! (and then many more ouches when you don't do it well...)! First time you get it kind of right though, passable at least, it's awesome!
Great! Try to be conscious about what it is you did when it worked. Then repeat 😁
My biggest equalization issue was I was not equalizing until I stopped on the rope while climbing down the rope. I learned that I had to equalize while I was moving or it would mess me all up.
One hand pulls, the other EQs ✌️
Gert thankyou so much for this video I ended up here becuase today and yesterday afternoon I am analysing myself n trying to see where I am going wrong in my technique and by watching the wisdom you impart in this video .. I can see a few mistakes already . One I am looking at the bottom n competing with myself essentially also I also noticed my diaphragm moving when trying frenzal so now I know the next stage in my jour ey before I can progress is more relaxation and also proper posture aswell as focus on equalising properly .. thankyou 😊 retaking my level 2 aida in a month so I will reach this before the season is over (:
Wow I can't believe how much this worked, thank you.
You're welcome!
Thankyou so much! Im in Dahab and i will go ty this now before i take my course !
Thank you for the video brother. Very helpful. Will use these skills and put them into practice. Many thanks from New Zealand 🇳🇿
welcome 🙏
Thanks Gert.... Good reminder
Thanks Bartosz! ✌️
Learn about yourself
👍
Thankyou Mr.Gert
Introspection 😊
Best video ever ! Thank you ❤
Glad you liked it!
Best free diving channel 💯, underrated though! Keep it up, I love what you teach me
I appreciate that! all the best !
Amazing and usefull video as usual! By the way, very nice fins work on gowing down
Thanks! But the fins in that competition that wasn't me 😁 that was alenka artnik ✌️✌️
Thank you so much for the tips sir!
🙏
Your videos helps me a lot.. thanks and dive safe
Glad to hear ! All the best 🙏
Excellent Video !!! Thank you !! 👍
welcome 👏👏
Yeeees.....finally, I understood how to go frenzel.
Ugh, after a few months of trying in the pool, a week at the sea...after this clip, I understood.
Gert, a very big, big thank you
welcooooome 🙏
Thanks mate, that video helped me a lot.
welcome 🙏
Thanks for this!
welcome !
Great video , thankS !
Glad you liked it!
Daaaa.....in sfirsit , am inteles cum sa merg pe frenzel .
Uf , dupa citeva luni de incercari in piscina , o saptamina la mare ....dupa clipul asta , am inteles .
Gert , un foarte mare , mare merci
Nice vid, man!!! I had my 10 seconds of fame too, hahahaha. Thanks for that. Very well explained and easily put so everyone understands.
My biggest mistake while EQ-ing was to forcefully doing it and getting a barotrauma on my left eardrum. It didn't burst, but it had a huge blood mark on it, poor thing. I learned the hard way not to force things and have patience
Haha yeah whenever you comment on my channel there's always a chance you end up in my videos ✌️. Good to hear you learned from the mistakes made all the best ✌️🤶
Thank you for sharring.. and this great video....
You are so welcome
Simple great session
Thanks
Very informative👌and Merry Christmas and dive safe to all
Thanks ! Merry x mas to u 2 🙏
Wowwwww, hold on!
After I tried to equalize by imagining me squeezing my throat, it instantly worked! My ears popped!
Amazing
Thanks a lot!!!
great! 👌👌
Alweer een geslaagde video!
Thanks ma. How's your equalization?
yes, she's my mother! :-)
Thank you so much I hop I can do it one day....
Off course you can 🙏
Congratulations on this video! Super interesting and didactic! Great!
Muchas graçias! (You're probably not hyspanic but I felt like speaking spanish)
@@gertleroy ..de nada! (Don't worry, You did right!, I'm Spanish!) XDDDD
@@alexj.a.7350 uahaha
Thx 👍🏾
PEACE IN EVERY BREATH. new friend here. i am just learning how these things all work
Welcome! Peace 🙏
Wow, I learnt a boat load today (excuse the punn) great video! Can't wait to go and try out these tips this weekend.
Have fun!
Veeeeerrryyy good vidz gert
Congrat !
You’re right : the harder it has been for you, the smarter trainer you will be
I hope you will get more and more subscribers
Merry christmas
Thanks KIX 972!!! my channel is growing i'm happy :-)
And i’ve made all of them 11...
@@kix9726 :-)
Great advise. #4 made me equalized efficiently!
Yep, a common mistake. Not so easy to fix. Requires constant attention to keep the spine straight. Eventually it will become a habit! 😊 Peace 🙏
So where should you look as you descend?
Thank you so much I was using the wrong tehnick all time
It's a constant evolution to master the EQ technique
My first mistake? Not taking a freediving class, having no clue about eq and forcing air in my ears at 60ft. Popped one ear and not the other so I had the WORST case of vertigo for 5 weeks. Only way I got rid of the vertigo was to drive up a high mountain.
damn.. yeah bad things can happen if you don't get a solif base of knowledge first! glad to hear you're doing fine now!
I got it first time, cool
🙏
I struggled big time with equalization until I bought a pair of JBL's Hydro Seals Ear Plugs, those helped me to equalize with almost no effort.
I've never use plugs myself, and it's something we dont do in freediving. interesting to hear this helps for you. why would it help?
11:40 nice shot, putting hands on thighs really helps me w/fin technique
please less in & out camera shots, effective but too much
You offer lots of great advice, a real teacher
thanks James !
Oh !! I just have seen many other videos trying to explain with the T sound and "marshmallow" technique but doesn't work , tried to control my tongue to put it where it's supposed to push blabla failed! THEN you came with that "squeeze your throat" and it seems to work ! Thanks😃 I know why it doesn't work before, i was pushing with the tip of the tongue..
yes you can try many parts of the tongue of the tip dienst work try the back of the tongue which comes down to the idea of "squeeze the throat" 👍👍
I cannot, for the love of Allmother, equalise my ears. For me, diving deeper than 4m might just as well be a magical superpower.
can. learn
You are fantastic! Can you tell me tips for not having reverse block?
learn to EQ properly. reverse block often is the reaukt of pushing too hard on EQ
@@gertleroy thank you very much! I'll try to learn it. 2 years ago i didn't have any peoblem . I eas dining at 20 metres without reverse block. Now at 7-8 metres it starts.. at 5 metres i don't have reverse block. I'll try not to push so much when i equalise
Wow great video! No surprise there, of course :) just hope i have enough brainpower to do all this stuff underwater since the more i learn the more complicated freediving seems 😟
Hmmm, actually it should be the opposite. Once you figure out how to eq it should become something natural so you can focus on just enjoying being underwater. That's when freediving becomes real fun. But yeah, the learning curve can be steep. Dont give up ✌️ the day will come when you master eq and that's when everything changes 😊
@@gertleroy thank you! My biggest (potential) stumbling block is giving up at the first sign of difficulty eg no confidence 😏
I could not overcome the problem of adjusting the ear. After researching, I confirmed that the soft palate closes the breathing holes and prevents adjustment. The solution is to go down to the feet first.
closing of soft palate is a result of (unconscious) stress. The answer is always to relax more. But in order to do so, you need to create a lot of awareness and understand what ls happening.
lol, I've been doing Frenzel the whole time... I always wondered what Frenzel is and was never really keen on changing a running system. What I notice is with open nose I only get small bursts of air back and forth, not a constant stream. With noseclamp I can equalize the whole way down without stop. It's just one long squeek down. I sometimes wonder if other people can hear it haha.
If there is this sound you describe, it's because your EQing to hard. Try doing it more softly. No sound!
@@gertleroy thanks! Quick question: what do you think of ear plugs for diving? I kinda like it but I'm not sure if they can do any harm. I never dive deeper than 10m.
Omg I now know how to do frenzel equalization
what was it in the video that helped you?
@@gertleroy Everything
Thank you @@gertleroy
found your channel while searching for videos about equalization. thank you so much for your keypoints! i will practice more dry equalization with and without my mask, so that when i start my cert. course (in 2wks), i'll be ready.
thank you ! (but isn't the purpose of a course to learn, and not to be ready for it?)
My first mistake was not equalizing often this was I struggle for me, still, I have the problem. I only can go no more than 3 or 4 meters.
3m is about the maximum one an go without equalizing. Maybe you're not equalizing at all.
Noooooo! I'm a natural so I will have trouble being a teacher! I am a swim and scuba instructor who recently got into freediving. Though I don't really know how to teach someone to equalize cause as you said I never had the struggles! I guess I struggle once I get to a certain depth. I literally hit 90ft and that's my mark where it gets hard, I can continue for a bit, then I hit a point where my body is like nope. I'm practicing those deeper dives so I can learn to break that barrier for me. I'd like to be more free to go where I please! I did my personal best when I was more relaxed. I bet I start to look at the bottom and go banana. I guess I can use this experience to help me teach.
Yes, never look down. And relaxation comes when you can trust your buddy. If your buddy has the necessary skills to bring you back up on case needed, and you know (s)he has, then it's easier to relax
That's me at 7:50 hahaha
😎
Hi Gert, and this goes to all those who can help me. I've been watching this video and all other frenzel eq videos for countless of times now without skipping ads hehe 😁 my big concern is, I can't seem to create enough pressure to complete the eq process when performing frenzel. I know I'm able to create a good seal using my vocal fold, because I can keep my stomach sucked in. What else can I do to fix this problem? btw I often hear a sound similar to a squeak, I know I shouldn't hear anything when doing frenzel. I hope someone can help me. Thanks in advance! 👌🏽
Hi Craig it's always good not not skip ads you never know something interesting might pop up! 😂 OK, so working with the feedback you gave me, there is a big contraction you might have missed. The squeak sound comes from too much pressure leaking back through the vocal chords. You do have enough pressure, but the air probably ain't going to your airs because of probably a closed soft pallet. So focus on that. The opening of the soft pallet comes with relaxation. If you try to hard, with too much pressure, it will close. Also, you should perfectly be able to EQ with a relaxed stomach. That's the whole idea of frenzel over valsalva, it's to relax your stomach. You don't even need to focus on closing the vocal chords. This will happen by itself. The only thing you should be mindful of is opening the soft pallet. If too much pressure is building up, it's because of the soft pallet that is closed. It's like your banging against a closed door. Find the key to open the door 😉🗝️🙏
@@gertleroy Thanks for the feedback, Gert. You are right, the squeaking sound may have been due to a leak through my vocal cords and I think I focused too much on the T, K and H tongue position while my tongue is pushing up against my hard and soft pallet. While I'm trying hard to create pressure, I accidentally discovered something that works for me. My tongue is pressed downward similar to when saying HAP. I guess the H tongue position, works best for me, but the tongue is pressing downwards. And yes, EQ can be done with a relaxed stomach, I tried it immediately after reading your feedback. I'm really happy that finally I was able to do Frenzel. Now I can say that I have found the key 🗝 to open the door 😁 I can't wait for my next trip to the pool or the sea to try it. Thank you so much, Gert! I appreciate it big time! 🤿👌🏽
@@_craig. man I'm so glad my advise made you EQ! Awesome 👍👍 one more thing: when you bring the tongue downwards pronouncing H or anything like that, the back of the tongue is actually going up! ✌️(your tongue is longer than you think)
@@gertleroy Thanks again, Gert! You're a big help. Stay safe and healthy! 🤿👌🏽
@@_craig. 🙏
I use frenzel. I've always been .
question!! what should I do if I can't relax enough while diving in the ocean/sea since I have a huge fear of the ocean thats why I decided to do freediving
Start by just swimming in the ocean without diving. Be comfortable swimming. Then start snorkeling. Be comfortable snorkeling. Then do a couple of duck dives. Get used tot that. Go step by step.
Gert, what’s your favorite video, yours or others, on mouthfill equalization?
Hi Forrest! How r u doing? In all honesty for advanced Freediving techniques I dont really watch anything on RUclips. Mouthfill is something I discuss with the people I dive with, it's very personal and you can keep on changing and mastering the technique for years. It's trial and error. On my channel I provide content for beginners, which is about 99% of all people out there interested in Freediving. If you need advice on mouthfill just talk to advanced divers you're diving with 🙏
thank you very nice instructive video, I have problems equalizing the right ear, I have undergone surgery on the nasal septum, turbinatti and maxillary sinusitis. but I still can't compensate I'm trying to learn the frenzel, I would like to ask you how to position the tongue on the upper or lower teeth. thanks again greetings from italy merry christmas
Hi Maurizio! The resting position of the tongue is against the upper teeth, not on the lower teeth. From there, try to activate the back of the tongue (or throat like I explain in the video). It's like your tongue is curling itself up between the upper teeth and the back of your throat. Merry x mas 🎉
@@gertleroy thanks I will try the maneuver and immediately subscribe to your channel. I hope with your help to learn all the technique, forgive any mistakes
I use the translator
Merry Christmas
@@mauriziogiasan4411 haha no worries. All the best 🙏
Hi sir, I do have a question but I just want to know if you still reply comments. Important question because I am doing spearfishing and I'm having trouble with my ear. I will write my question if you reply my comment, i just want to make sure that you are still responding to your subscribers. Oh yeah i just sub, your content and as a professional diver, it really means a lot to me, it helped me alot..
I can equalize feet first, but when I have to turn upside down then the struggle begins. I found it as force equalization that all the air are just in my head like my head will burst instead of my ears.
stress is the cause. you first need to learn to relax being upside down. Physically this comes down to opening the soft palate. It's probably closed.
Thanks a lot of your 10 tips!
My pleasure
...And first mask eq than
ears and sinus to prevent air vacuum
mask EQ is needed when you're already at a certain depth. it depends on how big your mask is. with a low volume freediving mask you won't have to EQ the mask on the first few meters.
@@gertleroyOh sure, What I was saying is that in my opinion is better to eq first the mask at certain depths, and than the ears to prevent a negative pressure in the mask that would suck the air from oral and nose cavity when one attempt to equalize the ears
@@deepbluewaterful you EQ the ears every half a meter. in between, from time to time, you EQ the mask, before it starts creating the vacuum. 🙏
@@gertleroy🙏
Thank you sir.
🙏
Hi!!My left frontal sinus hurts very often, at 5-6 meters deep, could it be because my left ear doesn't equalize very easily?
(I have a slightly crooked diaphragm and nothing else).
Is the solution to equalize louder? Because two years i can't find the problem (ether the doctors)
Thanks (and) for your beautiful videos!
it's probably all about your EQ technique. You need to learn to EQ properly. Watch my playlist EQ techniques for freediving (people always look for external reasons on why they can't EQ whereas the real problem is the EQ technique)
The first time I tried to equalize while diving I blew out both eardrums at around 30' down(~10m). One of the worst experiences of my life
please watch my Playlist equalization techniques for freediving
Here's my answer to the question: I didn't know to equalize my mask and took the eye pain as normal. I came home with bloodshot eyes. Interestingly though, recently I forget to equalize mask at the same depth, but I haven't been feeling pressure in my mask. I wonder why?
unconsciously air might have gone through your nose into your mask
When I thought equalization only applies when I’m already in the deep water😅
it starts at the surface! 🙏
Is popping sound in ear is a must in equalizing as you go deeper?
please watch my Playlist equalization techniques for freediving
Amazing how much air lungs hold .
Diaphragmatic breathing! 🤞🤞
Gert is there a limit on how deep we can go with a mask? Is there a certain depth where we could no longer blow air into the mask?
there is no limit but usually deeper divers prefer nose clip and goggles because of the moutfil techniqyue which requires the nose to be pinched the whole time. Usually after residual volume (deeper than 40m) it becomes more difficult to EQ with mask, but that doenst' mean it's impossible
Does an uneven diaphragm play any role in equalisation? My diaphragm is not even and I find it extremely difficult to equalise especially after a long time out of water.
i have no knowledge of that. as long as you can fill your lungs with air you should be fine.
I can equalize easily one ear with Valsava or Frenzel - but the left ear is just "stuck" and very very hard to equalize. "Forcing" it is of course not good for my right ear. Any tips for that?
Go see a doctor.. good luck 🤞
ive never done this before so i will sound dumb but when holding your nose do you breath in or try to push air out?
please watch all videos on the Playlist EQUALIZATION FOR FREEDIVING
Does any of you have a huge pain in the back of the eye after trying to do some equalization? Is it because I do it with my eyes opened and I should do it with them closed? I feel as if the air is going to the back of my eye cavity and not my ear... Any of you having this problem and how to fix it? Thank you guys!
EQ with your eyes open. No need to close them. EQ gently, don't use a lot of pressure. The pressure you use shouod almost be unnoticeable
The Octopus comment. LOL
😂😂
Hey Gert, Ik kijk al een tijdje naar je video's en ik wil ook beginnen met freediven, ik heb echter 1 probleem. Wanneer ik heb 'gequalized' lukt het perfect, maar wanneer ik terug naar boven ga, komt de druk terug. Een beetje vergelijkbaar met als je hoog in de bergen zit en je oren voelen vol lucht, deze druk krijg ik er alleen uit door te gapen of mijn mond ver te open spreiden boven water. Doe ik iets fout? Alvast bedankt. Top video trouwens!
Kan zijn wat we reverse block noemen. Wanneer he terug naar boven gaat moet alles relax zijn. Geen stress in de mond, keel.. en wanneer naar beneden Dan oet je zachtjes EQen, Niet hard. Je kan dit enkel oplossen tijdens een cursus met een Instructeur. Dit sport van problemen Los je Niet op via RUclips
@@gertleroy Erg bedankt! Fijne dag nog.
@@g.v7302 🙏
Possible only now since doctor removed ear wax, left ear much worse
sorry to hear that
Do you have any info on sinus problems? No mucus involved, I get pain sometimes at the top of nose/ eyebrow area
Normally your sinuses get equalized when you eq your ears. So one should not pay attention to eqing of the sinuses. But if this would not happen , It might be your technique that is responsible for this, and you might wanna try out little variations of what you're doing to see if anything changes. Also try to eq just a little more to see if you can eq the sinusses. Good luck 🤞
@@gertleroy thanks for your reply, been spearfishing for 40 years and this is a recent thing. Inflammation I suppose , hard on my spirit when I can't go
@@russellpurdie it can be inflammation. But I wouldn't rule out technique. Just because it happened after 40 years doesn't mean it can't be techniques. Maybe it is inflammation, but I can be solved with technique? My advice would be to try out different ways of eq and see if anything you come up with helps. Good luck 🤞
@@gertleroy your explanation of frenzel is very good I didn't understand it but after just trying it the way you describe I realized I've been doing it in my own way for along time, lol, I will endeavour to refine my technique, always learning, thanks
@@russellpurdie great. i remember i had some sinus pain as well when i started diving again after the first lockdown this year. So i thought damn.. i might have some problems here.. only to refine my technique 10 minutes later and gone was the sinus problem :-) Good luck and let us know if things worked out for you!
I forgot to add water to my wet siut hood, and on 6 meters I turned back:)
yes without letting water in chances are the hood will create a vacuum with your ears, making it impossible to equalize
I can't seem for the life of me to equalize
whatever form of equalization I attempt, I only feel it in my right ear.
even when swallowing, I barley feel anything on my left so I really struggle to dive deeper than one meter without feeling intense, almost unbearable pressure.
could I be doing something wrong?
Have you ears checked up by a doctor first.
2 minutes 20 until the real 8nfo started. A bit much .
I equalize hands free but don't need to swallow, just make my ears "click" from the moment I start defending. If I have not dived in a long time then way before getting in the water. You can control any muscle in your body. I just do it.
why when i equalize only one ear pop?
poor technique
Can ear barotrauma make you not dive again?
If i have ear plugs in. Do i still have to equalize?
Don't use earplugs. And yes you'll have to
@@gertleroy oh. Okay Thanks
‘squeeze your throat’ won like and subscribe!
That's how it worked for me 💪💪
Training to go into the sea by diving with feet first????
feet first on a line. as a preparation for head down if EQ would be to difficult
Please help. Everytime iv’e been equalizing for example while flying with an airplane, it has worked perfectly but when I tried in water I got much pain in my right ear and the pain lasted for a few hours I think. I don’t know why that is happening?
in the water is much different than dry. in the water you need to learn to relax and you do that by mastering all the skills that freediving requires. i other words you need to learn to freedive
@@gertleroy ok but what do you think the pain was?
@@Alex-lq4dc the pain comes from the pressure of the water. you eardrum comes under pressure as you dive deeper without equalizing . the pain can stay for some time. you need to learn to EQ
@@gertleroy I was maybe 1 meter underwater and when I tried to hold my nose and blow air into my ear I instantly got pain in my right ear
@@Alex-lq4dc please watch all videos in my playlist EQUALIZATION FOR FREEDIVING
my mistakew was my nose was to small for my mask
aah yes the mask has to be a good fit