Equalizing for Freediving and Scuba Diving

Scuba diving, and its daredevil cousin freediving, are incredible ways of seeing the world that exists below the surface of the ocean. Diving that deep can be risky, the immense pressure of the deep water means that you’ll need to learn how to safely equalize before you surface.

What is Equalizing?

Equalizing is the process of adjusting the air pressure in your body to the water pressure around you. This must be done periodically to compensate for the difference in pressure between the water and your body’s airspaces. Your sinuses, ears, trachea, lungs, and stomach all contain air that expands and contracts due to changes in atmospheric pressure.

If you have 10 milliliters of airspace in your face, another atmosphere of pressure will compress that airspace to five milliliters. That “crushing” effect is very painful and could cause permanent damage. 

To prevent your airspaces from being crushed, you must take in enough air to compensate for the compression that occurs. Equalizing means taking in and expelling small amounts of air on descent and ascent while diving.

When Should I Equalize?

You must begin equalizing before you begin diving. Pre-equalize by holding your nose and blowing until your ears pop. Then, equalize again as soon as you begin your dive.

You should equalize approximately every three feet for the first 30 feet of your dive. The pressure at the surface of the water is one atmosphere, and at 33 feet below the surface, the pressure increases by another full atmosphere. That’s a 50% change, and the biggest pressure change in your entire dive. 

As you go deeper, the need to equalize lessens. This is because the pressure differential diminishes the further away you are from the surface.

You must also equalize on the way back to the surface. The extra air that you take in when you descend will expand as you near the surface. This can also cause injury.

So, How Do I Equalize?

Equalizing essentially means taking in more air to compensate for the compression that occurs at depth. Take in little “sips” of air as you descend in the water so that your body cavities aren’t crushed. 

As you go down, you must equalize using the Valsalva Maneuver. Simply hold your breath and blow against it. You must also equalize your mask by exhaling a small amount of air into it. 

Your ears should naturally equalize on your ascent. If they do not, pinch your nose closed and swallow. This is called the Toynbee Maneuver and it can be used to equalize on the way up. Do not use the Valsalva Maneuver on an ascent, this will only make the problem worse.

How Do You Know You Have Properly Equalized?

As long as you’re equalizing early and frequently, you can rest assured that you’re safely equalized. If you feel any pain at all, that’s an indication that you should stop your ascent or descent and equalize before going any further. You should never feel pain while diving.

What Is the Difference Between Equalizing for Freediving Vs. Scuba Diving?

The main difference between equalizing for freediving and for scuba diving is that in freediving, you must equalize using one breath before your descent. In scuba diving, you can use the air from your tank to equalize. 

Freedivers must learn to equalize using as little air as possible on the descent and to allow enough time to equalize on the way back up with extremely limited oxygen. 

Freediving and scuba diving are exhilarating sports that require an immense amount of patience and mindfulness. Dive sports also require extensive training and certification. If you’re thinking of taking up diving, learning to equalize is a valuable skill that will prevent injury and keep you in the water.

Ready to start diving?

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