Why the Shallows Are the Hardest Place to Equalise
The physics work against you early. Pressure doubles in the first 10 metres, which means the biggest per-metre change happens right where beginners get stuck. Your ears need equalising early and often in this zone, well before any discomfort. If you wait until you feel pressure, the eardrum is already stretched, and the equalisation becomes harder.
Technique is the next culprit. Most people arrive using Valsalva, pinching the nose and pushing air up from the chest. It works fine on a plane, but upside down at depth the air in your chest compresses and becomes harder to push upward. Freedivers use the Frenzel technique instead, which moves a small amount of air with the tongue and throat and keeps working as you descend.
Tension makes both problems worse. A tight jaw, neck, or shoulders restricts the small movements that open your ears, which is why divers who force it often stall shallower than divers who relax. Head position matters too, since looking down at the bottom stretches the very passages you are trying to open. A neutral, tucked chin keeps them relaxed.
The good news is this is one of the most fixable problems in freediving. It responds quickly to coached practice, and it should never be pushed through. Discomfort or pain is a signal to stop, come up, and adjust technique rather than force the dive.
Stuck at the Same Depth Every Dive?
If equalisation is the thing holding you back, our dedicated equalisation course works through these techniques step by step. You can read more about how we teach at Freediving Central, or get in touch if you would like advice on where to start.