Why pressure changes quickly
The greatest relative pressure change happens close to the surface. Waiting until your ears hurt makes equalisation harder, not more effective. Good freedivers equalise gently before discomfort and continue at short, regular intervals.
Valsalva and Frenzel are different
Valsalva uses pressure created from the lungs. It can feel intuitive near the surface, but becomes inefficient as depth increases and the available air volume reduces. Frenzel closes the glottis and uses the tongue and throat as a small piston. That separation from the chest is why it is widely taught for freediving.
Three common mistakes
- Starting the descent before the first equalisation.
- Forcing against a blocked ear instead of stopping and ascending slightly.
- Trying to learn the movement only in the water rather than practising it calmly on land with qualified guidance.
What to practise next
Build awareness of the glottis, soft palate and tongue position. Practise slowly and without pressure, then transfer the movement to shallow, supervised water. The full audiobook explains the mechanics step by step and connects them to body position, relaxation and dive planning.