During my first years as a freediving instructor, I did not know what reverse packing was. It was not until a couple of years ago i started to understand what this advanced Frenzel technique really is.
In recent years, however, I have observed many freediving instructors teaching reverse packing incorrectly. None of the freediving educational systems provide an in-depth understanding of equalization techniques.
Equalization is a vast and complex topic, which is why specialized Equalization Instructor programs like SHARE now exist. Apparently, there is still considerable confusion about what reverse packing entails. As an Equalization Instructor and Instructor Trainer, I’ve written this article to clarify the technique.
What is Reverse Packing?
Reverse packing is an advanced Frenzel equalization technique that we teach online and in Dahab at FreedivingDenmark. It involves an air shift created by generating a vacuum (de-pressure) in the oropharynx, allowing you to “pull up air” from the lungs. Air naturally moves from areas of high pressure to low pressure. Even with the head positioned downward while freediving, it is possible to pull air into the mouth without using abdominal contractions.
What Reverse Packing is NOT
- No abdominal effort: During reverse packing, the abdomen remains fully relaxed, with no tension. The air shift is achieved through de-pressure in the oropharynx, not by abdominal contraction.
- No sound: Reverse packing is performed silently, with no sounds such as a grouper call or other noises from the larynx.
- It is not a B-Charge: While reverse packing shares the soft palate’s upper closure with the B-charge, they are fundamentally different. The B-charge (or partial charge) involves abdominal contractions to move air. It’s useful for training tongue compression during mouthfill practice. In contrast, reverse packing relies solely on creating a vacuum in the oropharynx.
Types of Charges:
M-Charge/N-Charge: Soft palate open; air shifted via abdominal contraction.
B-Charge: Soft palate closed; air shifted via abdominal contraction.
How to Perform Reverse Packing
Reverse packing is useful when the air in the oropharynx for Frenzel equalization becomes insufficient. Follow these steps:
- Open the glottis and close the soft palate.
- Lower the tongue (or both the tongue and jaw) to create a vacuum. This vacuum pulls air from the lungs into the oropharynx.
- Close the glottis.
- Open the soft palate and continue equalizing using the Frenzel technique.
I personally prefer to lower both the tongue and jaw in Step 2, as this pulls up more air than using the tongue alone.
Key Note: As highlighted in Step 1, mastering the glottis and soft palate control is essential. Without closing the soft palate during the air shift, air may be pulled from the mask or Eustachian tubes instead.
Is Reverse Packing Safe?
Mouthfill is considered the safest equalization technique for deep diving, if it is performed correctly, because no air shifts occur below residual volume. However, reverse packing has been safely used by freedivers at depths exceeding 100 meters. That said, there is always a risk of lung, trachea squeeze, due to the air shift below residual volume, particularly if the technique isn’t performed in a fully relaxed state.
Unsafe Practices:
- Abdominal contractions: Many freedivers instinctively use abdominal contraction to shift air into the oropharynx during the first 20 meters. This tension introduces risks, such as lung barotrauma, particularly when air is charged below residual volume.
- Mixing reverse packing with abdominal contraction: This is most likely what a Freediver is doing, when they say they can use the Valsalva equalization technique deeper than 8m. Risks are the same as with abdominal contractions.
To minimize risks, always ensure the abdomen is relaxed unless performing an air charge intentionally. For safety, avoid using abdominal contractions during reverse packing.
Improve Your Equalization Technique
If you’d like to improve your equalization technique and dive more safely, book a free 20-minute online equalization check at FreedivingDenmark. During this session, I, Klaus Simonsen, will help identify the source of your equalization challenges and recommend a personalized program tailored to your needs.
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