Mastering Advanced Equalization Techniques: A Dive into our Exclusive BT+ Program with Matthieu Duvault
By Kristina Zvaritch
Contributor: Patricia Paige Ong
Matthieu Duvault's journey from sound engineer to freediving pioneer began with a career change and a moment of inspiration in 2016.
Matthieu began his underwater journey as a pro scuba diver, but didn’t enjoy it as much as he thought. He began playing with underwater photography, and after discovering the artistry Guillaume Nery’s freediving videos, Matthieu was blown away. He started freediving, and switched from a scuba to a freediving instructor career path - but quickly hit the depth limit of his island. However, once he moved to the Philippines, he discovered Mouthfill Frenzel and had access to depth, quickly propelling from 40m (131ft) to 70m (230ft) of depth.
Nevertheless, like many freedivers, Matthieu hit a wall around 80m (262ft) when it came to equalization. Instead of pushing blindly, he stepped back to analyze and refine his techniques. "I became very frustrated," he admits, "but that is the normal process in freediving."
With plenty of dry exercises focusing on soft palate, larynx, tongue, and glottis control, plus doing high volume functional residual capacity (FRC) dives, Matthieu's dedication to understanding equalization mechanics paid off. At Vertical Blue, his refined techniques allowed him to break through his plateau in Constant Weight (CWT). "Since then, I don't remember a single dive I turned early because of equalization," he shared.
Matthieu decided to create Master Equalization Post-Residual Volume, a program centered around post-residual volume equalization, born from experimentation and analysis of his own dives and the students he taught.
We sat down together to hear more about his overall program, key techniques participants will learn, benefits they’ll see after program completion, and more.
Kristina Zvaritch: Hi Matthieu, thank you for sitting down with me! So to get started: What are some of the most common challenges 30 - 50m (98 - 164ft) freedivers face with equalization, and how does Master Equalization Post-Residual Volume address these challenges?
Matthieu Duvault: Most freedivers struggling in that range don’t yet have a very clear idea of the different techniques of air shifting and how to apply them methodically. Very often, I see a confusion between pure reverse packing and mouthfill, or some mix in-between the two that are not working at depth.
The idea is to first truly understand the physics, physiology, and some of the solutions possible, then to train coordination on dry, and then finally to apply it in the water through steps - all while a keeping a good level of relaxation.
That is the idea of Master Equalization Post-Residual Volume. It will not replace the benefit of an instructor in a face-to-face situation, but it will give an outline of some ways to handle the issue of post-residual volume equalization. It will also give a dry step-by-step process to successfully achieve your goals. Finally, I will give advice to fix common problems for the two technique I am developing in the program: Deep Frenzel (with reverse packs) and Mouthfill Frenzel (with charge - constant pressure or pulsing).
KZ: Yes, I’ve also heard most of the work is on dry! Could you highlight for us one or two key techniques that participants will learn in your program and why they’re crucial for advancing in freediving?
MD: One of the techniques discussed is called Mouthfill Frenzel. It is, by far, the most used technique for deep equalization. When mastered, it will give the keys to very deep dives while feeling amazingly smooth and relaxing to use. It truly becomes another experience to dive deep without feeling uncomfortable due to equalization being forced and rushed. It is, in my opinion, one of the main factors that will hook someone into deep line diving .
I explain the idea and the the motion in what we call ‘constant pressure’ (keeping the Eustachian tubes gently pressurized and open the whole time) and ‘pulsing’ (releasing the pressure and closing the Eustachian tubes after every equalization).
KZ: Sounds fabulous! So, is your approach different from traditional methods of teaching equalization? If yes, in what way?
MD: I believe my approach is not really different. The knowledge I bring is fairly common among deep experienced divers, with a couple of subtleties, of course. I try to make it more understandable through a slow and detailed explanation, making sure the student understands why and how.
At the end of the day, deep equalization is quite simple, but it is difficult in execution. Bringing a strong base of dry training for coordination and a volume of shallow-ish dives to put those newly acquired dry skills in practice (instead of just going to the same failing depth) will generally do wonders.
Of course, all with a bit of patience and practice. The thing is to not repeat, over and over again, something that is not working, but rather to isolate the issue and work on it in a smart and non-stressful way.
There are actually quite a few other possible routes to deep equalization, but in my program, I chose what I personally worked the most on (with myself and my students) that gave the best and most consistent success while being fairly easy to achieve (for most people)!
KZ: Yes, work smart - not hard! What specific benefits can participants expect from completing this program?
MD: After going through the program, the freediver should have a very clear idea of a couple of options to progress below residual volume - either through Mouthfill Frenzel or Deep Frenzel - or even, like I suggest, in both! For some people, one of the techniques will feel way more comfortable than the other and will bring progress. I suggest also working on the other technique, which will make training less frustrating and more interesting.
Freedivers following the program will have a good idea of what exercises to master and how it should look and feel, leading to a general increase of awareness and ultimately (hopefully!) a proper breakthrough in the water. For some people, it may be just a little fine-tuning of what they already do, while for others, it will be a complete redesign of their methodology. But again, with a bit of patience and consistency, results should come.
KZ: Patience is definitely key. Okay, please tell us what are the prerequisites or skills that participants should have before enrolling in this program?
MD: For that program, ideally certified Wave 2 and Wave 3 freedivers, or students working on those courses.
They should have a good control over Frenzel at that stage, head-down, and consistently hitting at least 25m (82ft), I would say. But, in my opinion, the program is also beneficial for freedivers who already go pretty deep - freedivers looking to fine-tune some aspects of their deep equalization. I believe it is worth a shot - it might not fix everyone’s problems, but it will definitely help people understand some of those issues and hopefully bring solutions.
I would also say even some shallower divers could benefit from this course, as long as they are comfortable with basic Frenzel and diving in general. Divers that are curious and want to go ahead in starting to already understand what is coming as they go deeper down the line. I believe it would not hurt, as long as it stays a dry practice, until a certified instructor comes along with them to start applying the skills underwater.
Again, this program does not replace the need for an instructor in the water!
KZ: Definitely, thanks for mentioning that! Now how do you measure success in terms of participant improvement or skill development?
MD: For me, success would be when the diver, that was stuck at ‘X’ depth, now goes back there but doesn’t feel any limitation anymore. They can focus on the rest of the diving: streamlining, relaxation, etc., without thinking and stressing about equalization anymore . That will be the start of a nice and happy progression period!
KZ: That’s the dream! Can you tell us what role does mental preparation and mindset play in mastering advanced equalization techniques?
MD: Mental preparation and mindset are extremely important for a successful deep equalization practice - there are no questions here! But it is almost useless without skills and coordination. In my program, I am aiming for skills and coordination to help the freediver know exactly what to do and when to do it. After that, the second thing is to do it gently, smoothly, and in a controlled and relaxed way. That requires training and consistency, and it will make a big difference between success and failure in a deep dive.
Being ‘in the zone’ will be the next challenge you will face after mastering the skills, coordination, and methodology of deep equalization.
KZ: The battle never ends! So, are there any misconceptions about advanced equalization that you'd like to clarify?
MD: Believe it or not, a lot of freedivers believe that equalization becomes harder the deeper we go - like that the increase of pressure makes every equalization harsh and rough and forceful. This is, in fact, wrong - it should feel fairly linear in a relaxed dive if, of course, the freediver has mastered the air shifting method.
An equalization at 95m (312ft) feels pretty much the same as an equalization at 5m (16ft).
KZ: I’m sure that’s quite reassuring for everyone. Now to wrap up: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of teaching and sharing your knowledge with other freedivers?
MD: It is really amazing to see freedivers evolving and discovering, little by little, what they are capable of. That is true for very beginner divers as well as very experienced ones! Witnessing someone transforming from a recreational casual swimmer into an actually freediver is amazing - it is very rewarding.
Part of some of the best aspects of teaching as well is seeing an advanced freediver starting to get their first white cards during challenging dives in competition.
That is why we do it - and why we like to do it.
Click below to check out Master Equalization Post-Residual Volume with Matthieu Duvault on Base Training +! Molchanovs Movement members get lifetime access for 40USD, while non-Movement members can purchase it for 48USD.
DISCOVER DEEP EQ
Contributor: Patricia Paige Ong
Matthieu Duvault's journey from sound engineer to freediving pioneer began with a career change and a moment of inspiration in 2016.
Matthieu began his underwater journey as a pro scuba diver, but didn’t enjoy it as much as he thought. He began playing with underwater photography, and after discovering the artistry Guillaume Nery’s freediving videos, Matthieu was blown away. He started freediving, and switched from a scuba to a freediving instructor career path - but quickly hit the depth limit of his island. However, once he moved to the Philippines, he discovered Mouthfill Frenzel and had access to depth, quickly propelling from 40m (131ft) to 70m (230ft) of depth.
Nevertheless, like many freedivers, Matthieu hit a wall around 80m (262ft) when it came to equalization. Instead of pushing blindly, he stepped back to analyze and refine his techniques. "I became very frustrated," he admits, "but that is the normal process in freediving."
With plenty of dry exercises focusing on soft palate, larynx, tongue, and glottis control, plus doing high volume functional residual capacity (FRC) dives, Matthieu's dedication to understanding equalization mechanics paid off. At Vertical Blue, his refined techniques allowed him to break through his plateau in Constant Weight (CWT). "Since then, I don't remember a single dive I turned early because of equalization," he shared.
Matthieu decided to create Master Equalization Post-Residual Volume, a program centered around post-residual volume equalization, born from experimentation and analysis of his own dives and the students he taught.
We sat down together to hear more about his overall program, key techniques participants will learn, benefits they’ll see after program completion, and more.
Kristina Zvaritch: Hi Matthieu, thank you for sitting down with me! So to get started: What are some of the most common challenges 30 - 50m (98 - 164ft) freedivers face with equalization, and how does Master Equalization Post-Residual Volume address these challenges?
Matthieu Duvault: Most freedivers struggling in that range don’t yet have a very clear idea of the different techniques of air shifting and how to apply them methodically. Very often, I see a confusion between pure reverse packing and mouthfill, or some mix in-between the two that are not working at depth.
The idea is to first truly understand the physics, physiology, and some of the solutions possible, then to train coordination on dry, and then finally to apply it in the water through steps - all while a keeping a good level of relaxation.
That is the idea of Master Equalization Post-Residual Volume. It will not replace the benefit of an instructor in a face-to-face situation, but it will give an outline of some ways to handle the issue of post-residual volume equalization. It will also give a dry step-by-step process to successfully achieve your goals. Finally, I will give advice to fix common problems for the two technique I am developing in the program: Deep Frenzel (with reverse packs) and Mouthfill Frenzel (with charge - constant pressure or pulsing).
Photo credit: @daanverhoevenfreediver
KZ: Yes, I’ve also heard most of the work is on dry! Could you highlight for us one or two key techniques that participants will learn in your program and why they’re crucial for advancing in freediving?
MD: One of the techniques discussed is called Mouthfill Frenzel. It is, by far, the most used technique for deep equalization. When mastered, it will give the keys to very deep dives while feeling amazingly smooth and relaxing to use. It truly becomes another experience to dive deep without feeling uncomfortable due to equalization being forced and rushed. It is, in my opinion, one of the main factors that will hook someone into deep line diving .
I explain the idea and the the motion in what we call ‘constant pressure’ (keeping the Eustachian tubes gently pressurized and open the whole time) and ‘pulsing’ (releasing the pressure and closing the Eustachian tubes after every equalization).
KZ: Sounds fabulous! So, is your approach different from traditional methods of teaching equalization? If yes, in what way?
MD: I believe my approach is not really different. The knowledge I bring is fairly common among deep experienced divers, with a couple of subtleties, of course. I try to make it more understandable through a slow and detailed explanation, making sure the student understands why and how.
At the end of the day, deep equalization is quite simple, but it is difficult in execution. Bringing a strong base of dry training for coordination and a volume of shallow-ish dives to put those newly acquired dry skills in practice (instead of just going to the same failing depth) will generally do wonders.
Of course, all with a bit of patience and practice. The thing is to not repeat, over and over again, something that is not working, but rather to isolate the issue and work on it in a smart and non-stressful way.
There are actually quite a few other possible routes to deep equalization, but in my program, I chose what I personally worked the most on (with myself and my students) that gave the best and most consistent success while being fairly easy to achieve (for most people)!
KZ: Yes, work smart - not hard! What specific benefits can participants expect from completing this program?
MD: After going through the program, the freediver should have a very clear idea of a couple of options to progress below residual volume - either through Mouthfill Frenzel or Deep Frenzel - or even, like I suggest, in both! For some people, one of the techniques will feel way more comfortable than the other and will bring progress. I suggest also working on the other technique, which will make training less frustrating and more interesting.
Freedivers following the program will have a good idea of what exercises to master and how it should look and feel, leading to a general increase of awareness and ultimately (hopefully!) a proper breakthrough in the water. For some people, it may be just a little fine-tuning of what they already do, while for others, it will be a complete redesign of their methodology. But again, with a bit of patience and consistency, results should come.
Photo credit: @daanverhoevenfreediver
KZ: Patience is definitely key. Okay, please tell us what are the prerequisites or skills that participants should have before enrolling in this program?
MD: For that program, ideally certified Wave 2 and Wave 3 freedivers, or students working on those courses.
They should have a good control over Frenzel at that stage, head-down, and consistently hitting at least 25m (82ft), I would say. But, in my opinion, the program is also beneficial for freedivers who already go pretty deep - freedivers looking to fine-tune some aspects of their deep equalization. I believe it is worth a shot - it might not fix everyone’s problems, but it will definitely help people understand some of those issues and hopefully bring solutions.
I would also say even some shallower divers could benefit from this course, as long as they are comfortable with basic Frenzel and diving in general. Divers that are curious and want to go ahead in starting to already understand what is coming as they go deeper down the line. I believe it would not hurt, as long as it stays a dry practice, until a certified instructor comes along with them to start applying the skills underwater.
Again, this program does not replace the need for an instructor in the water!
KZ: Definitely, thanks for mentioning that! Now how do you measure success in terms of participant improvement or skill development?
MD: For me, success would be when the diver, that was stuck at ‘X’ depth, now goes back there but doesn’t feel any limitation anymore. They can focus on the rest of the diving: streamlining, relaxation, etc., without thinking and stressing about equalization anymore . That will be the start of a nice and happy progression period!
KZ: That’s the dream! Can you tell us what role does mental preparation and mindset play in mastering advanced equalization techniques?
MD: Mental preparation and mindset are extremely important for a successful deep equalization practice - there are no questions here! But it is almost useless without skills and coordination. In my program, I am aiming for skills and coordination to help the freediver know exactly what to do and when to do it. After that, the second thing is to do it gently, smoothly, and in a controlled and relaxed way. That requires training and consistency, and it will make a big difference between success and failure in a deep dive.
Being ‘in the zone’ will be the next challenge you will face after mastering the skills, coordination, and methodology of deep equalization.
Photo credit: @daanverhoevenfreediver
KZ: The battle never ends! So, are there any misconceptions about advanced equalization that you'd like to clarify?
MD: Believe it or not, a lot of freedivers believe that equalization becomes harder the deeper we go - like that the increase of pressure makes every equalization harsh and rough and forceful. This is, in fact, wrong - it should feel fairly linear in a relaxed dive if, of course, the freediver has mastered the air shifting method.
An equalization at 95m (312ft) feels pretty much the same as an equalization at 5m (16ft).
KZ: I’m sure that’s quite reassuring for everyone. Now to wrap up: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of teaching and sharing your knowledge with other freedivers?
MD: It is really amazing to see freedivers evolving and discovering, little by little, what they are capable of. That is true for very beginner divers as well as very experienced ones! Witnessing someone transforming from a recreational casual swimmer into an actually freediver is amazing - it is very rewarding.
Part of some of the best aspects of teaching as well is seeing an advanced freediver starting to get their first white cards during challenging dives in competition.
That is why we do it - and why we like to do it.
Click below to check out Master Equalization Post-Residual Volume with Matthieu Duvault on Base Training +! Molchanovs Movement members get lifetime access for 40USD, while non-Movement members can purchase it for 48USD.
Leave a comment