How to Build a water bubbler for Equalization

In this blog you will learn how to build your own water bubbler. A water bubbler is a simple device used in freediving to train equalisation on land. It allows you to practise Frenzel and charging techniques in a safe and controlled environment, without the distractions of depth, cold, or pressure.

Good equalisation comes from awareness and understanding of your anatomy and how to move it. Once you have that, the next step is repetition. Consistent, correct practice is what builds coordination, control, and reliability, and the water bubbler makes that kind of training possible anywhere

The water bubbler allows us to practise our equalisation technique on land. It is simple, inexpensive, and easy to make. To build your own, you will need just a few items.

I recommend using an Octopus EQ tool because the diameter of the balloon end fits an oxygen mask pipe snugly, so it does not leak or fall out during use. You will also need an oxygen pipe and a large water container. Later in this guide, I will show examples of what works best and what to avoid so you can get the most out of your training.

The Pipe will fit into the EQ tool like this.

Very simple you just need to push the pipe into the EQ tool end. No need to tape it up or use glue.

Water bottles size

Its important to use the right size bottle of water or container for the water bubbler to work well. Common mistake is to use a small bottle and this will NOT WORK.

I use a 5 gallon water bottle like this because they are very easy to get your hands on. Anything similar to this will be ok but if the water bottle is too small you wont be able to build enough pressure with the Frenzel or Mouth fill. In my video i have a very tall water container but this is custom made and not easy to get your hands on.

How to Use basic guide

When using the water bubbler, you need to put enough of the pipe in the water so that when you equalize into the EQ tool, a bubble comes out of the pipe. This also allows your ears to equalize properly and helps you learn how much pressure to use when training. Most people equalize with far too much pressure, which can lead to poor technique and even injury over time.

To set up the bubbler, place the pipe in the water and use a peg to stop it from floating up or down while you equalize. If your ears don’t pop, lower the pipe slightly until you get good pressure in the middle ears and a bubble out of the pipe. If your ears pop but no bubbles come out, the pipe is too deep.

For mouthfill, we often set the pipe a little deeper so you can hold the pressure of the mouthfill charge in your mouth without it escaping too easily. I guide students through this in my online Equalization training. If the pipe keeps floating to the surface while you equalize, attaching a small weight to the end can help keep it submerged.

If you want to learn how to Frenzel or mouthfill get in contact with me!