My curiosity about the underwater world and marine life led me to
becoming a certified scuba diver in 2012. Over the past 10 years, I have
been fortunate enough to explore and experience some amazing marine life
interactions in tropical places around the world through scuba diving.
For all the underwater wonders that scuba diving helped me explore, the
logistical requirements around a scuba dive doesn’t leave much room for
spontaneity. This prompted me to read about and look more into
freediving. At first, the thought of diving underwater on a breath hold
for a few minutes seems very counter intuitive. But on reading more
about the science, physiology and technique of freediving, I was
determined to learn it and put it to practice.
I decided to pursue a freediving Level 1 course on an upcoming trip to
Bali, Indonesia. I signed up with Apneista Freediving in Amed, a
beautiful beach front town at the foot of Mount Agung on the eastern
coast of Bali. And thus began my first steps into the world of
freediving, on black sand beaches, with the backdrop of a volcano and
the clear blue expanse of the ocean in front of me.
The freediving level 1 course is a 2 day course that focuses on
theory, human physiology, breathing techniques, yoga practice and
a few practice sessions in the pool and ocean. Our instructor
Alexis emphasized on mind-body balance and the importance of
calming the mind as freediving is a lot about controlling the mind
and putting it at ease.
After a few hours of theory and pool sessions, it was time to
venture out into the open water and put the theories to practice.
Putting on your wetsuit & weight belt and carrying your mask &
fins to the edge of the water brings about an exhilaration. I dug
my feet into the black sand, taking in the sight of Mount Agung
and looked out to the ocean. It was a feeling of oneness with all
the elements of nature and that is when I knew that this would be
something that would continue beyond just a course.
Putting on the dive mask and fins, I entered the water to swim out
to our dive line to practice a few dives, improving technique and
putting the mind at ease when underwater on a breath hold. The
dive instructor was continuously guiding us between dives and
always watching us when underwater.
I remember one particular instance where I did a duck dive to
venture deeper, equalizing all the way down, keeping a calm mind.
Once at depth, I took in the sights of the vibrant marine life
around me. I felt one with the ocean in that moment and when I
think of the silent stillness of that moment, it still gives me
goosebumps.
Free diving allows me the flexibility to be spontaneous and venture
underwater when the opportunity presents itself. A few days after the
freediving course, I was snorkeling around Nusa Penida seeking the
majestic 4 meter wing-spanned manta rays that frequent these waters. It
was surreal to see the manta rays a few meters underwater, circling
around us playfully. I took in a deep breath and went underwater with a
duck dive, equalizing and keeping the mind calm, while watching the
mantas go up to the surface to feed on the plankton. I stayed still for
a bit watching this rhythm of nature unfold a few roles and then watched
the mantas swim away into the distance.
The Freediving experience was one of the many highlights of my trip to
Bali. The island sent many pleasant surprises my way, specially with the
culture, the people and the food. All this was possible because of the
guidance and support from the team at Yatra Tours, who have really
personalized this entire experience for us from a spiritual & cultural
engagement and logistical standpoint. They welcomed us into the
community and offered us a holistic experience of the Balinese way of
life. I want to thank Ingela, Bruce and Agung for being with us every
step of the way and sharing their stories with us. The stories of the
island of Bali are synonymous to me with the stories of the people that
I met there.
I look forward to visiting and exploring this magical place again.