When Jessea Lu found freediving, she was surprised by how much self-discovery it brought her.
Jessea discovered freediving at age 30 and quickly set a world record as well as with 37 national records. She works as a pharmacologist and loves traveling. Her next destination is south America.
It varies greatly from year to year. When I moved to Hawaii in 2012 and started scuba diving, I felt the pull to return to the ocean by the third day. After discovering free diving tin 2014, I was in the water nearly every day. I love exploring and learning about myself, but more than that, I kept going back because of the community.
It's been an inner journey I'm incredibly grateful for. I love freediving because of the people, but I didn't realize how significant that was to me. Even though I was surrounded by amazing people, I struggled to trust them, maybe because of something rooted in my childhood experiences. I've since worked hard to change my beliefs and build a foundation with supportive people around me.
When I started freediving, I feared running out of air. Then, I learned how to manage it. Later, I overcame my fear of the cold and even travelled to Antarctica. The same applies to my fear of trusting people and forming lasting relationships. I've overcome fear before, and I can do it again. Freediving taught me that.
No matter your background, everyone eventually reflects on the idea of being like water-flowing, adaptable, and gentle with yourself. That's easier said than done. Freediving isn't just physical; it's primarily a mental sport. The thoughts you have while holding your breath make a huge difference. A dive under identical conditions can feel entirely different depending on your mindset. If you're curious and brave enough to explore your thoughts, it can be a treasure trove.