How free diving and spending three minutes 60 metres underwater changed my life

Claire Walsh spent her 20s “playing hide and seek” with depression. Aged 32 she decided it was time to chart her own path. She booked a flight to South America – and discovered free diving. In an extract from her new book, she describes how it transformed her life

Claire Walsh: "You’ve got this, the sea whispers. Setting off with purpose, this is softer than concentration."

Underwater you don’t hear anything. Putting my face in the water is like a sigh of relief for my mind. Internal chatter, judgements and criticism fade to a white noise and the rhythmic anchor of my breathing through the snorkel lulls me into the welcomed quietness. Dancing in front of my eyes, beams of light extend 30 metres below me, showcasing a spectrum of silvers, blues and greens. She’s in a playful mood today, the sea.

Winking at me, beckoning me, her flirtatiousness belies her strength. I smile back and she sends a wave to flood my snorkel. Purging my snorkel, I exhale forcefully. Okay, okay! I never was in any doubt who was boss.