Begins my Freedive chapter

This is how my freedive journey begins.

Throwback to 2015, when I freshly graduated and got my first job. I was a normal working guy who just living in an ordinary life: work, eat, sleep, repeat, nothing special at all. I spent a boring life for a year. Until one day, while I scrolling on my Facebook feed and saw a picture of my friend did freediving underwater cave. It was really fascinating that, I can't hide my curiosity and kept surfing through her photo albums.

"I wish I could be a freediver like her" said to myself. 

"Why just wish for it, when you can do it?" another thought popped-up instantly.

"I can't, I don't have enough time, I have my responsibilities."  There were excuses and a huge argument in my head. 

"Am I capable for this thing?" I questioned myself and afraid of the answer because freediving is a re-creation where method of diving is difference from scuba diving. Scuba diver wear buoyancy device and carry their Oxygen tank to survive beneath. In contrast, freediver is going to hold a single breath and dive down under the sea. It would be more difficult and require a lot of special techniques.

After I gathered more information about it, I decided to enrol for the course and put effort on that. The course consisted of three main parts. First, theoretical study where I learned breath hold techniques and safety protocol. Second, pool training where I applied what I've learned in swimming pool. Third was the most challenging one, an open water examination. 

On the examination day, the weather condition was horrible. My group was not lucky enough to have a smooth sea. We floated in the middle of the sea with strong currents, high tides, and poor visibility. When it was my turn to do the examination, I hesitated. There were many things came into my mind e.g. "Am I insane? I shouldn't be here. My insurance is not going to cover any expenses if I got injured. In worst case if I died, who is going to take care my responsibilities: works, family, dog, etc."

"Calm down, you can do it. We're here to support." Said my instructor.

I observed surrounding and tried not to be panic.  I had my safety buddy and we're following safety protocol, no need to be afraid. It just like the wall in my mid cracked. I concentrated and kept thinking if I'm good with this, I'll be qualified but if I failed. That's ok, I still got another chance. Here comes the moment of truth, I took a deep breath and dove down at 10 meters depth to pass the requirement. Who knows? I did it! At that moment I really proud of myself. No doubt, I am capable for freediving.

Up to present, I've been diving for four years. I explore life underwater world, I have a chance to see those beautiful aquatic creatures and better than that I found my inner peace. I'd be regret if I didn't grab the opportunity to learn freediving. I really feel thankful to the day I was brave enough to step out of comfort zone and do something I've never done. In consequence, I already certified by advanced freediver level.

What I've learned from this experience? You know what, it sometimes feels like life is trying to fit you in a box. It doesn't want something peculiar. Your mindset is going to depict some proactive thoughts or reasons to warn/stop you from doing that thing because the result is unknown. 

Don't let life fit you in the box, there are plenty of great things out there and you are capable for it. Please remember, when life gives something that scared you, it's when life gives you a chance to be brave.

My beloved instructor: Kru Ploy Scott