Unique charm
The reason amateur freedivers dedicate so much time and energy to the sport outside of work lies in its unique allure.
Tang described it as "minimalism and focus".
"What I love most about freediving is the deeply personal experience it offers," she said.
"Once I'm submerged, it's just me and the water — no one else, no work, no distractions. Nothing pulls me away from the present moment."
The sport also allows divers to blend seamlessly into the ocean and interact with marine life.
"Whether in open water or at an aquarium, you encounter a variety of creatures. Scuba diving creates bubbles that can scare them away. Freediving, on the other hand, makes them curious. They may see you as one of them and even come to play," Tang said. "It's like entering another world — freediving opens that door."
Jin is drawn to the sport's technical complexity. "Freediving is the only sport we know that challenges both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems," he explained.
