Stories from Wakatobi

Another breed of aquatic explorers are now discovering the wonders of Wakatobi’s reefs, the freedivers. Holding their breath, they emulate marine mammals as they delve below the surface; some reaching depths where few scuba divers would venture. One of the first of these breath-hold divers to visit Wakatobi was Ai Futaki, known to many as one of the world’s leading freediving masters. For Ai, the sport isn’t just about pushing personal limits and setting records, it is an exercise in relaxation and creating connections—both with the physical world and the human potential that lies within. Though she does have some breath-hold diving records to her credit, she doesn’t label herself a competitor, but instead describes herself as an “underwater harmonist.” She expresses and shares the beauty of the underwater world through imaging, modeling and underwater performance—all created while free diving…

http://blog.wakatobi.com/wordpress/stories-from-wakatobi-ai-futaki/