When we were kids, we’d challenge our friends in the pool to see who could hold their breath the longest. As it turns out, that contest we played as children is actually part of what forms a competitive sport–and nearly an art form.

Freediving is one of the most unique and intriguing ways to experience the underwater world. Essentially, freediving means going deep underwater without using any equipment or apparatus to aid in breathing. No aqualungs here! Freedivers use the power of their bodies, minds, and lungs to become one with the ocean, going as deep as their bodies allow to break records. The sport is also sometimes referred to as skin diving.

While freediving can be a competitive sport, it has been described by some as more of an aquatic mindfulness practice. Because freediving is so dangerous and causes such a strain on your body’s oxygen levels, yoga and meditation are common forms of training. Being able to control your breathing and your mind’s panic at great depths is of the utmost importance when freediving.

Freedivers around the world train for years on end to set records in various categories, ranging from static and dynamic apnea to constant weight freediving. One-breath diving involves a lot of knowledge, training, and skill not to hurt your body. The activity can be quite dangerous, as oxygen levels drop in your bloodstream. If oxygen levels drop too low, you may experience a blackout and lose consciousness. However, with the proper training and safety measures, one-breath diving can be one of the most sacred and powerful ways to connect with underwater environments.

Many freedivers report the emotional moments they experience underwater, listening to the sounds of the marine life as well as the utter silence. Because of how magnificent and special freediving can be, divers often report epiphanies and newfound passions for ocean conservation. Like snorkelling and scuba diving, freediving allows us to see the ocean as a shared space between species, one that humans have seemingly tried with all their might to destroy.

When freediving, it’s incredibly common to witness firsthand the trash and plastic polluting the ocean, right alongside magnificent whales, dolphins, and manta rays. For those who truly want to immerse themselves underwater, freediving also means facing the depressing reality of ocean degradation.

Climate change threatens nearly everything about the balance of marine ecosystems, and puts our oceans at extreme risk. A rise in global temperatures by even just half a degree will have disastrous impacts on zooplankton populations, which absorb carbon dioxide and serve as the foundation for the ocean’s food chains. Of course, microplastics and commercial fishing pollution threaten marine mammal populations, which are often keystone species. These divers are hyper aware of how we negatively impact the sea, and usually take on leading roles in conservation efforts.

For SEAstream #31, we’re lucky enough to talk to one of these talented and passionate divers. Maria Antonia Vergara holds the national record in freediving in Panama for depth. Her journey to freediving has allowed her to find a meditative and therapeutic hobby that has become her life’s passion, as she now manages an educational freediving company. This Wednesday, March 9th at 11am UTC, we’ll be interviewing Maria about her experiences freediving. We’re so excited to talk with someone just as passionate about ocean life as we are!

Join us live on Instagram, @sea_token, as we ask Maria questions about the sea turtles she’s swimming with all over the world. If you have any questions you’d like us to ask Maria, send them to us on Twitter (@sea_token). You’ll be entered into a chance to win $20 worth of $SEA.