„I’m holding the float line and looking back at the tropical island. There’s a slight swell at the surface. I focus on my breath, relax and feel my heartbeat slow down in preparation. I tune out the distant engines of the motor boat and the chatter of fellow free-divers fresh from the depths. One last gulp of air and I descend the line. The world is again quiet. Without the complication of heavy scuba equipment and techniques, I glide effortlessly into the deep blue. Reaching the end of the float line, I sit and watch the underwater scenery in awe.“

Maledives, 1990. Once I was a diving fanatic.