Freediving, sea trekking and the power of the ocean: DAVOSA brand ambassador and freediver Nik Linder takes us on a journey along the Croatian coast. Through freediving, flowdiving and minimalist experiences of nature, the focus is on the connection between people, the ocean and inner peace – and on how nature helps us rediscover ourselves and what really matters.

Author: Nik Linder, world-renowned freediver and DAVOSA brand ambassador

Jacques Mayol once said: “A freediver does not look at things; he looks within.” Mayol, who was honoured in the film *The Big Blue*, describes in it the inner dialogue that takes place during a freedive.

In my more than twenty years of freediving, I’ve had the most incredible encounters underwater – whales, sharks, dolphins, orcas, manta rays and so on (see blog posts ‘Dancing with Tiger Sharks’ and ‘Freediving in Norway’).

If I’d only looked inwards here, I would have missed out on quite a lot. 

But even though you’ll probably never forget looking into a whale’s eye, journeys inwards are at least as fulfilling for me.

There is the concept of ‘oceanic self-transcendence’. A feeling of dissolving and merging with the world. The Sanskrit term ‘Samadhi’ from yoga provides an almost identical explanation. A sense of oneness that arises in the deepest meditation and is described as enlightenment. If one explores the concept further, several interpretations come to mind: I am in such a deep state of meditation that the boundaries between myself, my mind and body, and my surroundings dissolve. A sensation that can arise in a floatation tank, during time diving or Relaqua sessions. Or, alternatively, the sensation that arises when one drifts in a vast ocean and seems to lose oneself within it.

Every September, we head to Croatia for some seatrekking – the most minimalist form of travel.

A waterproof bag contains only the bare essentials – just enough to survive in the wilderness. A sleeping bag, a mat, a stove, food, crockery and clothing. You snorkel along the coastline and very quickly feel a sense of freedom and connection with nature. 

Simplifying one’s life means doing without unnecessary things. Those who need little feel more independent, which enhances their sense of self-efficacy.

Much of what matters to us in everyday life is irrelevant out here, and so these multi-day trips not only lead us to become aware of ourselves, as Jacques Mayol put it, but also to observe ourselves within nature.

What do I really need to be happy?

You usually realise that the more nature we let into our lives, the less important smartphones and social media become. After all, who wants to watch cat videos on Instagram if it means missing the shooting stars overhead?

‘Flowdiving’ is the term used to describe the sequence of movements involved in sea trekking. As with migrating marine mammals, part of the journey is covered underwater whilst breathing above the water.

Being able to thrive in nature and feel at ease whilst doing so changes you.

In the process, we get to know ourselves better and believe in our own abilities more. This not only enhances self-awareness and self-confidence, but also builds self-assurance.

Incidentally, this September it was Davosa brand ambassador Luca Tribondeau and his friends who accompanied us on the Seatrekking tour. All of them are mountain people – mountain guides, climbers, freeskiers and much more. A brilliant group who would probably say almost exactly the same things about the mountains as I do about the sea and lakes. Being exposed to nature whilst remaining true to oneself and maintaining inner peace – I imagine that’s just as important in the mountains.

Luca is a brilliant photographer and I’m absolutely delighted that we’re finally on tour together, and I’m even happier that the tour is taking place in my element – the water – rather than in his favourite setting, the mountains.

In Davosa Apnea Diver, the crown is positioned at the top, drawing on the crown chakra in pranayama, the breathing aspect of yoga. This chakra (energy centre) symbolises the connection with the universe, or with the ocean.

The colour scheme of the dial, combined with the seconds hand, helps you maintain your breathing rhythm during alternate nostril breathing. A breathing meditation that leads to mental calm.

We’ve been on the road for a few days, enjoying the sun, nature, each other’s company and, of course, the ocean, which is so vast that it makes us feel very small. I think it’s good not to take ourselves too seriously. And I believe that when we’re faced with the ocean, not only do we feel small, but our problems also seem less significant. Astronauts who look down at our Earth from space speak of an ‘overview effect’.

 

Nothing happens on the side – sharing a meal is a highlight, and deep conversations can develop around the fire.

The realisation of just how fragile and precious our Earth is in the inhospitable and hostile vastness of space fosters a sense of community with all people across the globe, regardless of national borders, faith or skin colour. Seeing the Earth from space seems to have a profound effect on you. And I believe it is much the same with the ocean: anyone who has truly experienced its vastness and depth first-hand is, from that moment on, on a different level of consciousness.