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ming and with the ocean. Many freedivers train
by swimming, running and other cardiovascular
exercises, and practice breathing in and out of the
water.
“I’ve held my breath for five minutes on land,
but a two-minute dive is exceptional,” McInnis says.
Back in the Chapmans’ living room,
Ashley’s voice returns. “Just relax,” she
says. My lungs ache and my hands begin
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM
to shake as I struggle to hold my breath.
“Relax your neck, your shoulders, your arms,”
she says. “Concentrate on your breath, on how
easy this is.”
Relaxing seems impossible with the tightness
in my chest taking over. Finally I gasp, sucking in
air for all it’s worth. Ashley and Ren smile.
“A minute and ten seconds,” she says.
Later, when I’m home, sitting on my sofa, I
catch myself holding my breath. I think, ya never
know when I may want to go freediving.
Clockwise from top left:
Spadefish at Frying Pan
Tower, a popular site for
local divers and anglers.
Ashley Futral Chapman
with a grouper above a
patch of prolific livebottom
common in the
Atlantic Ocean near
Wrightsville Beach. Ashley
with monofin.