Why freediving is such a thrill – ‘You’re basically like a fish’ – where to do it in Hong Kong and what you need to know
- Unlike scuba diving, which involves bulky tanks and gear, freedivers wear a mask and fins, and stay underwater only for as long as they can hold their breath
- Freediving has been around for thousands of years. Today it’s a sport, and one that’s growing in popularity in Hong Kong despite its turbid waters
It’s the first Monday in October and the weather gods have been kind, says Hongkonger Kenze Leung – the clear, calm waters and bright sunny skies are ideal for freediving.
“Visibility improves after the Mid-Autumn Festival, so this is a good time to freedive – today, we are lucky,” he says, zipping up his wetsuit.
It’s one of the best freediving spots in Hong Kong, he says, and just a 15-minute ferry ride from Sai Kung pier. “Weekends get busy with swimmers, kayakers and water skiers,” he says. “When it’s crowded, it can be dangerous.”
For Leung, freediving is not just an escape but a way to connect with the ocean. Unlike scuba diving, which involves bulky tanks and gear that creates noisy bubbles, freedivers can seamlessly and silently blend into the underwater environment.