Under Water: How Holding My Breath Taught Me to Live

by Claire Walsh

Claire Walsh spent her twenties living the life she thought she was supposed to live, all the while playing hide-and-seek with depression. In her thirties, finding herself single and living with her parents, she decided it was time to chart a different path.

In Central America, Claire discovered freediving, plunging up to 60 meters below the water’s surface without the use of breathing apparatus. It taught her the power of breathwork, but more importantly it taught her how to find freedom in the present moment.

Under Water is a candid and captivating story of what it’s like to take part in one of the most dangerous sports in the world, and a reminder that sometimes all we need to do is take a deep breath.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

416 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2023

Reviews

[Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book on Tuesday afternoon and finished it the following Thursday - in between work, sleep, kids and other "stuff". Any time I had a 30 minute break I picked up where I'd left off! I really enjoyed the honesty and heartfelt narrative and the insights into what it's really like dealing with mental health challenges. I also loved all of the sea swimming stories and being transported back to the wonder and freedom that comes with travelling to far flung destinations.

[Margaret Kiely]

Had this book on pre order & could not wait to get started on it, finished reading it the other evening, it felt so sad at times, there were very dark places, I think Claire Walsh is amazing & a very strong & lucky lady. I would highly recommend Under Water

[Annemarie dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and though normally guilty of being a book skimmer savoured every page of this book. The authors writing style and descriptive use of language and no holds barred truth kept me engrossed and anticipating the next page . Though this book centers around the Claires journey into freediving and competing in the World Championships it's also about finding love , friendships, self worth and peace of mind .

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was like a warm hug. An incredible account of cycling through mental illness and mental wellness followed by mental illness again, Claire Walsh is a thoughtful storyteller.

Oftentimes I temper my expectations of memoir style books by first-time writers, as obviously it’s a new world to them and I focus more on content than critical appraisal of their writing style. I had to remind myself many times throughout reading that this is the authors first book - her writing is so descriptive but also realistic and honest. There are no flowery descriptions but instead meaningful depictions of her experiences, moving from the magical immersion underwater in Dahab to the mundane task of trying to get out of bed in Kildare/Wicklow/Dublin during a bout of depression. I wanted to ask questions, to have coffee with this wise and self deprecating ‘ordinary’ person who set the first national record for freediving at a time in her life when she was struggling to cope.

I really do feel that I’ll come back to this book again and again - Claires process of becoming gentler with herself over the period of 5-6 years is something we can all learn from.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's not only about freediving, but it's a deep dive in to how freediving helped Walsh center herself. There is so much to love in here, but personally, I gravitated towards the bits set in Dahab since I'm here at the moment (and the description of the town on page 376 is ON POINT - thank goodness it's not just me having these thoughts!).

I also love that her journey went from pool swimming to sea swimming to freediving and that she's a normal sized human doing these amazing things. Most freedivers are the size of just one of my thighs so it's nice to know I'm not the only one getting in there with an over-stuffed weight belt :)

Highly recommend if you're interested in the sport!

[Johanna McFall]

Well isn’t it time we had an Irish female Disney character lead?!
What better way to create this character than to take her from a real life human who overcame her fears, and put her country on the map to wear the flag in great honour!
Claire Walsh you should take a bow for writing down all your honest truths, I could relate to many, and at deep times of sadness or distress this really could help someone else lift up the duvet, and get their flip flops on!
Congratulations on all your wins and overcoming all the obstacles!!
5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, and a Disney character for the taking! She even has the eyes 👀

[Ruth Mckenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book and read it faster than pretty much anything I've read in a long while. Even though I knew the ending, I had to keep reading. It was gripping, emotional, honest and raw.

Claire's story felt so real and accessible. So many books written by those who have come through tough times feel out of reach. I might admire their strength, resilience, determination, brilliance...but they feel so very very far away from my life that I read, enjoy and move on. This book shook me, made me cry snotty tears, cheered me on and made me think...maybe me too?

Utterly brilliant, please read it too

[Frank Gannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lively and thoughtful journey that follows a young Irish woman's search for fulfillment, and happiness through the unusual and fascinating sport of free diving. Brutally honest and wickedly funny, the well-constructed narrative takes the reader through Claire's escape to south America, her exposure to a new life and a new sport at which she surprisingly excelled. Through self doubt, emotional ups and downs, including long Covid, it details her emergence as a mature confident woman. Even finding the love of her life along the way. This is a thought provoking yet entertaining rollicking good read. Well recommended.

[Barbara Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore memoirs, and Claire's is one of those that are so worth listening to. I say listening because it was a Bolinda Audiobook read by the author herself, and what a soothing voice she has! The experience of having her narrating the book, using just the right intonation, kept me captivated and made me feel like I was chatting with a gal over a glass of Prosecco. And honestly, I think I was. Such an inspiration, Claire's story is like any other: so messy and so beautiful to experience as a friend. I hope I can call her my friend, because I feel she is genuinely friendly and warm as she sounds!

[Aoife · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Claire has a gorgeous way with words, descriptive without being too “wordy”, concise yet all encompassing. It’s funny, romantic, poignant and real. There were laugh out loud descriptions of learning to swim as a child, cold Irish beaches with crunch sand sandwiches. Page turning descriptions of bad dates, good dates, salty skin & scuba boats. All beautifully woven together with a rare honest account of real and heavy feelings. The descriptions of free diving are magic, but it’s just a really good read. It’s one of those rare books where I will keep it for a second reading.

[Sarah Clerkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to have a long flight to give myself an opportunity to really get stuck into this book. I didnt look up from the book until the '10 minutes to landing' announcement was made and had my eyes firmly glued to it walking through security and right through to bag pick up!

This book is about so much more than Free Diving. I have no doubt that any reader will recognise the emotions that Claire so beautifully and honestly describes in themselves at some stage.

A book that shines light on the dark times with a raw honesty.

[A E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunningly honest and beautiful piece of writing from a woman who is an inspiration to many. Pausing at each moment to remember to breathe and listen in the moments of quietness, and for her it’s under water. I felt as though I was with her in each part of her journey encouraging her on and shouting for her on the sidelines. Facing fear, befriending it and walking with it is never easy and yet Claire has done this and more. It’s a wonderful sharing of life, love and passions that help us to breathe and move through each day we walk this earth. Thank you Claire

[Andy Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I was expecting. Probably didn't read the blurb. The narration is quite chatty - there is lots about relationships, depression, finding oneself, general 30s angst but I thought it would have more free diving in it. There is some of course and anyone who can learn to stay under water for 5 minutes and swim 30 metres down I feel a lot of admiration for. I think I still want to know more about overcoming that kind of fear and the people who can trust themselves to get down to 100 metres and test the limits of human capability.

[Mark Aungier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was suggested a video of Claire to watch on YouTube so bought the book when I was looking for holiday reads. I thought it was going to be solely about diving and diving tips or exercise. The mental health issues and Covid/long Covid are very relatable. Loved following Claire’s story and everything she has accomplished in the free diving world. Very insightful book which I would recommend to anyone. I wish Claire the best and hope she sets a new national record in the near future. Would love to do a beginners diving workshop in the future after reading the book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished listening to this audio book read by the author. usually keep my audiobooks for my car journeys but just couldn't leave this book there. I love that it was read by the author, to hear her raw emotion, both joy and sadness made all the difference. I cried and laughed along with her story. I L ove to swim and am now searching for freediving courses in Ireland! It's going to happen, I’m inspired to live more. Thanks for sharing your story.

[Isobel Foyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has reignited my love of reading. I read it over the course of a week and found myself truely absorbing every word, completely undistracted - moved by Claire's open and honest accounts, while also laughing out loud at times. It will have you reaching for your togs, flirting with the idea of booking a free diving course, or at the very least, appreciating the wonderfully simple joys of a cup of tea and a slice of lemon drizzle cake.

[Lucianne Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put Under Water down! Since having kids almost 7 years ago, I haven't been able to finish one book, I read Under Water in about 4 days !

Claire writes from the heart & tells a raw, open & honest account of her life while making me snort laugh out loud, sometimes in public (not pretty!/)!!!

I have learned so much since reading Under Water & feel inspired to learn more about breath work for myself so am doing a Breath-work workshop tomorrow morning!

5 stars, would recommend

[Rico Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just listened to the audiobook read by Claire herself and immediately wanted to thank her. It must have been a tough book to pen. It brought tears and laughs following her ups and downs. Truly it was the story I wanted to hear at this point and so glad she shared it. I would have enjoyed reading it but to hear the story in the authors voice made it truly hit a chord.
Thanks Claire wishing you all the strength for life's next adventure

[Laura Garrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for something different to read - not fiction, not an autobiography as such, but a true story that captures you and has you really rooting for the writer... written so well that you get invested and want the best for them. AND learning about something completely new (to me anyway)- freediving and the freedoms and dangers of it completely draw you in..then I highly recommend Under Water 🌊 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gobbled this up in about three sittings.
Having met Claire in real life, it’s easy to see this book is written with integrity and honesty.
A wonderful story of the ups and downs of what it takes to become a national record holder. Honest and genuine in approach, I think this book will be enjoyed by freediving enthusiasts and land lubbers alike.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book as a holiday read but finished before the plane landed, such a brilliant story filled with truthfulness, humour and love. Claire’s storytelling is beautiful, telling her story of her health and struggles with societies expectations of women, and how freediving changed her perspective. Looking forward to the next instalment.

[Kate Acheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire’s style of writing is so enjoyable to read & I found myself turning the pages as she tells her story to date.
I love her honesty and her willingness to share her story and her ability to work towards a better place/life for herself.
I adore the sea so that was a major draw for me to read this book, along with following her on Instagram.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous writer Claire is. Such depth and rawness in describing the full range of the human experience. Her descriptive style, humour and use of language delivering honest truths and very real and heavy, emotional moments of turmoil, is a breathe of fresh air. I could relate to many of them. You will laugh out loud and cry in parts too. Highly recommended!

[Jamie Lingwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire’s book was delivered Saturday.
I started reading it yesterday (Sunday) at 10am.
I finished reading it today (Monday) at 3pm.

One of those rare ‘couldn’t-put-it-down’ reads! Thank you Claire for writing this book! And I admire you so much for sharing your story. 🙏🏻

Different dates. Different events. Different people.
Same battles.

[Diane Pappin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked the perfect setting to read this book. Lying on beach listening to the waves lapping!.
I inhaled the book from page 1. Claire brought me with her on her journey ( her ongoing life journey), I was there with her through the colours and experiences and felt ALL the emotions !!
Highly recommend even if freediving not your vibe, it hits you on how we all go through life.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

not a sport I know anything about, but very straigh forward account of author's early adult life, dealing with depression, and somewhat rudderless life to finding a sense of purpose and place in the practice and community around free-diving
also touches on covid, lock-downs and impact of long covid

[Ken Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this today. A really well written book that tells a story that a lot of people could probably link too. Claire found her thing in life when she was trying to find life or a meaning for her life and she describes her wins and knock backs very well.

Its well written and a very good read.
Ken.

[Annette Vaucanson Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy, what a treat this book is! I loved Claire's raw and often funny truthtelling about her mental health struggles and her utterly poetic descriptions of the wonder of freediving. I loved every page of it, but the chapter Softer felt, well, soft.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claires book is beautifully written bringing the reader below the surface of the sea away from the stress & noise of life above to the beauty & calmness below. In doing so she gives a very honest account of how she managed her mental health struggles. A wonderful page turner!

[Sylwia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book. I couldn’t stop reading. Claire will take you on her personal journey around the world, daily challenges, freediving experiencees, the beauty of Ireland and much more…It’s such a joy to read. Highly recommended!