One Breath

Freediving, Death, and the Quest to Shatter Human Limits

By: Adam Skolnick

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

One Breath is a gripping and powerful exploration of the strange and fascinating sport of freediving, and of the tragic, untimely death of America's greatest freediver.

Competitive freediving - a sport built on diving as deep as possible on a single breath - tests the limits of human ability in the most hostile environment on earth. The unique and eclectic breed of individuals who freedive at the highest level regularly dive hundreds of feet below the ocean's surface, reaching such depths that their organs compress, light disappears, and one mistake could kill them.

Even among freedivers, few have ever gone as deep as Nicholas Mevoli. A handsome young American with an unmatched talent for the sport, Nick was among freediving's brightest stars. He was also an extraordinary individual, one who rebelled against the vapid and commoditized society around him by relentlessly questing for something more meaningful and authentic, whatever the risks. So when Nick Mevoli arrived at Vertical Blue in 2013, the world's premier freediving competition, he was widely expected to challenge records and continue his meteoric rise to stardom. Instead, before the end of that fateful competition Nick Mevoli had died, a victim of the sport that had made him a star, and the very future of free diving was called into question.

With unparalleled access and masterfully crafted prose, One Breath tells his unforgettable story, and of the sport which shaped and ultimately destroyed him.

©2016 Adam Skolnick (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

great info and perspective on bizarre sport

appreciate Adam's details on the physiology. you know what happens, but it is fascinating all the way through

Unexpected Surprise

The title is definitely misleading. But, I’m a freediving enthusiast who lives in Hawaii. I dove on nearly all my days off and this book was very entertaining, enjoyable, and full of insightful knowledge. I meet a lot of divers like the man in the book who are overly confident. This book helps keep me in check and remembering that Mother Nature is always in charge and physical talent will only take you so far!

This book left me breathless!

What did you love best about One Breath?

The story of William Trubridge and his peers is just amazing. The limits of human capability are being pushed to the edge and beyond in this demanding sport and William is at the top of the game in this book.

What other book might you compare One Breath to and why?

Well, other related stories such as, “Deep” but I could say books like, “Unbroken” because the nature of the human will and spirit to achieve and to dominate encompasses so many aspects of nature, the sea, space, and the like.

What about Paul Boehmer’s performance did you like?

Just a very well done narration. Easy to listen to and didn’t detract from the story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The tragic loss of Nick Mevoli.

Any additional comments?

Super book!

passes the feeling of freediving

feels like I'm diving with them.
a nice review of the history and physiology of the sport.
can't wait for a freediving course!

Sad and Passionate

Beautiful book , just the narrator is flat , but overall really good book , definitely going to buy the paper version