From Childhood Country Roots to Water's Embrace: A Journey of Transformation and Reflection
Mitch Ayres is an accomplished Australian freediver whose impressive feats have placed him firmly on the global stage. Holding the Australian record for bi-fins at an astonishing 95 meters and the national and continental record for constant weight bi-fins (CWTB) of 100 meters, Mitch ranks #38 in the world for his static breath-hold of 8 minutes and 32 seconds. As of 2023, he is also ranked #21 worldwide across all freediving disciplines.
Since beginning his competitive journey in 2021, Mitch has made a remarkable impact in both pool and depth events. His list of accomplishments includes a diverse array of impressive personal bests recognised by AIDA International, such as 70 meters for Constant Weight No Fins (CNF), 80 meters for Constant Weight (CWT), 100 meters for CWTB, and 101 meters for Free Immersion (FIM).
Only beginning his competitive journey in 2021, his dedication and skill exemplify the spirit of freediving - pushing the limits of human potential beneath the surface. Mitch's story is one of change, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of mastery in the depths.
Growing up in the countryside, I was surrounded by open fields and the gentle hum of farm life. Behind our home lay a cattle farm, with a dam as the only water source nearby.
In my early teens, my family made the move to the coast. The ocean was now within reach, yet I found myself still disconnected from it. That changed when I took on a traineeship with an ocean-based outdoor education company. Suddenly, I was required to interact with the water, not just be near it, but to understand and respect it. To be a safe guide for school students, I had to develop my own confidence in that vast, unpredictable environment.
Days turned into weeks, then months, as I waded into the surf, helping kids catch their first waves. I snorkeled, kayaked, and spent countless hours on the water’s surface. Years after years ended in quite the logbook. Despite all this time in the water, I couldn’t swim - only doggy paddle at best. The ocean was both my classroom and my challenge.
"And then came the pandemic."
Now without a job, I found myself scrolling through social media aimlessly. A freediving post caught my eye: “What is this?” I wondered. Intrigued, I began googling everything - how long can humans hold their breath for? How do I learn to hold my breath for longer? That curiosity turned into a mission. For six months, I practiced breath-holding daily. Freediving schools were not operational at that point so I ended up spending hours at the local pool (while it was still open), pushing myself underwater, swimming laps, and gradually building my confidence. This to the point where I could pass Pool Freediving Instructor requirements, before taking an introductory course, I was locked in.
Fast forward four years, and water now defines my life. I train, compete, snorkel, and guide school students through a myriad of water-based activities. The transformation has been profound.
"I went from a boy who couldn’t swim to someone who lives and breathes the ocean."
Amidst this passion and progress, I feel a twinge of sadness.
Every day, I am privileged to witness the same stretch of ocean - its waves, its beauty, its secrets. Yet, I’ve watched it change. The vibrant coral reefs I once saw teeming with life are now barren, scarred by pollution and neglect. Plastic debris litters the shoreline, and the once-thriving ecosystems are now ghost towns for marine life.
"I know we’ve all heard it before, but it really is up to us and our everyday actions. We don’t need more reminders that using plastic straws, bottles, and bags is harmful - we already know. We just need to think twice, while we still can."
By Mitch Ayres
