BREATHING IS OVERRATED: an autobiography about human potential, a pioneering spirit, and the deepest dive on a single breath

Austrian freediver Herbert Nitsch explored the boundaries of human potential in the ocean’s depths time and again. This pioneering spirit led him to complete the deepest dive on a single breath, in a project called Extreme 800.

This dive took everything from him: his health, his love, his resources, and almost his life. As an airline pilot, Herbert was trained to plan in great detail, and approach challenges analytically and pragmatically. As a maverick freediver, he innovated and broke with convention.  As a scout of his body’s aquatic abilities, he developed a strong bond with the sea.

After being told he would never walk or lead a normal life again, Herbert drew from his experiences above the clouds and underwater to embark on a journey to an extraordinary recovery.

This book dives into the mind and methods of a revolutionary world champion freediver, the only person to set world records across all of the sport’s disciplines.  It also provides insights into a winning mentality, managing risks, stroke recovery, restoration of memory and motor skills, natural healing, self-motivation and unconventional thinking.

Herbert’s well-documented journey was made possible thanks to more than two dozen contributors.  His autobiography is enriched with 200+ color images from photographers such as @franckseguinphoto (cover), and @manu.theobald (back-cover portrait).  Separated from the main story, the book includes a variety of Tech Talks to provide deeper insights into Herbert’s freediving routines, innovations, and No Limit sled designs, as well as various Science Talks about freediving physiology edited by Prof. Dr. Erika Schagatay and Stig Severinsen, Ph.D.

Each time I think I’ve reached a limit ..

there is a door ..

it opens ..

and the limit is gone.

Herbert Nitsch