Fascinating! So happy you got to experience this and thank you for sharing it with us! Such courageous women - I can't believe some of them are 80 years old doing this!
Claire, I was amazed, too. I couldn't believe how great of shape they're in. I get exhausted after one dive with oxygen, I can't imagine doing it for hours without any help!
Being a photography nut, I cannot help myself. Your images are super. I wanted to introduce you to Yoshiyuki Iwase. I bought an exhibition print (huge) of his many years ago. He passed away at 97 about 25 years ago. He is credited with making the Sea Women a subject of great importance in Japanese photography. There is lots of his work online, but in case you haven't come across him, you might enjoy a quick search.
Wow, his photos are phenomenal. I had no idea about the Ama. So cool to read about the Japanese counterparts of the Haenyeo. Thank you for sharing this!
What a beautiful post, Ashleigh. And an incredible topic. Mostly I've heard of free diving as an extreme sport. The history of it on this island--wow. And the fact that the women are reaching such mature aging and still diving, simply great. Thanks for this!
Yes! It has roots in many coastal and island cultures including ones in Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia. I’m still getting comfortable diving with oxygen so I can’t imagine free diving daily. Thank you for reading and your kind words, Jeanine!
60-80 years old and holding it down like that?! Wow!!! It’s a shame that the tradition is basically becoming extinct. Hopefully, the next generation of women will want to preserve it. This was very interesting to read, Ashleigh. Thank you for sharing this experiences with us!
Fascinating! So happy you got to experience this and thank you for sharing it with us! Such courageous women - I can't believe some of them are 80 years old doing this!
Claire, I was amazed, too. I couldn't believe how great of shape they're in. I get exhausted after one dive with oxygen, I can't imagine doing it for hours without any help!
Being a photography nut, I cannot help myself. Your images are super. I wanted to introduce you to Yoshiyuki Iwase. I bought an exhibition print (huge) of his many years ago. He passed away at 97 about 25 years ago. He is credited with making the Sea Women a subject of great importance in Japanese photography. There is lots of his work online, but in case you haven't come across him, you might enjoy a quick search.
Wow, his photos are phenomenal. I had no idea about the Ama. So cool to read about the Japanese counterparts of the Haenyeo. Thank you for sharing this!
This is so cool! I'm definitely putting this on my bucket list. Great photos!
Thank you so much, Courtney! One day I hope to join in their diving experience if they still offer it. :)
Yes, that would be amazing. Free diving is so much fun!
I learned about these fantastic women recently and I envy you for being able to see this!
Gabi, have you watched the documentary about them yet? I still need to see it!
What a beautiful post, Ashleigh. And an incredible topic. Mostly I've heard of free diving as an extreme sport. The history of it on this island--wow. And the fact that the women are reaching such mature aging and still diving, simply great. Thanks for this!
Yes! It has roots in many coastal and island cultures including ones in Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia. I’m still getting comfortable diving with oxygen so I can’t imagine free diving daily. Thank you for reading and your kind words, Jeanine!
So interesting! I’ve seen a Maui woman who does it, on YouTube, and women who do it in competition. This was great, Ashleigh.
I watched the documentary and I’m so envious of your trip to see them.
I still need to see it!
Happy holidays, Ashleigh! Very enjoyable read.
Thank you, Toni! Hope you enjoy your holidays, too 😊
They are very brave women for sure!!
I’m in awe!
Great stuff, Ashleigh! Keep it coming. I'm thinking about heading that way next winter.
Thank you, Hamish! I definitely recommend a visit to the island. Really great hiking there as well.
60-80 years old and holding it down like that?! Wow!!! It’s a shame that the tradition is basically becoming extinct. Hopefully, the next generation of women will want to preserve it. This was very interesting to read, Ashleigh. Thank you for sharing this experiences with us!
once again you're showing me a world I never knew existed! thank you for sharing.
That’s such a kind thing to say, thank you for reading, Elizabeth!