[rank_math_breadcrumb]

‘Not really a water-person’ | Hanli Prinsloo

  • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Author:  Hanli Prinsloo

Short Description

I have heard I’m not really a water-person statement so many times. But what does it really mean? You come from water, you drink water, and it turns out – water knows you very well whether or not you want to be part of the relationship. We are all water people, you might just not […]

I have heard I’m not really a water-person statement so many times. But what does it really mean?

You come from water, you drink water, and it turns out – water knows you very well whether or not you want to be part of the relationship. We are all water people, you might just not have had the opportunity to grow comfortable under water – but if you were to try, your body will tell you, you really really are a water person!

The Mammalian Dive Response is a series of adaptations for ocean submersion that the water-loving homo sapiens shares with whales, dolphins and seals!

We are perfectly adapted for time under water on one breath. We have an inner seal living inside of us ready to come out during any water submersion as really a water-person!

Like cogs in a vast machine this response is set in motion as soon as your face is submerged in water. ‘Aha,’ the aquatic mammalian inside you says, ‘ we are freediving!’ and whoosh bradycardia sets in: brady- slowing down, cardia- of the heart.

‘I’m not really a water-person’ | Hanli Prinsloo

The heart rate drops dramatically slowing down the circulation and usage of precious oxygen! As the carbon dioxide levels in the blood rise, the aquatic mammal gears up for auto-vasoconstriction.

Blood vessels in the arms and legs constrict, shunting blood back to the core of the heart-lung-brain combo where oxygen is used more essentially and efficiently.

The breathing reflex of our terrestrial body is making itself heard, diaphragmatic contractions try force you to breathe, it’s uncomfortable but it’s not a final reflex we have to obey.

The aquatic mammal knows this is a false alarm – you still have lots of oxygen, hidden oxygen reserves especially in the human spleen, which like that of deep diving seals, responds to heightened carbon dioxide levels by contracting and releasing the oxygen rich reserves of haemoglobin into the blood.

You are now fully a seal, ready to dive to great depths, spend time cavorting under the waves, explore new landscapes and wildernesses…  stay relaxed when you get held down under a wave if you’re a surfer!

You don’t need a lot of equipment, money or even time to reconnect with our beautiful oceans – just grab a mask, snorkel and fins and walk on in.

Feel the weightlessness of your body in water, enjoy the quiet, the solitude and beauty of total submersion. And if you live far from the sea – just close your eyes and deepen your breath.

In and out, like waves and tides our breath copies the ocean. In and out, with each breath you take the oxygen you use is a reminder of the oceans gift. Water… and air. Even far from the ocean, you are an aquatic being and really a water-person.

Contact Us at WeSpeak Global and follow us on Twitter

The articles, video and images embedded on these pages are from various speakers and talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by WeSpeak Global.

Similar to ‘Not really a water-person’ | Hanli Prinsloo

WS Logo 512

Do What You Love Lie as Fabulous Aussie group The Hilltop Hoods just released a new single called “Show Business” and after being on high rotation at my place, it really got me thinking about Do What You Love. (You can check out the song here) No matter what you do are there are always […]

  • Author: Warwick Merry
WS Logo 512

LED performance and light technology continues to be a popular choice for corporate and private events and here are LED and Glow Performers That Will Mesmerize USA Audiences. The impressive drone light show at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Ceremony indicates that new entertainment technology has arrived. We have researched 5 LED performer for hire in […]

  • Author: Scarlett Entertainment
WS Logo 512

Elon Musk Activates Starlink internet service to keep Ukrainians connected to the world. Ukraine (27 February 2022) – The Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine tweeted Elon Musk asking him to get Starlink internet into the country, and the South African-born American entrepreneur activated it immediately… reconnecting Ukrainians with the world. The Russian invasion has impacted internet […]

  • Author: WeSpeak Global
Ryan Estis

If you’ve been having trouble concentrating recently, you’re not alone and here are some tips on how to Conquer Burnout at Work.   A recent survey conducted by FlexJobs and Mental Health America found that 75% of people have had work-related burnout, with 40% feeling burned out during the pandemic. And according to a July MetLife […]

  • Author: Ryan Estis
WS Logo 512

Aerial warfare of a whole different flavour has hit the open skies. Anti “Flying Pineapple” technology implemented by various private companies has become a thorny issue for the world’s biggest online retailer, Amazon furious about the use of anti-“Flying Pineapple” technology. Disclaimer: This article is a forecast of a possible future and should not be […]

  • Author: Pieter Geldenhuys
WS Logo 512

Siphiwe Moyo’s new book, called “Your Next Move” hits the shelves this week. Career Strategies to Survive and Thrive During Covid-19 and Beyond. As we all think about our responses to COVID-19, we have to try both offence and defence career strategies to survive. In other words, you need to try and hold on to […]

  • Author: Siphiwe Moyo
WS Logo 512

“Consider how hard it is to change yourself, and you’ll understand what little chance you have in trying to build your teams” – Unknown. Being a leader means you need to accept responsibility. Not only for the team but for yourself too. I have attempted to be an authentic leader, allowing my team to see […]

  • Author: Tramayne Monaghan CAs(SA)
WS Logo 512

As a seasoned frontline journalist and broadcaster, Mandy Wiener has a unique perspective on current affairs and A Country Worth Fighting For on how history unfolds in South Africa.   Mandy has had a front row seat to the nine wasted years, the anatomy of the state capture project, the evisceration of state owned entities […]

  • Author: Mandy Wiener

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME