The Ocean tried to kill me.
When I was three-years-old I learned how to swim. And by learned how to swim, I mean my grandparents plucked the flotation devices that encased my arms from me and shoved me into the pool. I survived, though slightly water logged I managed to keep myself a float and from there it was smooth-ish sailing.
In my spare time I double as a mermaid, because of my obsession with water and swimming. Anytime the weather is warm enough or the pool is heated, I can be found soaking up the sun and submerged in a body of water (usually a pool.) This is truly my element. While I can swim, I am not a fast swimmer and 60%* of my ability to swim is due to my large mass and buoyancy. I always said it would be hard for me to drown because I am my own flotation device.
Sunday proved me incredibly wrong. So very wrong. Not only did I find sand in places I would have never thought they could go, like my eyebrows guys. But I also managed to almost drown in a strong riptide. I am no strangers to beaches, having lived near one on the coast of New Jersey not too long ago. I’ve also managed to keep myself upright after a hurricane passed through and leaving tiny particles of jelly fish all over the water. So much so that every time a wave hit you, it felt like being pelted by gummy bears and water.
While visiting a Malibu, California beach over the weekend I charged in without any thought that I might drown. I know you can duck under the waves or you can swim through them. I was arrogant to think that the ocean would not hand my ass to me.
When I was three-years-old I learned how to swim. And by learned how to swim, I mean my grandparents plucked the flotation devices that encased my arms from me and shoved me into the pool. I survived, though slightly water logged I managed to keep myself a float and from there it was smooth-ish sailing.
Sunday proved me incredibly wrong. So very wrong. Not only did I find sand in places I would have never thought they could go, like my eyebrows guys. But I also managed to almost drown in a strong riptide. I am no strangers to beaches, having lived near one on the coast of New Jersey not too long ago. I’ve also managed to keep myself upright after a hurricane passed through and leaving tiny particles of jelly fish all over the water. So much so that every time a wave hit you, it felt like being pelted by gummy bears and water.
While visiting a Malibu, California beach over the weekend I charged in without any thought that I might drown. I know you can duck under the waves or you can swim through them. I was arrogant to think that the ocean would not hand my ass to me.
The rip currents were especially forceful and that combined with large waves. I didn’t stand a chance. The first knock over seemed harmless, I popped up out of water hands in the air to signal my bounce back before being attacked by another massive wave and dragged sideways down the beach. Every attempt I made to get up was thwarted by the ocean receding and then sloshing forward onto the beach sand.
I started to panic. I saw my friends in the distance watching with horror as the water berated me.
"You need to get out," a women called to me. And I was trying with all my might and effort to stand but the water was stronger.
After struggling for 2-3 minutes, two helpful strangers tried to fish me from the water. At first my pride pushed them away. Stop. Let me go. This is embarrassing. But after the 20th blow from the water, I gave in. Help.
I was finally able to stand mostly unharmed. Sand filled my swimsuit and every part of my body. Someone asked me if I was okay.
Adjusting my suit, I starred at the waves crashing against the shoreline.
I'm fine, the ego has landed.
"You need to get out," a women called to me. And I was trying with all my might and effort to stand but the water was stronger.
After struggling for 2-3 minutes, two helpful strangers tried to fish me from the water. At first my pride pushed them away. Stop. Let me go. This is embarrassing. But after the 20th blow from the water, I gave in. Help.
I was finally able to stand mostly unharmed. Sand filled my swimsuit and every part of my body. Someone asked me if I was okay.
Adjusting my suit, I starred at the waves crashing against the shoreline.
I'm fine, the ego has landed.
"I need the sea because it teaches me." -Pablo Neruda
* Statistical number is entirely made up and may not be an accurate representation.
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