Balance and paddleboarding
We may have just ticked over into autumn but my mind is still in summer.
What does summer mean to you? Summer to me always meant more time in the ocean for diving, surfing, hanging out with friends, having adventures, barbecues, laughter, coastal clean-ups, stunning sunsets, family reunions, summer sport and so on. It meant storing away my heavy winter dive suit and packing away extra weights from my dive weight belt. It meant nighttime was shorter and I felt like I had more time in daylight for both work and leisure. I remember my school days and how I looked forward to summer break and a chance to continue my education outside of the classroom with my friends. While finishing university as an undergraduate student, I recall the anticipation of summer holidays and the opportunity to travel and explore the world.听
What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.John Steinbeck
Summer can also be a scary time, the threat of bush fires, just one of them.听Life is fluid, that鈥檚 one of the many things that 2021 taught me. It鈥檚 being able to ride the waves, whilst also not being afraid of going underwater sometimes. It鈥檚 not always about strength and power, but also being able to be humble, patient, empathetic, still and calm. It鈥檚 balance. And while we鈥檙e talking about balance, one of the highlights for me this summer was trying out something new in the ocean - paddle boarding.
I was excited but also very nervous. As a diver and frustrated marine ecologist, I鈥檓 more comfortable in water or underwater than being over it, so the prospect of balancing on a board over water made me feel a bit edgy. Nevertheless, I am always just keen to try anything that will take me close to the ocean.听Seacliff is such a stunning coastal area so close to the city. You can even take the train. We had such good weather the day I went. The stand-up paddle boarding shop was right in front of the beach and so very close to the yacht club. The team there was very welcoming and warm (oh and they made sure to point out the stingrays cruising by right next to where we were paddling).
I think I鈥檒l need to seriously make time for more paddle boarding in my life this year. Not only was it a great workout for my body but it also gave me a chance to focus on my breath, focus on the present, and simply be in awe of the ocean. It was really special to share that experience with my sister. If there鈥檚 anything that鈥檚 really great for wellbeing, it鈥檚 being outdoors. I was so worried about falling off the board and feeling so 鈥渦ncool鈥 though. Well, I fell off the board. Twice. And I couldn鈥檛 be happier. I think it wouldn鈥檛 have been an ocean experience if I actually didn鈥檛 get into the water. Balance though, I need to get better at that.
The cure for anything is salt water 鈥 sweat, tears, or the sea.Isak Dinesen
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