Love and death in the sea
The sea has almost killed me a couple of times. It wasn't her fault; it was mine, for not respecting her. I still remember the last time, a stormy day off the Cost Brava of Spain, in early summer 2008. Every time I think about it, my heart races and my guts jump to my throat.
The cove where I used to swim every day was hit by a storm with strong eastern winds. The turquoise transparent waters of summer quickly transformed into a dirty soup of sand and cold grey water. Unfriendl waves were breaking in chaotic patterns. But beyond the surf zone the sea seemed swimmable. In a moment of Catalan bravado, I put on my swimming suit mask and fins, and got into the water. It was crazy, but did it. I swallowed mouthfuls of sand and salt while I was trying to break through the surf zone. Unpleasantly fighting, I swam- I still don't know why - for twenty minutes. The storm got worse and I decided to call it a day. I turned to swim back. Then I realised I couldn't get to the beach
Waves were breaking all around me. I tried to bodysurt one wave to the shore, but it collapsed suddenly and took me down under the water. When I surtaced to take a breath. I turned around and a second wave hit me just as hard, taking me down again. I hit the sandy bottom. I pushed myself up, but once again, waves were a coming and I couldn't rest or breathe. I was caught in the surf zone, with waves pushing me out and a current pulling me in. I wasn't getting any closer to the beach.
The sea is our mother, sister and home, and as such l love her. We get so much from the sea. She gives us life, oxygen, food. She regulates the climate and she makes ours a wonderful life. We should thank the sea, the ocean, every day. Without the ocean and all the in it. our planet would be much poorer. But life on this day, I was having a hard time feeling grateful
After a few more attempts, I decided to let myself go and give up the fight. I took a deep breath. The next wave took me down and forward. I hit the bottom with my back. I rolled over, hit my head, and after what seemed the longest minute of my life, I found myself lying in a foot of water. I scrambled out of the water and onto the beach. I'd got out, but I had lost my mask, snorkel and one fin. My whole body was sore. as if a gang of boxers had punched me viciously. I sat on the beach, breathless, watching the sea and feeling lucky to be alive I walked back home slowly ears down like a beaten dog.
Some days the sea wants us and some days she doesn't. Since that day, I have not been to the sea when she does not want me. I have learned my lesson. I now thank the sea every day the surface is calm, the waters are clear and diving is easy. And I ask for forgiveness every time I dive and see no fish.