Finally!

About two years ago I made it a goal to swim in the open water at Kailua Pier.  For someone born and raised in the islands, you'd think I'd have swam in the open water before, but...no.  I've swam laps in the pool (although the last time was probably 2-3 years ago), and I've frolicked in the ocean- but I've never, ever wed the two.  This is because I've never really been a beach person, and there are lots of frightening things in the ocean (that have no business being there), like fish, eels, sharks, rays and jellyfish.  :-)

But you know...ever since I moved back to the islands in '08, I've really wanted to swim in the ocean.  I'm no longer quite as fearful of getting eaten alive, and I really wanted to view the amazing sea life we have, frolic with dolphins and engage in the best impact-free, endorphin-high the island has to offer.  And so on this past Sunday, I finally did!  Rich, Ryan and I headed to our favorite beach (Kamakahonu), while he and I took turns swimming with a friend out to the end of the white buoys over on the other side of the pier at Kaiakeakua Beach.  Swimming out to the last white buoy at the pier is sort of like being 5-years old and swimming across the YMCA pool to graduate from being a guppy and becoming like, a tadpole.  But still.  Baby steps, baby steps...

To be honest, it was a little unnerving (with a little bit of exhilaration thrown in), but mostly because I made some classic rookie mistakes.  My ancient goggles broke as I was putting them on, so we had to tightly knot them together (thereby giving me the hot and sexy raccoon-eyed look for an hour after).  I'd also forgotten to put that er...magic solution* into my goggles, so they fogged up almost instantly and gave me like, 2-feet visibility. And finally, because I take a breath on every right arm stroke and I'd forgotten to drink water beforehand, my throat was parched within 10 minutes.  I also didn't realize how disorienting it is to know what direction you're going in...every time I popped my head up out of the water to see where I was headed, it was nearly always in the wrong direction. So all of these little issues coupled with trying to keep up my fishy fast friend (thanks for taking one for the team, Heidi!) = a challenging first ocean swim.

*A popular, commonly used liquid application in the islands that prevents fogging when applied to masks/goggles called spit.

But I think I'm still hooked.  I loved the coolness of the water, the beauty of the coral reef (it truly felt like I was swimming in an aquarium!), and looking up to see looming Mt. Hualalai & swaying palm trees on shore.  It was like being in another world.  I won't deny my heart was pounding much of the time, and that I was definitely nauseous after (I suffer from motion sickness)...but it was definitely worth it.  I can see myself wanting to do this more frequently so that it feels less foreign/fearful and gradually becomes more natural.

My plan at this point is to definitely do it again, only this time- to go at a slower pace, and with working, fog-free goggles.  ;-)  Can't wait.  Here are a few pics I stole from Google Images that will give you a better idea of the beauty of our little island town...

My favorite beach on the island...Kamakahonu Beach.  Calm, protected, beautiful and  Jaws-free.

Kaiakeakua Beach...also beautiful, but don't let the prettiness fool you.   Creatures lurk within that are just waiting to eat you.

See what I mean?  Look how terrified everyone is.  Those women in the water look borderline hysterical...the children on the sea wall look like they're about to have heart attacks.  Nonetheless, I braved the treacherous sea and like my battle with the ostrich- won.  There is no keeping this sista down.