Barbados Sea Swim: No Adult Supervision!
I grew up in land-locked Colorado and more recently hail from San Francisco, where beach-walking in lieu of -swimming is the norm.
I moved to Barbados – St Lawrence Gap, on the beach — in January ’08 and was fascinated by the Caribbean Sea right outside. I was also fearful of it.
Each morning I began my day by checking the sea outside, then, as though it were a sleeping newborn, I’d check in on it throughout the day. I still begin my day by throwing open the windows to the magical sea and imagine I always will; as Greg says, God does nice work.
Happily swimming, in the Caribbean Sea in Barbados
I’d look — but I wouldn’t go in. I’d watch Greg go in, but I stayed in the pool. I was scared.
My feelings about the Caribbean Sea roused conflicting feelings:
First, fascination: Its color is mind-blowing blue — or what I call Barbados Blue; Crayola should have such a color, at least in the 32-pack. It’s a blue that sparkles and shimmers in the light. On a sunny day it’s as clear as a glass of water. When a storm threatens; it turns grumpy and dark. Very cool … when I’m inside looking out.
Second, fear: Animals live in the sea. The sea moves around. And, it’s huge … there’s so much water.
I wanted to go in; I envied Greg going in …. I was like a child who wanted to play with the new family pet but fearfully backed off whenever I felt too close.
When I finally did venture in, I dressed for the occasion: I wore high-collar, long-sleeved zip-up jacket and long pants and water shoes. This was so that the animals couldn’t touch my skin. As I ventured in very slowly, Greg, whose hand I gripped, commented, “You’re a bit of an eccentric, aren’t you?” (No argument there.)
Gradually, I went into the sea more often. My progress was slow – I always I gripped Greg’s hand getting in and getting out, but at least I was giving it a go.
Then I started going into the sea wearing a swimsuit with just the long pants over it – no long-sleeved jacket zipped to the neck.
I graduated to wearing my swimsuit and shorts. Not sure what I was thinking – that the sea animals could nibble at my shins but my sacred thighs were safe? Truth is, I’ve never had a fish or any animal in the sea come anywhere near me.
About two weeks ago — two years and six months after moving to Barbados — I called Greg at work, asked if he’d come home early. I told him I was ready. And when he got home, I got on my swimsuit and only my swimsuit and went into the sea. I loved it! Since then, I’ve been in, with Greg, every day.
This morning, I called Greg at work and told him I was Going in Alone. He said, “Great! Call me when you get out.” (Ha … so, if he doesn’t hear from me, he can come fish me out me later on…?)
I went in without fear. I breathed in a deep breath of the sea air, marveled at the warmth of the sea, and took the plunge. I couldn’t believe how much fun I had, paddling around in the Caribbean Sea outside our home, all by myself! I felt free and happy and as proud as a school kid with a great report card. Who can finally play with the family pet.
9 Responses to “Barbados Sea Swim: No Adult Supervision!”
Leave a Reply
I’m from Kansas and now live in southwest Florida. The ocean can be a scary place at first, but it can be your best friend as well.
Good post,
Cheers
Well done Jane! Enjoy your accomplishment and when you feel like you need a new challenge, try floating in the sea under a full moon. Magical…especially in Barbados.
The Gap is my favorite hangout on the island – love Dover & Sandy Beach – but to be honest I love just about any beach in the Caribbean.
Now that you’ve taken the plunge, it will be hard to stay out of the water
Love your blog!
Oh, Sue, now you’ve done it … you’ve gone and planted an even greater challenge in my mind! I read and re-read your note and couldn’t believe you suggested swimming in the sea at night — in the dark — where you can’t see to the nice, white, reassuring white sandy bottom!
It might take another two years of little-by-little, but I’m gonna do it! Sounds sooo dreamy to float in the sea with the moon reflecting on the surface of the glorious warm Caribbean … ahhh!
Thanks!
Now that I’m used to it, Ryan, I go in without a thought … I feel quite empowered, actually, to be able to just run into the sea without a care!
Thanks for writing. I bet you’re happy to be out of land-locked Kansas!!
xx
Hi Jane,
Just returned from Barbados and my friend was a bit scared of the sea but in the end she loved it too.
Hi, Jonathan. Did you ever go into the sea for a night swim? My new challenge is to go into the sea for a swim when it’s dark … scares me to pieces, even though there’s really nothing to be frightened of. Uhh … right?
i understand that swimming at night is even more exciting en déshabillé…
I am working my way up to swimming at night in the sea; I can comfortably go in at dusk but not the darkest of night … not yet. Some day, though. You’re right that it’s quite the experience, or so I’ve heard. You’ll have to try it yourself and let me know, Patrick! xx Jane