When last I wrote, I was yet to embrace the identity of being an ocean swimmer, and I was searching for the deep calm I thought swimming would bring. I found myself repeating the mantra inspired by Dory from Finding Nemo – “Just keep swimming” – as a way to fend off encroaching panic. A lot has changed since then.
After challenging myself to complete the Equilibrium Healthcare Coalcliff Ocean Swim Club season, some friends and I initiated an ocean swimming group called The Blue Dorys. Every Sunday morning, we gather to swim.
There are moments of heightened nervousness, and moments of blissful calm. And when my nerves get the better of me, my fellow Dorys rally to support me through. After a swim, we convene over a shared meal to solve the problems of the world. This ritual has ingrained itself as an essential component of my weekly routine.
Presently, I’m engrossed in writing my psychology honours thesis on the experiences of older adults who engage in regular ocean swimming, with a particular focus on risk, resilience, and how swimming impacts their perception of ageing.
I interviewed people I perceived to be legitimate ocean swimmers, people I admire as fearless in the open water. What I discovered was something quite different.
Fear is a universal sentiment, albeit expressed in diverse ways. As one of these swimmers reflected, you can’t truly connect with the water if you’re afraid of it, highlighting the importance of knowing the difference between being afraid, and having a healthy respect for the power of the ocean. The difference comes in being able to weigh the risks against the benefits.
What I’m learning is that the benefits consistently prevail. So, while I am possibly not the most confident, not the fastest, and nowhere near as knowledgeable as I aspire to be, my commitment to this journey remains unwavering.
Jacques Cousteau famously said “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” I consider it an honour that the ocean has woven its enchantment around me, and I continue to find delight in its waters, its surrounds, its sounds and scents, and possibly above all, in the camaraderie of those with whom I share this bond.
I am unsure if the anxiety will ever fully dissipate, but my love for the ocean will grow around the fear and loosen its paralysing grip. In this way then,
it seems I have found that deep calm I was searching for, it just came in a package I wasn’t expecting.
It was always there, I just needed to wade into the deep to find it.
Coalcliff club events 2023
Nippers is on from 9-11am. Arrive at 10.30am for the Ocean Swim Club, 10.50am safety briefing,
11am-12 noon swim session.
- Sunday, 8 October: Nippers / Ocean Swim Club Sun, 22 October: Nippers / Ocean Swim Club
- Sun, 5 November: Nippers / Ocean Swim Club
- Sun, 19 November: Nippers / Ocean Swim Club / Bridge to Boatshed Run
- Sun, 3 December: Nippers / Ocean Swim Club
- Sun, 10 December: Rod Stevens Memorial Paddle
- Sun, 17 December: Nippers / Ocean Swim Club
To join the club, go to coalcliffslsc.com.au/membership and click renew/join, and keep up with the latest club news on Facebook.
