I am a traveller who is in love with life. But, sometimes it gets a bit gloomy here and there. I feel less excited and energetic. Such days are spent on the beach. The vastness of the ocean reminds me the beauty of life and its significance. To look at it fills me with that missing enthusiasm and that’s when I pick my surfing board up and dive into the gushing waves.

Refreshing!

Paddling through the waves, I barely care about anything else. People and the beach become invisible and all that seems left is the ocean, its waves, fishes, and sometimes, the seals. A few more paddles and all I can hear is the sound of ripples swaying through the ocean, the sounds of birds flying above us (ocean, me, and the surfing board). Here in the middle of the water, the breeze blows as if surfing with me.

Meditation!

Sometimes, there are other surfers and divers to keep me company. I see them exploring the marine life. Some are new to this experience and I can tell it by looking at their faces – nervous before the first dive and full of zest later. I see their lives change as they observe a world far beneath the land, which they knew existed but had never witnessed it so closely. Such sights fill me with contentment and a feeling of fulfilment brings me all the joy that I felt missing in me earlier.

Happiness!

I paddle through the water and the waves are hitting me. I see seals diving alongside. A bit afraid of them at times, I mostly find them adorable water pups. They are chubby with an ever ‘curious’ look on their faces. And when it is not curious, it is full of fun. They are usually diving and swimming in groups. I see them enjoying each other’s company and mine (when they are diving alongside me). Surfing definitely helps me make new friends.

Friendship!

I have a tendency of losing myself to surfing. It is just so much fun, so much happiness in just one activity. I can feel my own body participating in it. My hands are paddling, my legs are trying to give me a direction, my stomach and spine keep me steady and aware, and all of my senses are super active. The water is salty, ocean smells fish-like, and the wind is cool. I feel like I am a different person every time I come back from the beach. The ocean never fails to show me something new, it never fails to give me a whole new experience.

Revelations!

No matter how gloomy I may feel or how dull life may seem, surfing will always lighten up my mood. The sunset and the horizon will always be a splendid sight. Fun-loving seals will always be a welcomed surfing companion. This is the power of surfing and it makes me a better, happier person.

This is why I love surfing.