Living in the Rainforest: March 2011

Rincon is located on the westernmost coast of Puerto Rico, a haven for surfers and beach goers alike. We didn't get a chance to attempt surfing this time, but we'll be back! I have to admit, the idea of surfing (really surfing, not just the idea of surfing) kinda scares me.

It appears that after much analysis, this stems from an irrational fear of the ocean. The ocean is a powerful, unforgiving, and mysterious force in our world. Do not misunderstand me, I LOVE the ocean. It is a wondrous entity, that conjures thoughts of adventure, exploration, romance, danger. It is alive. And it draws me to it's shore like the proverbial pull of the tide. I love going to the beach and playing in the waves, but every time i swim out a little, I think about what might be lurking just below the surface.

It all began in the 4th grade where for some bizarre happenstance, my teacher, Mrs. Robinson had a boxful of horror stories about viscious animal encounters. Anything from crocodiles sneakily snapping up passersby, bear mauling, to shark attacks, all of which ended in severe injury, loss of limb and life. Given my perverse need to read ALL of these stories plus my exposure to movies like JAWS...I guess my fear of the ocean is quite understandable. And, as Alex reminds me, it is not altogether evolutionarily irresponsible. Having a healthy fear of something so mutable and unknown is rather wise, is it not? I just recognize how disadvantaged I am in the water. I mean there was a reason that animals first learned to crawl up on land. As soon as the plants paved the way, things were falling all over themselves to get the fuck out of that scary place.

However, I am also capable of reasoning that with the proper gear, ocean exploration can be fun. Like scuba diving: when armed with iron lungs, goggles, and flippers, swimming in the big blue really isn't so bad. Surfing just feels so vulnerable compared to that.
However, I do intend to overcome the fear and go surfing...Someday.