May 1, 2023·edited May 1, 2023Liked by Sari Botton
Lovely ode to the joy of open-water swimming. I like to body surf down on the Central Coast (fully neoprene-clad), and have often been checked out/near-visited by curious sea lions. I know they can be dangerous but I am delighted when one pops up its shiny head a few yards away from me, then sinks, then pops up again a few yards on the other side. Cold ocean swimming is like returning the the Great Mother for me.
From the warmth of my cozy home I have witnessed your journey as you stretched your comfort zone. A swimmer myself, my perception of your daily routine evolved from “crazy” to “bad- ass”, although it never convinced me to take the plunge in the icy bay. What a beautiful story conveying your strength and perseverance. And you found love after all!
As I read this piece I went from elation, to terror, to inspiration. Can't say I've ever loved swimming, and I hate feeling cold, but I know a strong spirit when I see one, and I don't mean the sea lion! Much appreciation for both your swimming and writing.
I love how you write that swimming in the Bay helped you fall back in love with yourself. I, too, feel holy and utterly right when submerged in a body of water--even a swimming pool. It's where & how I feel most alive, and your essay conveys that aliveness with such glistening language. I'm inspired by your refusal to let your fear of sea lions or other water dangers keep you from diving deep and emerging reborn. Thank you!
Someday I want to be an old goat too! Great article . I'm from Florida and we have a few bay swimmers but great to hear about this club and its rich traditions.
Ha!! Interesting. I relate. Growing up in Southern California I was a competitive surfer for many years. A break I loved in Ventura had a regular seal we called Satan Seal cause he’d bitten a few surfers. One day my buddies and I were surfing a reef in Ventura and we spotted a large shark twenty feet away. Man: I have never paddled so fast in my life! Satan Seal also kinda went nuts one day and attacked several surfers.
Your story of perseverance is amazing. Btw I lived in the Bay Area for a decade so I get it. In 2008 when I first lived there (in the Sunset) I quit surfing. Red Triangle: Too many sharks.
A delight to read about this mid-life adventure and the impact it has had on you. I especially appreciate your gift of sharing your vulnerability, and admire your skills at navigating whatever comes your way.
Eli's lose! Great article.
Lovely ode to the joy of open-water swimming. I like to body surf down on the Central Coast (fully neoprene-clad), and have often been checked out/near-visited by curious sea lions. I know they can be dangerous but I am delighted when one pops up its shiny head a few yards away from me, then sinks, then pops up again a few yards on the other side. Cold ocean swimming is like returning the the Great Mother for me.
From the warmth of my cozy home I have witnessed your journey as you stretched your comfort zone. A swimmer myself, my perception of your daily routine evolved from “crazy” to “bad- ass”, although it never convinced me to take the plunge in the icy bay. What a beautiful story conveying your strength and perseverance. And you found love after all!
As I read this piece I went from elation, to terror, to inspiration. Can't say I've ever loved swimming, and I hate feeling cold, but I know a strong spirit when I see one, and I don't mean the sea lion! Much appreciation for both your swimming and writing.
I love how you write that swimming in the Bay helped you fall back in love with yourself. I, too, feel holy and utterly right when submerged in a body of water--even a swimming pool. It's where & how I feel most alive, and your essay conveys that aliveness with such glistening language. I'm inspired by your refusal to let your fear of sea lions or other water dangers keep you from diving deep and emerging reborn. Thank you!
What a joy to read, Josiane. And girl, you're some kind of a writer! Loved this. Thank you! Terrific headline too.
You are amazing!
What an exhilarating read!!! And yes, Eli's loss.
Someday I want to be an old goat too! Great article . I'm from Florida and we have a few bay swimmers but great to hear about this club and its rich traditions.
Ha!! Interesting. I relate. Growing up in Southern California I was a competitive surfer for many years. A break I loved in Ventura had a regular seal we called Satan Seal cause he’d bitten a few surfers. One day my buddies and I were surfing a reef in Ventura and we spotted a large shark twenty feet away. Man: I have never paddled so fast in my life! Satan Seal also kinda went nuts one day and attacked several surfers.
Your story of perseverance is amazing. Btw I lived in the Bay Area for a decade so I get it. In 2008 when I first lived there (in the Sunset) I quit surfing. Red Triangle: Too many sharks.
Michael Mohr
‘Sincere American Writing’
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/
A wonderful adventure, courage in the face of the “big males.” Well done, a great Monday read.
Thank you, Josiane, for this inspiring article. I'm a swimmer too, and next time I'm in SF I'll look for you in the bay.
A delight to read about this mid-life adventure and the impact it has had on you. I especially appreciate your gift of sharing your vulnerability, and admire your skills at navigating whatever comes your way.