Don't swim in the dark

That's what I've always said. And yet, this cold Friday morning I watched my feet disappear into the black water until I finally let go and took the plunge. Cold water met my chest and arms before engulfing my face. Instinctively, my arms and legs turned over quickly ... within a few metres I felt slightly warmed by the hit out. To my left, my swimming companion Anne-Marie was by my side. She'd already mentioned that she rated this swim high on the crazy-o-meter. Maybe she was right?

Regular swimmers in Hervey Bay take the plunge anywhere from pre-dawn to sun down.

Sipping coffee dune side is often accompanied with the sight of arms turning over in the calm waters of the bay. The first of the pre-dawn swimmers were already in, all Anne-Marie and I had to do was join them.

I felt out of my depth with the darkness.

So I chose to swim where my finger tips could touch the sand. It meant I could get my body to relax and my shoulders to soften. Beach walkers started to appear along the shore as I found my rhythm.

An uplifting moment came when the dawn broke.

The pinks, oranges and yellows reflecting off the water surface. For a little discomfort, the reward was tangible.

Surprisingly, later on it dawned on me the real bonus was not the sunrise but how my swim deepened my connection with Anne-Marie. Makes sense right?

The act of someone being there with you at a time when you feel vulnerable is bound to strengthen your appreciation of them. Thank you Anne-Marie!

Perhaps that's why ocean swimming exploded in popularity during COVID? Deepening connections at a time when collectively people felt vulnerable. Maybe?

I wonder if you've felt that gratitude towards someone for the way they made you feel out in the open water? If you have, isn't it the best feeling to know that someone has your back?

It definitely made the pre-dawn swim worth it for me.