I absolutely love water but I can’t swim. I love going to swimming pools but only to “Play Ring around the Rosie” and see how long I can hold my breath under water. I love beaches because I love to hear the waves crashing and feel the sand between my toes. I love water but I can’t swim.
It is a known that many African Americans don’t know how to swim; I am proving the theory right. Can our lack of swimming skills be due to a historical context, women not wanting to mess-up their newly styled hair or simply because our parents failed to teach us…
I decided to take an excursion called Johns Gray Sea Canoe while in Phuket, Thailand. I was excited yet apprehensive about canoeing but was assured that I would be ok despite my shortcomings. I entered the boat and went to the top where lunch awaited us. Lunch consisted of fruit, Pad Thai and crispy vegetable rolls. After eating, I decided to go change into my bathing suit. As I’m walking down the stairs, I notice that they are blowing up the canoes. In my mind the canoes were supposed to be wooden. I immediately begin to go into panic mode. I’m thinking, “Lord I don’t want to die tonight”. “What if the canoe can’t hold my weight”, “What if the canoe is punctured and the air comes out”. I go back upstairs and it’s time to put our life jackets on. Unfortunately, my life jacket only buttoned at the top and not on the bottom. On top of that, they introduced me to my paddle guide and he looked to be about 15. Again I’m thinking, “If I drown how is he going to save me”.
“Exploring Caves”
I somehow managed to get into the kayak with my guide and paddled into a lagoon. I’m lying down and from my view I could see birds circling in the sky, vast rock formations, green water and the sound of peace. After the lagoon, we went sea cave exploring inside Phang Nga Bay’s. As you are going into the caves, you are instructed to lie down and place your hands as close to your body as you can get. A little air is let out of the kayak as well to actually fit inside the opening of the cave. The space is so small that your face is only inches from the cave opening. As you enter the cave you see bats hovering above. Upon exiting the caves, you are exposed to large beautiful bodies of water as the sun kisses your face. All I could think was “God you made all of this, you are awesome”. After paddling for awhile we were asked if wanted to canoe on our own, of course I politely declined, because remember I can’t swim. LOL. Dinner was served and consisted of a variety of foods including shrimp, chicken, rice and vegetables.
After dinner we made a self floating flower called a “Kratong”. Just as I had begun to get used to the kayak in the day, they informed us that we were going to kayak one more time. At this point its pitch black, and I feel as if we are the only boat in the water. I mustered up enough confidence and got back into my canoe with my guide. We lit the floating flower and allowed it to float in the water. Afterwards we blew out the candle, swished our hand in the water and saw dinoflagellates (bioluminescent plankton). If you don’t know what that is, imagine little glowing sparkletts in the water.
“Kratong”
I must say that this was one of the best excursions. Despite my love of water but fear of drowning in a large pool of water, I’m glad I conquered my fears. False Evidence Appearing Real could have preventing me from going on this tour and I would have missed out on great food, the opportunity to meet other travellers, Gods beautiful creation and a life time of memories. Yes I know, I need to learn how to swim! It is my goal to learn how to swim, so that I can enjoy other water activities without being scared that I am going to Die! Well thank God I floated and did not drown!
Love your spirit! I want to hear more-enjoy your journey.
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Thank you so much Conchita! Please follow the blog, to read about more updates!
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Awesome. I learned how to swim at 36. You can do it.
You definitely have a way with words. I felt like, I was there with you.
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Hi Marci, Glad I could take you along with me on my Kayaking adventure! I enjoy writing and try to be as descriptive as possible when telling stories!
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This is fabulous! Please keep sharing your adventures and your personal journey! You are so needed in the world right now!
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Hi Melissa! Thank you so much for reading, I appreciate it! I’ve wanted to blog for years, but only recently started. Your comments let me know that I am on the write path as it relates to blogging. Please subscribe to keep up with future articles!
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I enjoyed this post. I am not a swimmer either but I admire your courage. I would have freaked out going through a cave that I had lie down to go through.
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LOL, I think that was easiest for me, I was more afraid of being out an large bodies of water. Glad you enjoyed, thanks so much for reading!
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Awesome! I’m so glad you conquered your fears! I too, don’t know how to swim but I would love to learn one day.
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Me too, If i wouldn’t have conquered my fear, i would have missed out on one of the best excursions. Me and you both have to learn .
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I love this so much! Kuddos to you for getting out there, literally!
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Thank you so much for reading! I’m so glad i actually got out there, YOLO- You only live once.
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Great post. I’m 43 and I don’t know how to swim. I wouldn’t say that it is a fear. I just never learned.
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Thank you, I wish i would have learned at a younger age, I believe you are fearless at that time. when I have children i have vowed to put them in swimming lessons by the age 2. LOL
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Facing fears is so important. I’m not that skilled of a swimmer, but if you give me a life jacket I will jump into the ocean and snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, whatever it is. lol Is that extremely crazy of me?
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Yes it is important many people fail to reach there full potential due to fear. Nope thats not crazy at all, you have faith your swimming skills and life jacket will save you. I havent got the courage to jump into the ocean just yet.. lol
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Beautiful pictures! I’m thankful that my mom put me in swimming classes when I was young. I’m looking forward to see a future post where you’re sharing your swimming experiences around the world! 🙂
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Thank you! I don’t even think my mom was thinking about this type of stuff, she was focused on the day to day things.. Yes Tia you gave me motivation, nice headline for a post Here and now: swimming experiences around the world.
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Yes!! So much yes! I am so proud of you for going through with this adventure even with your fears. This is exactly why I blog, to push people out of their comfort zones. I have your same reaction every time I see God’s creation. I’m in awe ever single time. I’m pinning this for future reference because when I finally get to Thailand this is definitely up my alley.
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God is absolutely awesome, I think he allows us to experience travel so we can see his goodness! Yes if you go to Thailand (Phuket) this is a must do. Right i think we have similar missions, I want to inspire others to do things they may not normally do!
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This sounds like an amazing excursion! Your photos are gorgeous. I can swim, but my mom can’t, and so much about this post reminds me of her. She loves the water too.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
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Yes it was amazing, I think it was the best excursion and I did several. Tell mom I said hello, hopefully will both learn one day.
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I’m proud of you for not backing out. You had plenty of reasons to change your mind. What a beautiful experience you have to show for your determination.
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Thanks Camesha, as you know several times I almost did. LOL A beautiful experience that I will always remember
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This is AWESOME. I can definitely relate because I can’t swim either. I recently went parasailing after being so scared (because I can’t swim), and it felt awesome. Good for you.
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Thank you! Parasailing has been on my bucket list but I am scared to do it. How do you land? Do you land in the water or the boat when coming down?
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Glad you had a great time and conquered your fears. That is an amazing double dose.
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I like that double dose of amazingness (i think i just made up a word. LOL
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I am not a strong swimmer, so I feel you on this! I admire your courage!
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Thanks I felt like the cowardly lion trying to find my courage, I really need to learn ASAP..
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So amazing that you conquered your fears! And got some adventure in kayaking is a win win.
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Thanks i agree I think it was a double win! Fear=0 Conquered & Kayaked =1
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