Wendy - the scene on the ocean floor was so fully embodied and immediate - thank you for writing it - and how happy I am to know that everyone got through it okay in the end. 💚
Excellent writing, you completely terrified me. We never even passed the swimming pool test when our kids were that age, Peter just hated it and I don't even like snorkels. But my son kept going for a while.
Thanks, Sarah. Where did you do the swimming pool test? Were you on holiday? Yes, there’s never been a bigger schism between what I thought I was cut out for and what I’m actually cut out for! It’s definitely not for everyone!
We were on a Mark Warner holiday in Greece, I think. As I had already nearly lost Peter because while learning to 'yacht' I fell out of the back of the boat, but he didn't notice as he was lying on the prow with a bandaged knee, heading out into the Med at a rate of knots...we decided discretion was the better part, etc
Fab piece Wendy. I love that you include the reference to Jane Campion’s The Piano - one of my favourite films.
I can recognise your initial “Gung Ho, let’s do it” attitude, then the gut-wrenching fear when in the moment. It has happened to me twice in the last 2 years. First snow mobiling across the Arctic snow at night near the Russian border and then more recently doing a 90 ft cliff abseil for the Fox Project charity. Beforehand, I thought “yes, brilliant idea” and ended up on both occasions in absolute fear, knowing I had bitten off more than I can chew and whimpering out loud like a new born baby, waiting for a sensible adult to rescue me. I completed both challenges - but never again I said to myself. I wonder is it an age thing ?
Thanks, Caroline. The Piano is one of my favourite films, too! It’s astonishing.
Crikey, your own adventures sound demanding. I did a charity abseil once, and that was definitely a one-off! On the Fiji trip, I was so keen to set an example to my children – I am woman, hear me roar! – that I just didn’t hear the alarm bells. I searched my soul afterwards.
I never got further than the swimming pool test...which I spectacularly failed. Couldn't manage the controlled breathing. I'd taken part to support my stepson Max and he aced the tests and won his PADI in the open water. He was pleased he could go diving and I was DELIGHTED I would never have to again.
Wendy you had my full attention from the moment I realized you were diving without a buddy. My first ocean dive was in silty waters with a strong current. Almost zero visibility, sure way to make one sick.
Your daughter would now know how dangerous that dive was from the outset, since training properly. A close call for you all, brilliant edge of your seat writing again, no tears this time, but close.
Terrifying, Wendy. Years ago I sat on a boat over the Barrier Reef, feeling bad I lacked the courage to dive with others. You have reassured me I did the right thing for me, so thank you.
I’m sure it can be a good experience in the right circumstances – and with an instructor who stays with you, Ann, but sometimes it is better to trust our instincts!
OMG, that was terrifying Wendy - I've just stopped holding my breath. I remember that pyjama and brick swimming pool test, which also terrified me. I don't think scuba diving would suit me either!
Thank you for confirming that scuba diving is very much not for me, although I am (erroneously) convinced that I can do anything if I absolutely have to.
God, that sounds terrifying, Wendy! Lou and I had a pretty horrible experience snorkelling in the Philippines where we got caught out by the tide and couldn’t swim back to the shore.
Had to be rescued by a fishing boat. Don’t think I’d ever go for Scuba diving after that!
It reminds of when, just after uni I was sent to speak to a room full of older gentlemen on a topic I had no clue about either before or after my presentation.
As someone who can't even swim, I read this as if it were a thriller. You were really brave to try scuba diving and although it didn't go according to plan, it has made for a gripping story. For a moment I was there with you underwater.
Well that put me off ever trying to scuba dive!
My daughter’s advice now is to learn in the UK where standards are a lot stricter. And you won’t be sent out to sea in a day!
Wendy - the scene on the ocean floor was so fully embodied and immediate - thank you for writing it - and how happy I am to know that everyone got through it okay in the end. 💚
Thank you, Francesca. I was mighty relieved we were all unscathed, though I felt ill for a long time afterwards. It was a real shock to the system.
Excellent writing, you completely terrified me. We never even passed the swimming pool test when our kids were that age, Peter just hated it and I don't even like snorkels. But my son kept going for a while.
Thanks, Sarah. Where did you do the swimming pool test? Were you on holiday? Yes, there’s never been a bigger schism between what I thought I was cut out for and what I’m actually cut out for! It’s definitely not for everyone!
We were on a Mark Warner holiday in Greece, I think. As I had already nearly lost Peter because while learning to 'yacht' I fell out of the back of the boat, but he didn't notice as he was lying on the prow with a bandaged knee, heading out into the Med at a rate of knots...we decided discretion was the better part, etc
Oh crikey, Sarah. What a “relaxing” holiday – not! Your yacht drama sounds quite scary enough.
Hard to read . Glad u all lived 😍
Thank you, Lib. So am I!
Fab piece Wendy. I love that you include the reference to Jane Campion’s The Piano - one of my favourite films.
I can recognise your initial “Gung Ho, let’s do it” attitude, then the gut-wrenching fear when in the moment. It has happened to me twice in the last 2 years. First snow mobiling across the Arctic snow at night near the Russian border and then more recently doing a 90 ft cliff abseil for the Fox Project charity. Beforehand, I thought “yes, brilliant idea” and ended up on both occasions in absolute fear, knowing I had bitten off more than I can chew and whimpering out loud like a new born baby, waiting for a sensible adult to rescue me. I completed both challenges - but never again I said to myself. I wonder is it an age thing ?
Thanks, Caroline. The Piano is one of my favourite films, too! It’s astonishing.
Crikey, your own adventures sound demanding. I did a charity abseil once, and that was definitely a one-off! On the Fiji trip, I was so keen to set an example to my children – I am woman, hear me roar! – that I just didn’t hear the alarm bells. I searched my soul afterwards.
I love that Wendy - just not hearing the alarm bells
So vividly described! That must have been terrifying, you were so brave for even trying it - I could never!
Still gives me the shivers when I think about it, Ruby. Stay on dry land, I say!
I never got further than the swimming pool test...which I spectacularly failed. Couldn't manage the controlled breathing. I'd taken part to support my stepson Max and he aced the tests and won his PADI in the open water. He was pleased he could go diving and I was DELIGHTED I would never have to again.
Sensible of you Peter!
Wendy you had my full attention from the moment I realized you were diving without a buddy. My first ocean dive was in silty waters with a strong current. Almost zero visibility, sure way to make one sick.
Your daughter would now know how dangerous that dive was from the outset, since training properly. A close call for you all, brilliant edge of your seat writing again, no tears this time, but close.
Thanks, Lisa. I’m glad you emerged from your own first dive safely. Have you been again since?
Yes, my daughter is very experienced now and can point out all the red flags!
I haven’t been diving for many years now Wendy, but I have quite a bit of diving under by belt.
I’m sure it must be wonderful when it goes right!
Terrifying, Wendy. Years ago I sat on a boat over the Barrier Reef, feeling bad I lacked the courage to dive with others. You have reassured me I did the right thing for me, so thank you.
I’m sure it can be a good experience in the right circumstances – and with an instructor who stays with you, Ann, but sometimes it is better to trust our instincts!
PS snorkelling in shallow water was fun though!
Oh good! Yes! I was amazed at how much there was to see right there by the shore, and I expect that’s the same with the Barrier Reef.
OMG, that was terrifying Wendy - I've just stopped holding my breath. I remember that pyjama and brick swimming pool test, which also terrified me. I don't think scuba diving would suit me either!
Thanks for reading – and breathing, Faith! Yes, once was definitely enough for me. I’m not even that comfortable at the bottom of a swimming pool!
Thank you for confirming that scuba diving is very much not for me, although I am (erroneously) convinced that I can do anything if I absolutely have to.
All for a gung-ho attitude, Lucy. Just stick to dry land!
Dry land ALWAYS. and nothing up in the air!
What a terrifying experience! You describe it so well, Wendy. I was really feeling your panic!
Thanks, Emma. Still get the shivers remembering it!
God, that sounds terrifying, Wendy! Lou and I had a pretty horrible experience snorkelling in the Philippines where we got caught out by the tide and couldn’t swim back to the shore.
Had to be rescued by a fishing boat. Don’t think I’d ever go for Scuba diving after that!
Thanks for sharing, Andy. Yup, leave those underwater adventures to the fish, I say! Glad you and Louise made it back.
Whoa! Super scary!
It reminds of when, just after uni I was sent to speak to a room full of older gentlemen on a topic I had no clue about either before or after my presentation.
Give me sharks and murky waters any time!
I can sympathise with the presentation, Julia. That’s a recurring nightmare, standing up in public and having no clue what I’m talking about!
I had trouble breathing just reading this story! Kudos for you for trying something new, but glad you made it back to land!
Thank you, Linda. I’m very relieved we all made it back to land, too!
As someone who can't even swim, I read this as if it were a thriller. You were really brave to try scuba diving and although it didn't go according to plan, it has made for a gripping story. For a moment I was there with you underwater.
Thank you, Cristina. The memory still gives me the shivers.