Saying that I am a reluctant swimmer would be generous, Charles. I used to swim when I was little and I remember that it used to be fun. It wasn't reluctant back then. Much like Zoey, I often was guilty of entering into the lanes of other swimmers. Then I swam again in my late teens, just before college. I remember making big progress. I'd swim everyday for a few months. And then I stopped, again, for college. More recently, I just couldn't bring myself to swim to cross a river. More than the current, it was the fish that scared me, I think. I surely miss that childlike confidence that I used to have while swimming.
Thanks for this piece, Charles. It triggered lots of good memories from my childhood.
Beautifully written, Charles. Brought back memories of swimming in college, with friends far more advanced than I was. And the thrill of finally developing a decent flip turn.
I can’t comment on this until I order new goggles and a cap for myself. How I miss swimming and the pool! Even though I haven’t swam laps in years (decades?), I also continue to experience the void of purpose when swimming casually to “cool off” or “hang out.”
As I read the words, your pacing reminds me of a long distance swim in which the strokes and laps tick by at a steady, regular stride that must go one lap or sentence at a time.
This is beautiful writing and thank you for the open reflection on your experience in the water. I’m glad we are swimmers.
I loved the feelings you gave me as I read this. Though I am a reluctant swimmer, I enjoy the water. But I feel more confident when I can touch the bottom. As long as the bottom is touchable - no seaweed or sliminess please. Yes, I prefer pools. I took my daughter to swimming lessons when she was a baby, and wanted to be the one holding her in the pool, in the hopes the baby instructor's lessons would wear off on me. But I think our grand-daughter will take lessons with GrandDad. He grew up on the beach and exudes confidence in the water - I want the new little one to love it as much as he does. I think my lack of confidence affected our daughter's lessons. She feels the same as I about water. I guess I am jealous of my husband's aquatic confidence.
Saying that I am a reluctant swimmer would be generous, Charles. I used to swim when I was little and I remember that it used to be fun. It wasn't reluctant back then. Much like Zoey, I often was guilty of entering into the lanes of other swimmers. Then I swam again in my late teens, just before college. I remember making big progress. I'd swim everyday for a few months. And then I stopped, again, for college. More recently, I just couldn't bring myself to swim to cross a river. More than the current, it was the fish that scared me, I think. I surely miss that childlike confidence that I used to have while swimming.
Thanks for this piece, Charles. It triggered lots of good memories from my childhood.
Beautifully written, Charles. Brought back memories of swimming in college, with friends far more advanced than I was. And the thrill of finally developing a decent flip turn.
I can’t comment on this until I order new goggles and a cap for myself. How I miss swimming and the pool! Even though I haven’t swam laps in years (decades?), I also continue to experience the void of purpose when swimming casually to “cool off” or “hang out.”
As I read the words, your pacing reminds me of a long distance swim in which the strokes and laps tick by at a steady, regular stride that must go one lap or sentence at a time.
This is beautiful writing and thank you for the open reflection on your experience in the water. I’m glad we are swimmers.
I loved the feelings you gave me as I read this. Though I am a reluctant swimmer, I enjoy the water. But I feel more confident when I can touch the bottom. As long as the bottom is touchable - no seaweed or sliminess please. Yes, I prefer pools. I took my daughter to swimming lessons when she was a baby, and wanted to be the one holding her in the pool, in the hopes the baby instructor's lessons would wear off on me. But I think our grand-daughter will take lessons with GrandDad. He grew up on the beach and exudes confidence in the water - I want the new little one to love it as much as he does. I think my lack of confidence affected our daughter's lessons. She feels the same as I about water. I guess I am jealous of my husband's aquatic confidence.