Managing to break free from the first set of waves, I pushed forth into the next set of unceasing five foot waves. With legs bent upwards and arms plunging one after the other in a Michael Phelps mentality to finish the race with swift strokes, I kept my body centered in the middle of my seven foot board just like my grandpa positioned me to do so. With a split second to pause and raise my head to look over an oncoming wave, I made out the face of my grandpa, looking back at me from his own board and grinning at the look of my determined face to get out into the line-up. Eminent to the gray-haired “townies” who create their own spindrift from whipping the tail of their boards high in the air, is a homely beach, Rockpiles.…
Once there were three kids on a mission to find something. Two boys and one girl, Stanley, Zero, and the one girl, Lucy. All sent to camp Green Lake for “steeling jewelry”. Although all of them know that they didn’t do anything or steel anything. After only a few long months in Camp Green Lake they were all ready to run away.…
There was a lake right next to the rock face and it was very windy so my voice was not heard. I decided I may as well keep trying to go higher. After a few minutes I had a breakthrough and was able to continue my ascent. However, I eventually came to a standstill yet again. Although this time I decided I would not give up so easily.…
But what they couldn’t do was throw me across the wake. So as an introvert does by nature, I returned to my mind and remembered what I tell myself everyday. I thought about the logical steps I could take to accomplish the task at hand as I cut in towards the wake. The rope slacked at first, but then tightened suddenly, which launched me with a high velocity. I kept the board perpendicular to the boat, my knees bent, the handle low, and I popped up off the…
Water Cycle Evaporation: I give a hesitant thumbs up, paired with a weak yelp barely loud enough for anyone to hear, and the boat accelerates. The velocity continues to build until my kindergarten heart can’t sustain it and I face plant. Forehead to water, like hitting concrete, my water skis ricocheting off of each other like pool balls. It doesn’t stop there. In spite of the yells from my family and the words of wisdom incessantly repeated to me from day one, I don’t let go of the rope.…
For my second passport voyage I went to Lower Bidwell Park, specifically Sycamore Pool. Since I am currently sick, I decided I wouldn’t go for a swim. Instead, I threw a blanket down, got my homework and speaker out, and eat some chips while enjoying what nature has to offer. When arriving at the park, I noticed the park's surroundings was sketchy because of the amount of homeless people, but other then that, I thought the park was spectacular and calming. I come from a desert, nothing about my valley screams nature, so going to one mile was definitely a new experience.…
Whitney can hear the announcer saying “Step up. Take your mark. Go!” The first person jumps in the water and the race has begun. She swims faster and faster.…
A girl no older than seven was struggling to reach the edge of the pool, gasping for air. I felt myself freeze for a moment as I tried to comprehend what was happening but somehow, maybe by instinct, I found myself shoving my whistle in my mouth. It made a noise that was barely audible but it was too late for me to try again. I lept off my chair and landed in the pool, about as gracefully as Bambi on ice, but honestly I was surprised I managed even that. Hitting the water was like a kick start that sent me into fast forward.…
3,2,1… The clamps release and we are shot forward like a bullet in a barrel. The wind rips through my hair, my head is flung back against the seat, by body locks, adrenaline rushing through me. All I see is blue. My heart races, blood pumping.…
This year has helped me grow in many ways. Being with great teachers and classes has helped me with my academics and understanding of Christ. Ms. Moore, Mrs. Kavan, and Mrs. Semanovich are great women of God and love Middle School students. They always help everyone and I feel like I have a close relationship with them. So, in this year I have grown relationship/understanding with God, academics, and ability to communicate your faith.…
I can do this. As soon as that buzzer went off, my arms flew behind me. That momentum landed me perfectly in the water, and propelled me forward. My legs were in perfect repetition, moving nonstop while my arms imitated the look of a windmill. Every extremity of my body was pushing me through the over-chlorinated water as I held my breath for as long as I could attempting to trap in as much air in my lungs as possible.…
One bright morning I woke up and decided to go down to the beach. It was 10:30 a.m. and there was a green flap waving in the air. I knew right then and there that it would be a good day to surf. The waves were going to be just right with the wind blowing and everything.…
Sooner than I wanted, the time came for me to prove myself. After a quick pep talk from my coach I stepped onto the block and waited for the start. The whistle was blown and I dove into the frigid water. I was not going for a fast time, all I wanted was to go the distance. At every 50 meters there was a person with a card that told me what number turn I was on out of…
My fear quickly turned to joy, as I realized it was a dolphin. As it continued on, I started to swim up until I reached the small wooden boat. “Guys, if you think I’m staying down there—” Before I could finish, I was pulled…
It was a chilly summer day, sunny and calm with a light breeze. The splashing of waves mingled with the laughter of 65 teens. Some jumped into the lake in their swimsuits. Meanwhile, I had forgotten to bring a swimsuit. This was a rite of passage.…