Respect the Ocean

In Hawaii, visitors often think of the beach in terms of checklist activities. You spend so much time and money to get there that of course you want to swim, kayak, snorkel, surf, etc., which is understandable. But the beach isn't a swimming pool. It's an interface to a powerful ocean with tides, rhythms, currents and weather. Respecting the ocean means that you can't make demands of it. Instead, we were taught to take what it gives you. If it's calm and nice, enjoy, while not turning your back to the waves. If it's gray or rough or if warning signs are out, be cautious and maybe limit your activities. Going to the beach also means learning to appreciate the small pleasures of the ocean. Like enjoying the crust of salt that dries on bare skin. Or the feeling of rinsing off in cool fresh water after a salty dip. Or discovering living creatures you didn't know were there. As more and more resort areas are turning to artificial lagoons (like Crystal Lagoons tech), these things remain part of the beach experience. Going to the beach isn't a one-time thing. It's a relationship that one builds over time. If you can't do everything you want, there's always next time. Sorry for sounding so pedantic. This is what I tell all the kids in our family!