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My Epic Snorkel Fail Helped Me Gain a New Perspective on Travel

5/15/2015

12 Comments

 
Picture
PictureAfter a slow start, I've found myself -- in my snorkeling and traveling endeavors.
By John Roberts 

I could feel the panic beginning to set in. 

Maybe it was the rolling wave action. Maybe it was that I was staring down into the deepest clearest waters I ever had seen before. 

I'm sure it was actually a combination of both. That and me battling the tight, uncomfortable mask and big breathing tube jammed into my face. 

No, this first snorkeling experience was not living up to the excitement I had anticipated. 

This was about 18 years ago during an excursion on vacation in Key West. I was 30 years old. I have always been a decent athlete and very into physical activities, but I was out of my comfort zone on this one. If the sport had a ball and teammates and was played on dry land, I was outstanding.  

As my team sports days began to fade further in the rear-view mirror and my interest in more travel and adventure began to see the first embers, it was time to broaden my expertise in other types of sports and activities.  

My initial attempt at snorkeling was humiliating, however. There I was flopping around in the waters, trying to get a hold of my breathing and alternately fidgeting with my mask and gazing down into the unbelievable beautiful -- and at the same time imposing -- reef system. 

I quickly tired myself out (it might have been 10 minutes in), called it a day and backstroked my way to the boat past the crowd of happy snorkelers that included more than a few kids who were no more than 7 or 8 years old. 

"What the hell just happened?" I said to myself.  

I didn't think I would ever enjoy this sport, but now it is one of my favorite things. 

Most of my travels have been to warm-weather destinations, and we always check out what the snorkeling will be like and the best places to go. We even bought our own gear to travel with and have tried snorkeling in Alaska (it's fantastic!).

I often think back to that first attempt and wonder what is different now. 

My evolution into a halfway decent snorkeler represents in microcosm how I have learned and grown overall in my life's Second Act, as a post-30-year-old adventure-seeking traveler. 

I never really left the United States, except for forays across the border to Niagara Falls or Toronto, from my hometown region of Rochester, New York, until I was 30. I didn't even know what I didn't know. 

And what I did not know until then, as I lived my fairly insulated life working and living close to where I had grown up and spent all my years -- and it was not unpleasant, by any means, you must understand -- was that traveling is a revelation.  

Meeting new people and experiencing new places, foods and sports -- even when they are humbling and fear-inducing -- help me realize that world is small and that we need to connect and share to make life more vibrant (at least, that's how I like to think about it). Here are some of the tops destinations we've been to so far.

I had always been fairly shy. Now, I like to put myself out there a little more -- sometimes a lot more depending on how many beers I have consumed.  

I'm willing to try new things. I even am eating more unique foods, much to Mrs. In The Loop's delight. 

My initial snorkel fail was turned around when I ventured back out into the ocean, learned to relax, breath easily and enjoy the experience instead of overthinking what was happening and how I cannot control everything (a big issue of mine). You're not going to win that battle with nature. 

More new activities followed. Things that I had previously not even considered undertaking -- like running, biking, hiking, ziplining -- have greatly enhanced my travel experiences and enjoyment.  

Now, about that innate fear of scuba diving I long have battled. I think it's time to dive right in a conquer that one, too. 

What type of transformative moments have you had in your travel? 

Please share in the comments below. 

Thanks for reading, 

JR 

Travel fit. Travel happy. 


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12 Comments
Snorkel Ken link
5/18/2015 02:40:47 pm

Awesomely inspiring post. Found it on Triberr...we're tribe mates, by the way. Shared on my Snorkel Facebook page as well!

Reply
JR
5/18/2015 03:00:17 pm

Hey there, Ken.
Thanks for the kind words and for sharing this post. Great to connect. Travel happy!

Reply
Kay Dougherty link
5/23/2015 08:31:34 am

That wasn't a fail it was just a "maiden voyage"! You obviously tried again and now have achieved mediocriy which is quite an accomplishment! :)

Reply
JR
5/24/2015 09:30:30 am

Always appreciate your uplifting comments, Kay! Now, to get after that scuba cert. Gotta keep up with you! Hope you're doing great. -- JR

Reply
Lyn (aka) The Travelling Lindfields link
5/24/2015 11:19:36 am

I'm glad your snorkelling got better, It is one of the most magical things you can do - being all alone with the wonders of the ocean.

Reply
Anda link
6/8/2015 09:32:11 am

Thank you for sharing this post. It reminds me about my first years of snorkeling when I wanted to keep up with my husband and impress him. It's been a long time since then and although I am pretty good at it today, it still isn't my cup of tea. I can do it for 20-30 minutes but then I get sort of bored. As for scuba... not even thinking about it!

Reply
JR
6/8/2015 01:51:35 pm

Haha. Thanks for reading Anda. My wife insists that we go scuba diving, so I'll let you all know how I fare with that. I sense another "Epic Fail" post.

Reply
Adrenaline Romance link
6/27/2015 10:40:36 pm

Amazing story! When we first snorkeled at a local dive site, we realized at just how beautiful Mother Nature is and how insignificant we are against her. Now, we have taken it a step further by obtaining divers licenses.

Reply
JR
6/28/2015 02:31:27 am

It was overwhelming at first, and now I absolutely love the solitude of sticking my head below the surface. It's great exercise and a favorite activity now. I will be diving soon, too. Yay!

Reply
Linda Bibb link
6/28/2015 12:23:27 pm

Both Dan and I SCUBA and I have to say that it's really worth the effort to become certified. It's a completely different experience than snorkeling.

I'm not saying that snorkeling isn't fun in itself. We pack masks and snorkels whenever we can. Floating face down with arms and legs dangling is so relaxing and snorkeling in rivers and lakes can be interesting as well.

Reply
JR
6/30/2015 04:21:09 am

I'm getting excited to scuba, now that so many endorse it. Thanks for reading Linda.

Reply
Mia Evans link
7/23/2021 07:47:19 pm

I like that you pointed out that you always check the best sites for snorkeling when you travel to warm-weather destinations. I would definitely check that as well since I plan to book a trip to a warm-weather location this coming August for my birthday trip. It would be my first time if I could also book a snorkeling activity, so I feel really excited to find a good one.

Reply



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