Open Water

This is why I am scared of the open water: Woman attacked by shark in Maui.

DH and I went on a kayak tour when were in Maui last year. I went on a kayak tour previously in Kauai and Maui and had a fabulous time so I wanted to do it again and this time share the experience with DH.

During the kayak tour, they take you to where the turtles play so it’s also a perfect snorkeling opportunity. The tour provides snorkeling gear to those who wish to go explore further under water.

I give DH kudos, he was daring. Even though, he does not swim, he tried snorkeling. Not an easy feat for a non swimmer to try in the middle of an open ocean! Even I was scared, but mostly because I was afraid that a shark would be lurking near us.

DH & I jumped in the water with our snorkel gear. I tried to give DH some tips but if he was nervous, he did not show it. We stayed near the kayak and swam a few feet around the boat. We had on life vests and the tour guide was nearby so we were in good hands.

We saw a turtle swim right by us. Those turtles are huge! They are also protected and you cannot go closer than 25 feet of one. Otherwise, you are fined by the state of Hawaii. How? Not sure, but they don’t need to convince me twice not to touch them. We also saw a school of yellow fish swim underneath us too.

I think I have open water phobia. I think it stemmed from the movie “Jaws” and its subsequent sequels.

All I could think of while snorkeling was (all paranoia, I must admit)

-Damn, we’re in a DEEP, BOTTOMLESS waterpit
-Damn, the ocean is really VAST
-The fishes are pretty but I hope a fish does not swim up my suit
-OMG, what is that dark shadow in the water?! Shark???

I love the ocean and swimming on the beach but I must say, swimming in the vast open ocean is daunting to me. I felt that any minute something would grab my feet under water.

I commend DH for trying snorkeling when he was not in his element. I am glad he tried it and we did it together because it was such a FUN experience!!

We really enjoyed the kayaking in Maui, it was a unique way to explore the island. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our Hawaii trip.

I highly recommend Kelli’s Kayak tour company if you are in Maui. I have gone on 2 kayak trips with them and had a wonderful, fun, safe experience both times.

Question of the day: Do you have any “phobias”?