Water brings out the child in many of us. A dip in the pool invites silly behaviour with splashing and bombies. A swim in the ocean is cause for smiles and body surfing those waves into shore. Wicked fun in the water, also, stretches to high powered speed boats, water skiing, surf skis, surf cats, sailing and a host of other recreational pursuits. Perhaps, it is the element of water itself and our contact with it, which inspires acts of bravado and terrific fun to be had in the water. Moving through water is a sensuous experience, as the substance caresses our skin.
Swells & Surging Currents
The Australian author, Tim Winton, is a great proponent of the ocean in all his fictional forays. There are swells and surging currents propelling his characters into situations within his stories. The underwater world is analogous to another realm, where undercurrents pull and trap these fictional people. Feelings threaten to subsume and overwhelm fishermen and their families. Coming of age youths encounter unseen reefs beneath the waves on their journey to adulthood. Surfers fight for a breath in the congestion caused by breaking swells upon the beach. Wicked fun in the water has risks and rewards; memories threaten to undermine, and lives become undone.
Danger Lurks Upon the Sea
The ocean remains one of the very few recreational outlet, which can be accessed without a cover charge. When fun is for free, it is even better. Danger, however, does lurk within the sea, especially for the unwary or poorly prepared. Every festive season we see the news’ reports of drownings and capsized boats around the Australian coastline. It pays to make sure that you are insured in case of accident, when venturing upon the wine dark sea. Fishermen cut their feet on jagged rocks and reefs. Boating accidents are as prevalent as prawns beneath the water’s surface. Too many people underestimate the primal power of the ocean.
Not Drowning, But Waving
Things like osteopathic treatments can assist with some injuries incurred whilst having wicked fun in the water. The skier who twists once too many times and lands badly. The sailor who cops the boom across his scone during tacking. The surfer who wipes out and is pounded by the full force of an angry sea. Do not go quietly into that dark night, said old Dylan Thomas. Well, when wicked fun in the water beckons, remember to keep your head above water, and hope that you’re not drowning, but waving.