Seasons Under the Sea

With Jill & Ginny

We often marvel at the beauty of the changing seasons. Sometimes we love it, sometimes we dread it, depending on what time of year it is and how we are wired. If we’re subject to “seasonal depression” in cold rainy climates the transition to winter can be, well, you know the drill. But there’s no denying it’s magical watching nature do Her thing regardless of what us mere mortals want. I think we often forget how connected we are to these transitions; how much our bodies crave the deep restful period of winter where we have the time and space to turn inward, to rest, to reflect, and to slow down. Just as true is our anticipation of the liveliness that summer brings, filled with fun, play, connection, and much more energy. Of course, most of us are only aware of and sense these seasonal changes on land.

Jill and Ginny have been able to witness the change of seasons in an environment that we don’t always associate with this transition: the ocean.

Jill and Ginny are two sweet friends who’ve been swimming year-round in the Puget Sound together for the past few years. They also do this without a wetsuit… Okay - cold. Just for context, the Puget Sound temperatures range from 42-50 degrees (F). So, the lack of a ‘seal suit’ is incredibly impressive, especially in the dead of winter. These ladies met a few years ago and started a tradition that they plan to continue as long as they can - weekly swims in the Sound.

I had the immense pleasure of connecting with them over zoom and eventually, in person. I loved hearing their stories. One of my most unique takeaways from learning about their experiences is how they’ve been able to witness the change of seasons underwater, learning by doing, by seeing, and by observing.

“I remember before spring hit [last year] we had been swimming all winter, and it was dark and there wasn’t really much going on even at low tide, it was just empty and seemingly lifeless.”, said Jill.

 “But then spring came, and it was like everything’s blooming! Like underwater flowers! All of the algae was growing back, and all of the eel grass was filling in. We started seeing more and more creatures. And then that transition from spring into summer it was just more and more life, and everything was bright and lush and then the jellyfish arrived, and you’re just like ‘oh my goodness.” said Jill.

“Now things are calming down, we’re entering moon snail season, there’s less jellies, etc.” continued Jill.

During our conversation, the three of us discussed many topics relating to the sea such as femininity, safety, and the unique experiences they’ve both faced together. I love that they have been purposefully tuning into the natural rhythms under the salty blanket of the ocean, and have simply allowed themselves to take in their surroundings. I want to express how hardcore this is. When you’re immersed in very cold water, it’s very difficult to not focus on the deep stinging “ice cream headache” or “brain freeze” feeling that takes over your body. Your breath is quite literally taken away, and overcoming this primal panic feels nearly impossible.

Jill and Ginny have had years of experience conquering this instinctive reaction slowly becoming more and more comfortable with the shockingly cold water and air temperatures. They’ve become so used to this physical response that they now know how to recognize what’s going on in the body and how to work with it. Eventually, they calm down enough so that, “you’re not even really thinking about the cold for a period of maybe 10 minutes,” says Jill. They are then able to take their attention - all of it - to the underwater world.

“I feel like, because we’ve been swimming all year, we get to see the change of seasons and that was new for me this year.” said Ginny. “We’re learning about it not by reading, or being taught, but by experiencing it first-hand, which is so cool.”

How neat is it to be able to recognize the changing patterns in an environment that most aren’t aware of? To watch the algae slowly grow back, to welcome the jellies home, and to swim with harbor seals and sealions, recognizing the residents of this pristine cold-water environment; what a magical experience.

After about 20-ish minutes is when Jill and Ginny typically notice signs and hear little warnings from their bodies. Time to get out. “When you start to lose control of your limbs, and that sounds dramatic, but when your movements are significantly slower than how you want them to be, that’s a tell-tale sign for me to be done,” remarked Jill. For me, when I no longer feel cold or the urge to get out, that’s my final warning. That’s dancing on the line of hypothermia.

Safety in the ocean is always prudent. But in the cold ocean, it’s even more so. Having the proper warming techniques is crucial. For Jill and Ginny this looks like a gallon of warm water (a GAME CHANGER!) to pour over the body after exiting the water. Warming internally is perhaps one of the most effective ways as well. Preparing a thermos of hot water, tea, or coffee is a wonderful idea. Most importantly, however, is the ability to tune into what your body is telling you and listen. Ginny pointed out that you receive the same “magic” of cold-water benefits by spending just two and a half minutes immersed. There’s never any need to push into double digits unless you feel called, and prepared. Oh, and having a buddy is always a great idea, too.

In the future, I hope to share with you all more from these two incredible human beings. I am so grateful to have connected with them, and hope you are able to take away a bit of magic from their insights and experiences. We’ll be sharing more on our Instagram and I highly encourage you to follow Jill and Ginny on Instagram as well.

Thank you, ladies, it was an absolute pleasure to connect with cold water ocean sisters!