The Mermaid from San Juan Island
There's a mermaid who lives on San Juan Island... did you hear?! Meet Melissa Wickey, a 'healing arts person' and overall badass. Currently based in the San Juan Islands, Washington State, the cold temperatures and dark seas don't stop her from doing what she loves. This mermaid swims year-round in 45-55 degree (F) water without a wetsuit.... I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.
1. Please introduce yourself, who are you? Where are you based? What do you want people to know about you?
I'm Melissa Wickey. I'm what one would call a "healing arts person," haha. My academic journey in university was on track to allopathic medical school, but it was rerouted to Chinese Medicine & acupuncture after a life changing tai chi class. I currently own and operate Wayfinder Wellness, a Friday Harbor based wellness center offering acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, massage therapy, herbs, and tai chi instruction. Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, raised between there and Fort Pierce Florida, I then moved to O'ahu at age 20 where I lived until I was 32- and now I'm in the San Juan Islands of Washington! The sea has always been a best friend, healer, and teacher for me. I'll forever have a love affair with the sea. Swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, and all manner of water frolicking fill up my cup and make me feel whole and happy.
2. What started this journey of cold-water swimming?
After moving to San Juan Island in 2016, I was distressed about my lack of immersive ocean relationship. I just assumed that one would die of hypothermia almost instantly if they ended up in the water here. Then came Margot, who started out as my coronavirus bubble pod babysitter, but morphed into a beloved mentor and teacher of the cold water arts. She casually told me that she was going for a swim one day- and I incredulously asked, "where?" "Oh, Jackson's Beach," she replied. I was flabbergasted. "You're going to wear a wetsuit, right?" "No." - and then my fascination was piqued. I had to try. I went for a little dip in front of my house- 3 minutes, maybe- and I survived! The next time, I joined her and her crew at Jackson's Beach for a 45 minute swim, looking dorky with scuba booties and a full mask, haha. It was just fine- I felt safe, supported, and capable. Margot showed me the ropes- always have a buddy, earplugs, goggles, swim shoes, swim cap, swimsuit, watch, a swim robe, and a nice hot beverage to warm up with afterward!
3. What time of the year do you swim? How cold is the water?
Year round! Friday Harbor water temperatures range from 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Why do you swim in the ocean without a wetsuit?
Well- its not unlike making love without a condom. You feel more - less restrictive - more dangerous - exciting!
5. How do you do this safely? How long do your swims last?
I always have a watch and keep time because it can get like the twilight zone out there. I always make sure to have a plan and know the tides/currents so I'm not stuck swimming back against a current. I'm most comfortable around 30 minutes, but the longest I have done is 75 minutes when I swam around Brown Island. Swim buoys are important, too, because there are a lot of boaters in the water who are not expecting swimmers. I usually get a little internal alarm around 25 minutes that tells me to check in with my route and make an exit plan.
6. Do you see/feel any benefit to this? If so, what?
The ocean deserves tremendous respect and humility from we little humans. Yes, we can be mighty, but the ocean is infinitely mightier. It is very, very important to be in touch with your body and your feelings. I have gone swimming with some people who didn't take it so seriously, and they got into a little trouble getting warmed up again. There sometimes is a dark moment during warm up- a kind of vulnerability that requires a deep trust. If you panic about the intensity, it can spiral out of control... The main message I want to drive home with safety is - less is more. Don't push it without a plan.
7. Do you swim alone, or do you have other peeps to share this time with?
Sometimes I swim alone- but only right in front of the dock on Brown Island, where I live. I always tell my kids and husband that I'm going, and often, they'll hang out on the beach. Once, I was approached by two seals while swimming alone. They weren't being aggressive, but I didn't have that extra confidence that comes from a group- so I swam like hell to get to the swim ladder and out of there! They just looked at me and giggled (the seals).
8. What is your favorite thing about the ocean?
OMG. The creatures and plants. The sea life is so mesmerizingly beautiful. The way the kelp drifts with the currents- to and fro - the starfish and geoducks, the nudibranchs, and the jellyfish, shrimp, fish & polychaetes. There is this one little creature called a melibe that looks like a Venus Fly Trap plant but translucent- and it smells like watermelon Bubblicious bubble gum. It is beyond my wildest imagination. The seals are also a highlight. I definitely feel like they know who I am. I go down to the docks in the middle of the night to practice tai chi, and they hang out for a half hour sometimes. They are so intelligent and cool. Also, just knowing that Orcas are swimming in the same ocean gives me a magical feeling. One day, I hope to have a sighting while swimming! I also love the rhythmic breathing, taking photos, physical exertion, and the transcendent float after a good swim. Then off to the hot tub or sauna!!
9. What do you wish more people knew about cold water swimming?
You CAN do it. The more we expose ourselves to uncomfortable stimuli on purpose, the better we deal with uncomfortable situations in life. It builds character and depth, resilience and profundity. It can unlock doors within that can't really be breached in other ways. Rhythmic breathing exercises can transform the experience, too- like the Wim Hoff method, which I have experimented with a bit. We can't save the ocean unless we know and love the ocean. What better way to know and love the ocean than to be held by it.
10. Have I missed anything you want to share?
Well- I actually did ::sheepish look:: get a wetsuit- one that actually fits! And it was a game changer- because I want to do much longer swims- like interisland. I'm not trying to break any world records or anything- but it is a new thing for me, and it is not entirely terrible! The brand Blue70 has sizing for shorter, more muscular body types- the Athena sizing- and this was what made all the difference for me.
Thank you so much for sharing your story Melissa! I'm honored to share in your badassary - lol. Cheers to cold water women all around our oceans! To follow Melissa's journey check her out on Instagram and Facebook @Melissawickey. Her practice, WayFinder Wellness, linked here.