Olena’s ocean adventures – part 2
I saw this wonderful quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson — “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea and drink the wild air.” This truly is the new motto of my life, especially living in Hawaii, where we are surrounded by beautiful azure and turquoise blue ocean, kissed by the warm sun and welcomed by warm trade winds.
As a self-proclaimed “water baby,” I have set out to try as many sea adventures as I can. Some are meant for thrill seekers, while others are an opportunity to get in the water and experience the depths of the sea.
One of the most extreme water activities I’ve tried is the Breathing Observation Bubble (also known as the B.O.B. or water scooter) at Bob’s Hawaii Adventure at Maunalua Bay. It looks like something out of a cartoon or comic book, where you actually ride an underwater scooter in the ocean without getting your hair wet.
Another adventure I’ve experienced is the Jet Lev, also known as the Jet Pack, at H20 Sports Hawaii, located at Hawaii Kai Shopping Center. It’s the most innovative of the new extreme water activities. It looks like something from a futuristic adventure movie, with a pack strapped to your back and black tubing and jet stream lifting you from the surface several feet in the air.
Both of these activities cost just under $100 and up depending on the amount of time you spend using them, the length of your excursion and add ons like photos and video.
B.O.B. – Breathing Observation Bubble
The B.O.B. is so simple, anyone can do it. You don’t even have to know how to swim, since you’re seated on the submersible scooter. It’s kind of like riding a stationary bike, but you have to blow your nose while holding your nostrils closed to decompress your ears. If you can ride a bike, you can ride the B.O.B., and the nice thing is your hair and face don’t get wet.
The Jet Lev, on the other hand, requires more skill. The pack is strapped to your back while you’re seated on a hard plastic seat, and arm handles control the lift of the Jet Lev. It’s a delicate balance between rising into the air with the ocean water boosting you up, leaning forward so you move forward, and turning the device like you’re steering a car. Through an ear piece, a captain instructs you on when to lift up and slow down, but it’s challenging, especially with a heavy pack on your back, a helmet and Go Pro. The one thing that’s scary is that if you fall face first in the water, you can’t start the Jet Lev and get back up; you’ll need to hold your breath. My best advice is to remain calm and listen to the instructor. While I was doing it, he said women were better at the Jet Lev then men, typically. Hmmm… That’s funny because maybe women are better at taking direction.
Jet Lev (Jet Pack)
Here’s a look at some of my other favorite experiences in the ocean:
1. Surfing is a timeless sport. I enjoy long boarding because it’s a beautiful, athletic and often spiritual experience for me. I would love to ride more shortboards, but my husband is a bit of a longboard devout, and if I switched, he may disown me. Just kidding… kinda.
2. Stand-up paddling, also known as SUPPING, has taken the world by storm. Many SUP for exercise; others do it for the thrill. Many SUPs surf because it can be a bit easier to catch smaller waves with the help of the paddle. I like to paddle to and fro along Ala Moana Beach for a quick workout.
3. Snorkeling is one of my favorite pastimes. I’m always looking for a hidden snorkeling location full of fish. When there are waves, and you won’t be able to see very much, but when it’s flat like a lake and there is a reef for fish to live and eat, it’s like being a part of their world.
4. Scuba diving: I went once and it was an amazing experience. You have to get used to breathing because it’s common for most to want to hold their breath. But once you get over the sensation of being claustrophobic and get into the rhythm of breathing while underwater, it truly is eye opening.
7. Snuba combines the best of snorkeling and scuba by allowing you to breath using a snorkel and go deeper in the water like scuba because you have a long tube at the surface for air. The only drawback is you don’t have the freedom that scuba or snorkeling offers because you are tethered.
Take a look at some of the images captured of me during some of these water adventures:
