Dont panic

A two wave hold down is terrifying! 

The first time I experienced this it absolutely rocked me. 

A double wave hold down is exactly what it sounds like, but what makes it much more dangerous than one wave is you are very rarely prepared for that second wave when it happens. One long hold down is no where near as terrifying as two. 

Usually after getting smashed around for a bit under water there is a moment when the turbulence subsides and you begin making your way to the top, its a moment of relief when you feel yourself approach the breathable strata of our planet. 

I remember blowing out all my air in anticipation of the big deep inhalation of fresh stuff that was only half a second away. A big underwater sigh of relief… Boom! Another thunderous cloud of water shut the gate on me and my much needed oxygen and off into a dark disorientating tumble I went once again. This time with no air in my lungs and a buildup of fatigue already in my muscles.

When I finally emerged and gasped for air, my body was in a state of paralysis and all I could do was get smashed again by the next few waves until the ocean had washed me far enough away from the impact zone and I could cling to my board and breathe. 

I thought I was going to die and it was a big wakeup call to the reality of playing at the junction between two worlds. 

I changed my approach from then on.

I now never assume that the watery world has finished with me until I emerge from the suds and begin sipping the sky. I focus on staying calm and simply enjoy the energy that is tossing me about. I stay in the present moment and with this awareness I can more effectively feel that exact moment when I should begin my ascent. By saving energy in this way I know that if I don’t make it all the way this time, I will still be ok. No more fighting against the flow which is a sure way to exhaust yourself.

We can all deal with multiple wave hold downs in life if we don’t waste our energy fighting to get to the surface the whole time. Sometimes the right way to go is down. Sometimes we need to stay down for a while and sometimes right when you think life has beaten you up enough and is about to let you loose, it decides to beat you up some more. You are exactly where you need to be, don’t panic.