Married 2 The Ocean…In the Spirit of the 2014, Molokai 2 Oahu
By Suzie Cooney
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Like others here, you probably have a serious relationship with the ocean. This could be our common thread that brings us all back together no matter where you are at this moment. That is pretty awesome.
This shared love is probably the only acceptable polygamous, open relationship one is allowed to have… in public anyway. You’re safe here.
My affinity and seduction with the ocean is very serious, so much so I think that I may put it first above those of the humans I know and love. I will not apologize for this but only hope and imagine that others share the same relationship “status.”
It is a very healthy thing to have in one’s life and it must not be taken for granted. Like all relationships, it must be well cared for and nurtured and requires a mutual respect of one another. You must treat it the way you want to be treated.
I have made many big sacrifices in my life; some personal and some financial to make room for this relationship. I broke up with the traditional ways of earning a living that caused huge amounts of stress and strife. Fifteen years since I have found a way to fully immerse myself in it and have no regrets. My rewards are above and beyond what money can buy.
You see, I am married to the ocean. I’m already taken and spoken for. It’s kind of like a mortal relationship except, the ocean is always right and can reject me and hurt me in one second, but I keep going back. In the end I learn great lessons about myself and more about it’s changing ways. The lumps on the head or even stitches and physical and mental scars are reminders of how I had to learn.
I’ve been to the water’s edge many times observing the waves, the winds, the tides and have sometimes felt a strange, distant unnerving feeling in my gut that kept me on the shore. Those have always been the best decisions and I’ve never taken it personally.
Speaking to that the ocean never says no but sometimes it says in it’s own way, “maybe not today, stay on land, it may not be your day.” My patience is tested, my anticipation deflated but my love for it never waivers. There is always tomorrow. I am not scorned or jealous.
When it’s good, it’s REALLY good if you know what I mean! The feeling you get when everything is right from the textures of the water to the color of the sky reflecting on it. Then comes the rush and gush you feel deep in your soul. From riding an awesome wave, catching a long glide or just being in it is enough of a fix for me. Although I don’t have a sparkly ring to show for it, the ocean loves me back in it’s own way, full on.
Always having been a water person, even before I moved to Maui in 1999, the ocean is truly my happy place. Somehow I have figured out a way to create and make the ocean my play and work and for that I am the most grateful. But now I will face the ocean’s ultimate test.
It’s been a calling, and will soon be the final chapter of my book and that is the Molokai to Oahu, the M2O channel crossing this year, Sunday July 27, 2014. The start is at the Northeast shore of the island of Molokai crossing 32 miles of the Ka’ iwi Channel finishing at Hawaii Kai on Oahu.
Myself along with my relay partner and dear friend, Stephen Ross we will give it our best. On board, our friend, mentor, coach and channel champion, Jeremy Riggs, Cathy Gillis wife to Stephen, my boyfriend Tommy and Simone Reddingius, affectionately known as Monie Pie; who will capture our adventure.
The feeling I have is hard to describe as we approach but our desire is to finish with a smile and for our support team on board to have an amazing experience with us; one they will not forget.
The training has been intense and the organizing of a million and one logistics are all a part of the fun. Then there is the unknown of what the ocean will decide to do that day; that alone has been something to process in my mind. The more I think about it’s hard to put my head around, but if I observe in my mind at 10,000 feet I’m able to better grasp the reality.
We are accepting of the challenges that wait no matter what. Our personal commitment to ourselves, our team and finally to the ocean will be and open book with the anticipation of a wonderful story and photos to share.
Being married to ocean is a good thing you see but this union will be tested. It is a committed relationship that one cannot undo or take away. Divorce is never an option!
Here is a recent two minute action video that fully expresses all the above.TURN IT UP!! Enjoy and thank you for your continued friendship and support. Stay tuned next month to learn how the crossing it went.
I’d like to mention my mentors and friends that inspire me: Karen Wrenn, Bill Boyum, Loch Eggers, Bill Hofmann, Randy Royse, Ralf Sifford, Kathy Shipman, Dave Kalama, Kody and Buzzy Kerbox, Jenny Kalmbach, Andrea Moeller, Peggy King, Livio Menelau, Bart de Zwart, Annabel Anderson, Gregg Leion, Kai Lenny, Connor Baxter, Chuck Patterson, Manca Notar, Michi Schweiger, Johnny Kessel, and many more.
To learn more about the M2O, watch this cool video: “We Arrive” Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships
Thanks to my sponsors: Naish, BLUESMITHS, Indo Board Balance Trainer, Pocketfuel Naturals, RAWElements USA, Kaenon Polarized Eyewear
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Mahalo,
Suzie Cooney
Owner of Suzie Trains Maui, LLC
