Love Letter to the Ocean

Mama Ocean + Swell + me captured by the amazing Christa Funk. @instaclamfunk

Dear Ocean,

Your sparkling afternoon smile is one of my earliest memories. Remember how I would sit up on the bow of our family sailboat, legs dangling over the side, just staring out at you underway?

Your immensity, the mystique of your movements, your ever changing surface, the chance to catch a glimpse of the life within. I could watch you play with the sunlight for hours and hours. You gave me the space to dream, process, breathe…

It felt like love, but also respect, wonder, curiosity. I wanted to know you better, whether sailing, swimming, diving through kelp forests, or eventually riding waves … you made me feel part of your magic.

There were times I didn’t fit in growing up, but near you I always felt belonging–never needing to hide anything or adapt to be in your presence. You made me feel beautiful, important. My big emotions were never too much for you. You welcomed me just as I was.

I didn’t have to explain myself, my grievances, my big dreams … you already knew. And you loved all of me, even the wild, untamable parts. That gave me the courage to believe I was worthy, the courage to keep exploring the world and myself, to keep believing that I mattered even in this great unfathomable universe.

A best friend is the one who always challenges you to grow, to help you see things you don’t see. To become your best version. I wouldn’t want to relive those moments, both voyaging, and in the surf… when you seemed merciless, as if I didn’t know you … your harshness felt like betrayal.

Only now I see, Dear Ocean … how could I have learned to push beyond myself, to know the depths of my own strength, to feel my limitlessness … without those harrowing dark nights at the helm, those panicked moments underwater fighting for a breath?

How would I have learned to feel so insignificant yet so powerful all at once? Part and parcel of it all. How would I have understood that the joy and the pain can co-exist? How would I know this peace had I not felt the chaos of your currents? 

Thank you, Ocean. You have given me so much. You give so much to all of us. 

And yet, everyday we put you more and more at risk … warming the world and filling you with plastic. Over-harvesting, drilling, and polluting you. Abusing your boundless generosity. 

It’s time for change, for action. I want to protect you, make you feel appreciated. I know I am only one woman, but you have taught me that love is worth fighting for … 

I made a promise to you long ago and it’s one I keep close to my heart as I navigate my days on this blue planet. I promise to love and protect you, not only in my daily actions but through my work with A Ti’a Matairea Island Protectors and beyond. I will never stop fighting for you, as you have never ceased to provide for me and for all life on earth.

Forever yours,

Captain Liz

**As a new member of the 11th Hour Racing Ambassador program, I wrote this letter in hopes of capturing my love for and relationship with Mama Ocean. I’m so grateful to 11th Hour Racing for the invaluable support towards my ocean conservation and animal welfare work with A Ti’a Matairea Island Protectors!