Pier Jump
Phhh..phh (Heavy breathing) As I take a couple deep breaths on the edge of a thirty five foot pier, I can hear the creaking of the boards. I take a couple more deep breaths, then into thin air. This was highlight of my summer of 2014, my second year participating in Junior Lifeguards (JGs). I was excited to see my friends, but also nervous because of not knowing what we were going to do and how hard it was going to be. It had been three years since I last participated in the camp.
The first year I participated in JGs, I was placed in the C group, which means I was in the lowest and youngest group. This year I was placed in the A group, which means I was in the oldest and highest level. The A group engages in the most demanding workouts and also receives special benefits. One of the best days is called OB Day, which includes jumping off the highest point of the pier In Ocean Beach, the longest and tallest pier on the west coast. I previously jumped from a lower spot on the pier, about fifteen feet. This year the jump was approximately thirty five feet.
OB Day is quite orderly, with several groups having a designated time to jump. A group of VIPs goes first, which this year included the Lifeguard Chief, The Chief of Police, and the Mayor of San Diego, Kevin Faulconer. Next, it was my group’s turn. We ran to the end of the pier. As I ran, I felt winded, partly due to the length of the run and partly due to a nervous feeling that took my breath away. I couldn’t stop thinking about what it would feel like to jump from such a high distance to the cold waves below, with photographers, parents and other spectators curiously watching our every move.
When we arrived at the jump point, we got into individual lines. The wait was over. I was so excited to finally jump. When it was my turn, I stepped up to the platform and took a glance at the ocean water below. I waited for instructions. Adrenaline pumped through my body. The lifeguard then gave the standard instructions: Fins at your side, hands above your head, 1, 2, 3, JUMP! I stepped off the platform.
As I was falling, I closed my eyes for a second or two, but couldn't keep them closed any longer. I needed to see the ocean water rushing toward me. As I made contact with the cold water, I took a final breath and simultaneously realized that I spread my legs too wide due to the intense pain I felt in my groin. I swam over to a resting spot to watch the rest of the peers jump. It was the best moment of my summer.
Phhh..phh (Heavy breathing) As I take a couple deep breaths on the edge of a thirty five foot pier, I can hear the creaking of the boards. I take a couple more deep breaths, then into thin air. This was highlight of my summer of 2014, my second year participating in Junior Lifeguards (JGs). I was excited to see my friends, but also nervous because of not knowing what we were going to do and how hard it was going to be. It had been three years since I last participated in the camp.
The first year I participated in JGs, I was placed in the C group, which means I was in the lowest and youngest group. This year I was placed in the A group, which means I was in the oldest and highest level. The A group engages in the most demanding workouts and also receives special benefits. One of the best days is called OB Day, which includes jumping off the highest point of the pier In Ocean Beach, the longest and tallest pier on the west coast. I previously jumped from a lower spot on the pier, about fifteen feet. This year the jump was approximately thirty five feet.
OB Day is quite orderly, with several groups having a designated time to jump. A group of VIPs goes first, which this year included the Lifeguard Chief, The Chief of Police, and the Mayor of San Diego, Kevin Faulconer. Next, it was my group’s turn. We ran to the end of the pier. As I ran, I felt winded, partly due to the length of the run and partly due to a nervous feeling that took my breath away. I couldn’t stop thinking about what it would feel like to jump from such a high distance to the cold waves below, with photographers, parents and other spectators curiously watching our every move.
When we arrived at the jump point, we got into individual lines. The wait was over. I was so excited to finally jump. When it was my turn, I stepped up to the platform and took a glance at the ocean water below. I waited for instructions. Adrenaline pumped through my body. The lifeguard then gave the standard instructions: Fins at your side, hands above your head, 1, 2, 3, JUMP! I stepped off the platform.
As I was falling, I closed my eyes for a second or two, but couldn't keep them closed any longer. I needed to see the ocean water rushing toward me. As I made contact with the cold water, I took a final breath and simultaneously realized that I spread my legs too wide due to the intense pain I felt in my groin. I swam over to a resting spot to watch the rest of the peers jump. It was the best moment of my summer.