Water is where everything starts. About 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, and from space our planet looks like a pale blue dot. As Arthur C. Clark once said, ‘How inappropriate to call this planet Earth when it is quite clearly Ocean.’
Since ancient times, humans have been drawn to water, and water is where many of us feel most at home. As swimmers, we have an innate need to enter the water and express our own individual water instinct. Although water has a different meaning for everyone, it consistently evokes some of the same sensations and emotions:
HAPPINESS. Whether it’s the carefree fun of childhood play in a backyard pool, the pleasure of spending quality time with family and friends at the seaside, or the joy of achieving a personal goal in a race, many of our happiest memories involve water.
CONNECTION. As swimmers, we feel a kindred spirit with other water lovers. As competitors, we’ve all experienced the same elation and disappointment, fun and frustration, adrenaline and exhaustion, and drive to improve. Our shared passion and experiences unite us.
RELAXATION. We dive into the water and feel the stress and tension wash away. Swimming rejuvenates the mind and body. A sense of peace comes over us.
FOCUS. Alone with our thoughts, we achieve clarity of mind and heightened awareness in the water. We concentrate on the black line, determined to improve. Water brings out the best in us. We know what to do and we do it.
FREEDOM. For those of us who spend a lot of time in and around water, it feels completely natural. It’s in our DNA. Water gives us confidence. We feel free.
Everyone’s water instinct develops in different ways, but whether water is your playground, your land or your battleground, whether you’re training diligently for your next race or floating aimlessly in a lake on a hot summer day, you can feel at one with the water and enjoy its power.
Whatever your inspiration, and whatever direction your personal water instinct takes you, Arena will be there with you along your journey, helping you reach the next milestone. Water has no boundaries and no end.
What’s your water instinct?
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