June brings in a new season to most. It’s back to school for those who haven’t jumped on the academic calendar shift. For others, it’s the start of the rainy season with anticipation of cooler nights.
While for me and a few of my friends, June signals the flat season where the waves significantly get smaller until you couldn’t ride them anymore.
This may be a good thing for those who aren’t fond of strong waves crashing on the shore. Those who love lounging by the shore without worrying if you’ll be swept away by the incoming waves then June, July, August and probably early September will be perfect for you to visit Dahican in Davao Oriental and other east coast beaches in Mindanao.
If you’re wondering what causes a once raging beach like Dahican to become flat like a lake at certain times of the year, it’s because of Habagat (southwest monsoon). It’s wind that brings heavy rainfall, sometimes storms that results in flooding during the wet season. Also, the direction of the wind changes when it’s Habagat and it no longer hits the areas where it’s needed to produce big waves.
Despite the absence of bigger waves for surfing, this incoming flat season has a lot to offer for mermaids and beach lovers alike. The number of water activities you can do are more than when there are bigger waves.
What comes to mind initially are the following:
Skimboarding
This is similar to surfing except a skimboard is used to glide across the water’s surface to meet an incoming breaking wave, and ride it back to shore. A skimboard is much smaller than a surfboard and doesn’t have any fins underneath.
As long as there is a smooth sandy area along the shore, you can still skim. Although most of the experienced skimboarders would prefer bigger waves because they can do amazing things on their skimboard with crazy waves. Beginners would enjoy the safety of friendly, small waves while practicing their balance and rhythm on a skimboard.
Mermaiding / Freediving
This has to be my favorite thing to do in the water if there aren’t any waves. Mermaiding is simply, the art of being a real-life mermaid. Grab a monofin or the regular fin if you don’t have any and head to the deeper part of the beach to try touching the sand and going back up.
At the start, you’ll have to get used to swimming like a dolphin (or a mermaid) while holding your breath. It can be tiring but definitely rewarding. The calm waters make it perfect for underwater photos because the sand isn’t moved as much when there are big waves so you can clearer photos.
Aside from being a great abs exercise, mermaiding is a fun way to explore the underwater scenes without having to spend much. All you need are snorkeling gear like a mask and fins plus a whole lot of skill in breath holding which you can learn through practice. Just remember a few things before you go into the water:
1.Always have a dive buddy. Never go alone. It’s not only for safety but isn’t it always more fun if you’re with someone?
2.When in doubt, don’t go out. This applies to all water sports and activities. If you don’t feel comfortable or if you feel uneasy, best to wait it out on the shore or in the boat. Our inner sense of foreboding or peace usually is a God-given gift to foreboding events.
3.NEVER PANIC. This is the most important rule again not only in watersports or activities but maybe in life. Panic does not do us any good. It only exacerbates the negativity inside us and blocks us from thinking and doing things that could otherwise safe our live or other’s lives.
What else can we do during this season? Check out next week’s issue to find out more. In the meantime, head over to the blog: www.millennialmermaid.com for more stories!
