Friday started early with our first 6 am practice of training trip. The stars were still shining bright as we all made the seemingly endless trek to the pool on our tired legs. Practice was hard work, but it was certainly rewarding. Also, for the first time, practice included both pools: the 50 meter one where most of our training takes place, and the 25 yard one which was, interestingly enough, salt water. After a dryland circuit for the men and a lifting session for the women, breakfast was the first thing on everyone's mind.
Following a nourishing meal at the Gateway Cafe, a.k.a. Hawaiian Foco, van-loads of swimmers embarked for the day's numerous activities. Some chose to spend a very chilled afternoon on the nearby Waikiki beach. Others drove to the North Shore to enjoy a private beach, and watch radical surfers competing in Pipemasters. Finally, the more adrenaline inclined athletes travelled to Laie Wayside for some cliff diving.
The drive across Oahu was breathtaking, which shining beaches on our right and soaring, jagged, and jungled mountains to our left. The peaks erupted to abruptly from the flat fields that they appeared to be massive emerald walls, rising and rising until the slopes were obscured by low hanging clouds. Several swimmers stopped on the roadside to harvest a few wild coconuts, break them open on rocks, and drink fresh sweet coconut milk straight from the fruit. Once we arrived at the cliffs, we were treated to a fantastic view. The rock formations looked like they were straight out of National Geographic magazine. With the sun shining down pleasantly, and a cool sea breeze ruffling our hair, it was heavenly.
Most of us hadn't come just to relax, however, so we quickly found a cliff about ten meters high with a deep and sandy-bottomed landing zone in the water below. The initial fear of the leap was paralyzing, but after the bravest of us jumped and emerged unscathed, the feat seemed less intimidating and more exhilarating. In the end, nearly all of us got to enjoy the stomach-turning experience.
Afterwards, some of us stopped by a beach on the way back to Honolulu, while others went straight home to get in some quality nap time before the afternoon practice. Once 4:30 rolled around, we all got back in the pool. The two hours went quickly as the beautiful sunset turned the clouds above the water orange.
Tonight's dinner was served at a brand new dining hall (perhaps Hawaiian Collis) and we all had a hearty meal and good fun. Now we are free for the night. Having returned to the rooms, we are all relaxing before getting into bed early for another morning practice tomorrow. In sum, today was excellent: Truly another day in paradise
- Brett Seeley-Hacker '18
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