Riding the Wave

On a bright Saturday morning, Jake and his best friend Zoe planned their annual beach trip. Upon arrival, they spread their towels and umbrellas on the beach to set up their spot for sunbathing. Other friends were expected to join them later.

"Last one in is a rotten egg!" Zoe suddenly shouted before racing into the water, not waiting for Jake's reply.

“Oh, come on, Zoe, you know it’s all practice with you!” he laughed and started chasing her while taking off his flip-flops. Seawater was cold and felt good when it touched their skin the only problem was that the cold water make them momentarily catch their breath when they dove into the water.

Prawny


Jake and Zoe frolicked in the water, boogie boarding for over an hour. They were enjoying themselves when Jake noticed the tide turning and the waves growing stronger. He warned Zoe that they should head in, but she convinced him to catch one more wave.

The pair paddled out further to stay near the waves as the next one approached, but Jake was beginning to have second thoughts. The last wave looked threatening, growing tall and starting to break. Yet it was too late to turn back now.

Watching the swell, Zoe exclaimed, "Here it comes! This one's going to be big!"

The two began to paddle with all their might as the large wave drew nearer. For a moment, the swell rolled Jake off his board, and he had to fight to stay on. He glanced at Zoe, who had sprung up and was riding it skillfully. Looking forward again, Jake saw only a wall of dark water before the wave crashed over him, tossing him about like a washing machine.

Underwater, Jake was disoriented as he somersaulted. The leash connecting him to the boogie board felt tangled around his legs. Like a man whose compass had been violently kicked away, he no longer knew which way was up. His lungs burned for air, but all he could see were bubbles.

At last, his head broke through the white froth, and he gasped loudly. Through blurred vision, he saw Zoe waving enthusiastically beside him.

"Wow! That was insane!" Zoe yelled excitedly.

"Yeah, if by 'insane' you mean 'nearly killed me,'" Jake complained as he tried to untangle the leash from around his leg.

Their other friends, who had arrived by then, helped pull them out of the churning water. Jake coughed up what felt like gallons of saltwater, his panic gradually subsiding. It took Zoe a while to realize how worried he'd been, and she agreed they should stop boogie boarding for the day.

That evening, the group kept busy by building a bonfire and roasting marshmallows. The near-drowning experience forgotten, Jake found himself laughing along to animated stories. Occasionally, Zoe would check on him, asking if he was alright.

Jake didn't regret their adventure, despite the scare. He had gained a new respect for the ocean's power and beauty. He knew he'd be back next summer, ready for more thrills – though perhaps with a bit more caution.