Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/832257
"Mommy we all need to not be afraid of go- ing in the ocean," said a three-year-old to her moth- er at La Cañada Preschool. My goal as a t r a v e l i n g journalist and preschool teacher had been attained. It was the month of May. I was a mother of a three- year-old myself, working two jobs and looking for that long-awaited break. e indescribable spirit of Aloha was calling me. And as a longtime surfer and sea spirit, there was a speci c location dominating my mind—Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu. One of my close girlfriends, Sommer, had lived there for ve years. We had surfed together in Peru and Brazil, so I took her advice seriously. Haleiwa was the place to be. e small, quaint, and peaceful town of Haleiwa is a close drive to the breathtaking Waimea Falls, crystal clear snorkeling waters of Shark's Cove, and the lovely Turtle Bay Resort, where we danced to Michael Franti in concert next to Jack Johnson. In town, vegetarian hot spots included Sprout and Beet Box, the locals' favorites. And most importantly, endless breaks that satisfy any surfer's craving. ere are also plenty of spots for the solo swimmer or family with children to enjoy calm, warm, and safe waters. What drew me to Haleiwa was also the promise to live a rare opportunity—swimming with sharks. As a surfer of 12 years, I had witnessed countless whales and dolphins and had surfed near a Great White shark. Yet, I still longed to become one with the sharks under the surface, freely and up close and per- sonal. I found a shark conservation, research, and diving group— ONE Ocean Diving—in Haleiwa Harbor, walking distance from my Airbnb. My heart beat strong with anticipation as I booked my spot online. (I'm not going to lie; I was impressed by their 100-percent safety record). Finally, the day arrived to leave for Hawaii. e trip kicked o with a helpful hand from car rental company Lucky Owl. ey are a best-kept secret. A er a quick surf on Waikiki Beach, I was on my way, out of the city, and into paradise. Lush, green mountains greeted me on this easy drive into a world of wonder. e town was exactly how I had imagined. e decreased speed limit repre- sented the journey. It was time to slow down. Take a deep breath and relax. I headed to the North Shore Surf Shop and hit my rst beach, Pua'ena Point. e ocean was breathtakingly beautiful with crys- tal blue and emerald green colors, shimmering amongst perfect head-high waves and a huge turtle swimming about, greeting my arrival. e surfers were friendly as well, and we took turns on By Lori Denman-Underhill SWIMMING with the "Mommy we all need to not be afraid of go- ing in the ocean," said a three-year-old to her moth- er at La Cañada Preschool. My goal as a t r a v e l i n g journalist and preschool teacher had been attained. It was the month of May. I was a mother of a three- surfed near a Great White shark. Yet, I still longed to become one with the sharks under the surface, freely and up close and per- sonal. I found a shark conservation, research, and diving group— ONE Ocean Diving—in Haleiwa Harbor, walking distance from my Airbnb. My heart beat strong with anticipation as I booked my spot online. (I'm not going to lie; I was impressed by their By Lori Denman-Underhill SWIMMING with the M eeting Ha w a ii's "Tru e L o c a l s " "The indescribable spirit of Aloha was calling me." 20 wholelifetimes.com