Surfing in the Moonlight

Surfing under bright moonlight, I experienced supreme pure joy yesterday. It was the full moon, and supposedly the fullest full moon of the year. Last night, everything worked out so perfectly. I was immersed in this unrealistic reality. I don't think my writing skill is good enough to re-create the absolutely stunning images of what I saw; nonetheless, I will try my best to share the experience and feelings of pure joy and gratitude that I had last night.

I was bewildered and actually shouted "holy shit" in amazement when I saw the low-hanging golden full moon around sunset time, on my way to the beach to check out the waves. I rushed back to my friend and said that you have to check out the moon. In Japan, people like playing fireworks on the beach in the summer, and so my friend came up with this crazy idea of combining firework and surfing, which I will leave as a suspense for now. It sounded so difficult that I didn't believe that we were actually going to do it at first, but apparently we were. Then off we go, we are going to get some fireworks. Japan has a strong sense of seasons. You only do certain things during certain times. Funny thing is, it was theoretically almost the end of the summer as we are approaching the Autumn Equinox in Japan. No jokes, we drove and went to six different shops and every single one of them had either sold out or taken the fireworks off the shelf. We were both a bit disappointed but surfing under the moonlight was still happening!

Carrying my surfboard in my full wetsuit, I walked toward the beach with a lot of excitement. At the previous night, I observed that the moon was actually bright enough to illuminate the sea. I couldn't be more excited to actually go into the water, 9pm at night. When I arrived, I took a deep breath to feel the sea and the wind. Everything was so calm. Light was reflected off of the wave breaks. It was as if nature was welcoming me to participate in a low-key party. At this time, the moon was way higher up in the sky and changed its color to a more prominent silver white. I entered the water with some anticipation of a chill, but it wasn't. It was just right. And the waves? They had become much gentler than the day before. Under the starry night with the bright moon guiding us the waves, we were having a blast. You tell the height of the waves by the reflection. When I saw my friend ride a wave, light was reflected off of the wetsuit and the water nearby. It is one of the coolest thing I have ever seen.

After a while, a couple carrying fireworks came and actually settled near us on the beach. And my friend again suggested to ask if we can "borrow" one firework from them to execute our plan.

Here is the plan: My friend will light the firework at the shore. As soon as the firework is lit, I will catch a wave, arrive at the shore and take the burning firework and still have some time to play with it.

I can't say no more if you are not convinced by how difficult this idea is. 

First thing, talk to the couple. We actually managed to get a firework from them. They were really kind people. They picked the most long-lasting firework for us, even though I learnt after that they didn't really believe that our plan would work. Anyway, first thing, checked.

Second thing, light up the firework. When the three of them were at the shore, I was standing by in the ocean by myself. In fact, they failed to light up the first firework. There I was, vaguely seeing the silhouette of them, with their hands fussing around. Suddenly, a firework was lit! That was the moment! I turned and a nice little wave was coming right at that moment. I still couldn't believe how perfect the timing was. Second thing, checked.

Third thing, catch the wave. I am still not very good at catching waves. The gentleness of the condition had already been in my favour. I give a few strokes, watching my friend running toward me in the dark. I have to get this! Now is the time! I stand, ride, jump off my board, and take the firework. Third thing, checked.

My friend and I high-five and have a small hug. The firework is still burning! Now I am just jumping and dancing around with the firework in my hand. When it finally went out, we just continue laughing for a while. I don't know what pure happiness is, but it is probably one of the closest moments I've ever come to it.

As the moon moved across the sky, I continued to watch for the reflection at the waves, turn, paddle and play with the waves. I completely opened myself to nature. There was oneness. At the same time, I was aware how fortunate I was. It was probably the best ever celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. I have so much gratitude for life. I constantly remind myself that one of the best ways to pay back is to spread my genuine positive energy to the world around me. I hope it gets spilled over a bit to your heart via this post.