#coasteering

Coasteering: the sport of exploring a rocky coastline by climbing, jumping, and swimming.

I definitely underestimated the fact that this is a sport. It was a lot more physically involved than I had anticipated and it was SUCH an adrenaline rush.

Not only was it a physical feat but it was also a mental one. You are pushed outside of your comfort zone to your limits. It was such a mindful activity because I slightly feared for my safety so I was very present in my body and the moment lol.

After jumping we would have to time getting out strategically so we weren't thrown into the shore by the tide. Then if we were successful, we had to rock climb and boulder up without harnesses and minimal direction. I really appreciated that there was no room for over-thinking, the only option was to just trust in your mind and body.

This final jump was 10.5m high. Safe to say that after 3 hours we were exhausted and pumped full of adrenaline.

I love exploring coastal Portugal this way, it was a reminder that the natural world is so ALIVE! When climbing the cliffs at first glance it just looked like rocks. But when you slowed down, listened, and looked closer there is so much more happening. What looked like black rocks were snails, claims, crustaceans suction cupped to the rocks. Holding on with such a firm grip to not be taken away by the waves. You couldn't pull them off if you tried. We also saw barnacles, claims, crabs, anemones, fish, jelly fish.

It was both energizing and grounding to slow down and connect with mamma earth in this way. It is always such a special feeling to be a guest in natures home and seeing it unafraid, abundant, and balanced.