I am by no means a pro surfer, just a girl who grew up in Mokuleia surfing most afternoons with good friends and will continue to do so till the end of time!
One thing I’ve been certain of since the time I could grasp the idea of making my own family is, wanting to be a young mother who could keep up with her children. My mother is exactly that and it is something I cherish and have been motivated by to do everything in my power to stay healthy and provide my babies a healthy beginning to life whenever that day would come.
Suddenly that day snuck up on my husband and I. As much as I thought I was ready for it physically, I don’t know that I was prepared mentally. The first trimester as happy as we were, I was baffled by how quick my life would change, goals I set for myself being shifted and pushed off indefinitely. It wasn’t till my second trimester when I gave into what was bigger than me and accepted this isn’t end this is the beginning of another chapter and there will be more chapters to come. Each of those goals I had set weren’t kicked to the curb but just put on pause. While my inner thoughts were put at ease it then became a battle with input from those around me.
“Are you sure you should be doing that? You shouldn’t lift that you’re pregnant! Let me.” Those who were questioning me had me questioning myself. But day and day again, I was more than capable to continue the things I love ie; surfing, playing soccer, hiking, lifting, dirt biking. What felt like degrading opinions became a blessing that forced me to be confident in what I felt was right for myself and my baby. Why would I stop doing what I’ve known my whole life? What lesson is that teaching my baby? I had trained for these moments to be able to continue this lifestyle during pregnancy and beyond.
Because I was due in June I assumed surfing towards the end of the pregnancy wouldn’t be an option with lack of waves. However the waves kept coming, so we kept going. Each day I paddled out inching closer to the due date I thought ‘Ok, we’ve made it this far getting to surf maybe todays the last day.’ But the waves kept coming and I kept going with no real reason to stop and every inch of my body feeling great. Feeling my daughter kicking with what I translated as excitement as we kicked out from wave after wave, session after session. Four days before her due date she had so much fun surfing with me she felt it was time to join us and be earth side for her sessions. Now here we are laughing at the times I googled and quesitoned if what I was doing was safe for us regardless of how my body felt.
Here’s to listening to our bodies and not the internet 🥂,
- Jordyn McCaul
I can totally relate to this! I am in that space right now, telling myself "OK, this could be my last session." But then I see waves and have to at least try. And then I realize I'm more capable than I thought! That is a constant law on my journey of motherhood. I have had one child already, but still this space is so new to me that I have to still test the grounds of whats possible.
But What's so magical is inspiration from others. Especially the active momma bears out there looking to do the same. I love watching you surf with your beautiful belly. You do not look the least bit caught up at all, still flowing. I am so happy I met you at Eric's the other week and connected on this level with you. Thank you so much for sharing. I look forward to many more adventures! Please share with us more of your come back story and how you did it.
Sending all my love. Thank you again! KEEP GOING! Keep sharing.