Thru the Eyes of A Grom: Meet Ben a 16yr. old Aussie Ocean Fanatic & Bodysurfer

Let's face it being a teenager can be tough regardless of where you live in the world, but it's also some of the most fun you'll ever have in your life!

Here 16 year old Ben Jackson eloquently shares his story and perspective of the ocean & bodysurfing with us from Down Under. 

Freedom.

The ocean is my escape; my escape from the fast paced society that we live in, my escape from sadness and anger, the ocean heals me, soothes my soul and rejuvenates me, the ocean is my home.

For those who find the same refuge as I do in the salty waters of mother nature, then I salute you, as there is no better feeling than becoming engulfed in mother natures grip. Flying down the line, feeling the rush and adrenaline of liquid as the glassy lip throws over, ah the feeling is indescribable, and the happiness that it feeds me keeps me grateful. 

My name is Ben Jackson, and if you haven’t guessed already: I love the beach.

My first encounter with the ocean was from my first moments of life. Growing up on the northern beaches of Sydney has been the greatest gift i’ve ever been given, and from a very early age I can remember spending a lot of time in the water. Initially, believe it or not, I was afraid of the ocean. During my first years of life the water terrified me, however, I learnt to love it. Each moment I spent amongst the waves would give me the biggest grin and gave me this sense of purpose. 

To this day, the experiences I have made in the ocean give me a great love for mother nature and I wouldn’t trade them for the world, as it is one of the many things in life that make me so happy. Bodysurfing is my one way ticket to freedom. Whenever i’m stressed, anxious, angry or upset I return to the ocean, and bodysurfing and feeling the power of the waves puts my mind at ease. Bodysurfing for me is a sort or ritual or meditation I guess and the rush of riding a wave never gets old. I feel so incredibly lucky to have the lifestyle in which I live and to be able to have such a strong relationship with the ocean. Bodysurfing is my remedy and the ocean is my home.