Why is there nothing to think about during a flip? Why can I not see the whole world spin around? I've wanted to know the answer to these questions for a long time. I want to see the world spin around, I want to see my legs pointing upward, and watch the feet as the hit the water. It all happens too quickly.
Standing 10 feet up, my muscles know how to time the rotation for a proper landing. I can feel it. But still the rotation is all I manage to notice during the flip, I don't see the ocean woosh around, or my feet floating above my head. I don't even think I notice time passing. The watch stops partway into the jump, and resumes once my feet hit the water. Too late. I always miss the whirl.
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July 20th, 2019. Osterville, Ma.