A first dip in the sea isn’t just a quick dip: it’s a rite of passage, a sensory encounter with a vastness that surprises and reassures at the same time. I’m sharing an experience common to many—the trepidation, the wonder, and the small achievements that transform a day at the beach into an indelible memory.

Arriving at the sea in the morning is like stepping into a living painting: the salty air on your lips, the wind carrying the scent of seaweed and warm sand, the rhythmic sound of the waves that seem like a heartbeat. For those experiencing their first dive, these elements amplify every emotion. The first contact with the water is cold and surprising; the body tenses, then slowly adapts. Nervous laughter mixes with relief when you discover that the world isn’t changing, but expanding.

Fear is part of the ritual: the fear of losing control, of surrendering to something unknown. It’s often overcome with simple gestures—a reassuring hand, a calm voice, small steps into the water, holding the fingers of a parent or friend. Every inch gained is a small victory: from feeling the sand under your feet to floating for a moment, to taking your first splashes with an incredulous smile.

The sea offers surprises: shells, tiny marine creatures, plays of light and reflections that can enchant. For children (and adults too), the water becomes a playground where they learn to count the waves, to dip their face in and resurface, to let themselves be carried gently by the current. Those simple experiences are seeds of love for the sea that remain rooted.

A baptism of the sea is an experience that unites fear and joy, respect and curiosity. It’s the first page of a relationship that can last a lifetime: from that first dive often arises a desire to return, to explore and protect the sea. Returning home, you take with you not only sand in your towels, but a memory that smells of salt and freedom.