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jason wynn battling waves on the bow of sv curiosity with a camera in hand

HANG ON!!! Sharks, Dolphins & Big Waves

Don’t panic, everything will be fine.  I say that A LOT!  But really, everything will be fine.

Last week I was a nervous wreck sailing into Rangiroa here in the Tuamotus.  It’s one of the largest atolls in the world and its passes are known to make even the saltiest sailor’s cheeks pucker. I had let one too many cautionary tales get inside my head.

But this week?  I was over that fear mongering nonsense!  Hang on, we’re going full steam ahead, diving into lagoon life and spoiler alert…its bliss.

She Captain

It’s been almost 100 years since the term flapper girl came about.  Aside from not sporting my bobbed hair, I like to think I carry the spirit of those women.

Flappers were a generation of young Western women in the 1920s who wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was then considered acceptable behavior.

Watching this video, I can’t help but feel a little #GirlPower as I plow through the narrow pass.  Complete with my grandmothers’ scarf, frilly sleeves and red sunglasses on!  I didn’t plan that intentionally, but it makes me smile seeing the ensemble now.  Especially with my old girl Cleo backing me up.

nikki wynn captain of sv curiosity with her trusty cat cleo at the helm

My grandmother was born in 1922.  She was a flapper girl, whiskey drinker, pioneer, painted like Bob Ross, chemist, woman who raised me and still my inspiration.

She did whatever she wanted and didn’t let anything, or anyone stand in her way.  You, me, us…we shouldn’t either.  We can sail any ocean or pass we want to!

drone view of rangiroa atoll in tuamotu and the pass

drone view of rangiroa atoll in tuamotu

drone view of rangiroa atoll in tuamotu and a supply ship at harbor

drone view of rangiroa atoll in tuamotu and a supply ship at harbor

Safety Joe

I know that scene of Jason on the bow is going to fill many of your hearts with fear.  Please don’t let it!  Know that we’re not trying to make you worry and we’re not being callus.  We live a lifestyle that requires constant risk assessment.  We were safer in that scene than in Los Angeles six o’ clock traffic.

Everyone’s idea of safety is different.  Sure, we should all wear our safety gear more often.  We do wear our life vests and tethers often when we deem them necessary.  We didn’t feel unsafe, not even for a second.  If we did, we would have had those life vests on.

In the unlikely event that Jason would have fallen over…we were next to land, in the day time, in the same pass we had just been diving, snorkeling and floating down the day before.  I would have simply turned around and picked him up.

“Wearing a lifejacket should be a personal choice based on judgement of the risks, argues Skip Novak.”

Here are a few lyrics from of one of my favorite John Prine songs, Safety Joe.  It’s what I consider good country music.

Now, Joe he lived in Baltimore
‘Cause New York was too darn fast
He sometimes went down to Washington
Just to view our nation’s past
He never ate his vegetables
‘Cause they were just too darn chewy
And he never climbed much higher
Than the arch in old St. Louis
Safety Joe, Safety Joe
What do you say? What do you know?
If you don’t loosen up the buckle
On your heart and start to chuckle
Well, you’re gonna die of boredom, Safety Joe

dolphins playing in the pass in rangiroa atoll, tuamotu

dolphin surfing in wave in rangiroa pass in tuamotus

🙏 Made Possible by YOU!

Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all.  We’re able to do so because beautiful people show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of FREE ways you can show your support.  Thank you for being a part of the journey!

 

Gear Used In This Video

scuba diving icon gone with the wynns Freediving & Scuba

🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO  📷

⛵SAILING SPECIFIC GEAR

🎶AWESOME tunes:

⛵ SAILING REPORT

To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: gonewiththewynns.com/map

Sailing Curiosity Tuamotu map

  • Location:  Rangiroa, Tuamotu, French Polynesia
  • Date:  March 2019

Hello there! I honestly don’t know what to say, so I am going to tell you a bunch of random facts instead. I'm a fish eating vegetarian who hates spiders and loves snakes. I almost never took vacations growing up. I wanted to be Pippi Longstocking (still do). I misspell about every other word I write and still struggle with grammar. I love splurging on a good high tea (which is really hard to find these days). And whatever you do, don’t tell me I can’t do something, because then I'll HAVE to do it!

Comments (55)

  • Tami Tygart

    Have followed your blog for years! Back in the RV’ing days. Love the blog & all your adventures! Stay safe & keep having fun!

    reply
  • Cherianno

    Absolutely loved this video and sharing this adventure with you and Jason! I’ve been following you since the beginning which inspired us to buy our motorhome and travel the US. Now we are going places with you that I can enjoy with my morning cup of coffee and learn so much about since we only boat in our calm New Hampshire lakes. Love your adventurous spirits!

    reply
  • Michael Priaro

    “In the unlikely event that Jason would have fallen over…”

    OK, your viewers trust your judgement in regard to conditions.

    Just remember that, in a different scenario — high seas, heavy waves, strong winds, poor visibility, perhaps darkness — if Jason were washed overboard by a rogue wave, gust of wind, or tripped or slipped, perhaps braking an arm or hitting his head in the process, and if Nikki’s attention had been diverted for 15 seconds by something else before she realized Jason was MOB, that by the time she, single-hand, got the sails adjusted and trimmed for a change in course, turned around, started (hopefully) both engines, and tried to go back to where Jason might be, and Nikki would have been so busy doing all that that she would have lost all sight of Jason, that there would be a real chance Jason would never be found, even if uninjured.

    Tales of sailors washed overboard and lost at sea are a dime a dozen.

    I have been enjoying your sailing blogs and don’t want to have to view one, last tragic blog that could have been avoided.

    Better to be Safety Joe than Sorry Sam.

    reply
    • Curious Minion

      Just remember that in that scenario they would act accordingly. Nikki says “when conditions warrant.” In the next video they are adjusting sails at night and Nikki is wearing a PFD. And their PFD’s have automatic AIS transponders and strobes to help locate someone in the event of a MOB. If you look at most any video where they’re on deck at night they are wearing a PFD. So please trust them to do the right thing.
      Curious Minion

      reply
  • Pam McClure

    Oh my gosh. Fun and beautiful. I’m guessing Jason is better with the sea sickness as he was riding those waves pretty good!

    reply
  • perchecrik

    “We’re totally loaded and the eggs haven’t cracked!”

    That is truly some cracking editing. Y’all, and Blue and the dudes at SV Delos, and the blokes at Ruby Rose, have given me great pleasure, especially in watching all of you become master cinematographers, editors, and story tellers. I owe you more than I ever can pay.

    Thank you, and cheers, wherever you are now, ‘cross that big blue Pacific.

    Here’s my PSA, a favorite, by Dr. Syliva Earle, “Why We Need The Ocean – Dr. Sylvia Earle at Aquarius” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kRAHDFF2oI

    reply
  • Jon Deck

    Thanks for taking me along.

    One of your best videos. Yes, the content was amazing, but your editing, music selection, pacing and completeness (not leaving any holes in the story) was exceptional.

    I look forward to every one of your updates.

    How do you two split up the editing and production? Do each of you have specific tasks where you tend to specialize, do each of you take the lead on different videos or are all productions completed pretty much the same way?

    reply
    • Curious Minion

      It’s a fluid process from week to week but Jason does most of the video selection & editing, while Nikki does most of the stills selection & editing, writes most blog posts and maintains the blog. It’s usually anywhere from a 40-60 hour week for them to film, edit, & post. Whew!
      Curious Minion

      reply
  • Steve Nicholls

    I love this channel! And Cleo is The Boss. Love your cats!!

    reply
  • Connie Fish

    reply
  • Gary M Curran

    I’m happy to see you had a grandmother that raised you correctly. I don’t know if the term ‘flapper’ still applies today, that just sounds like a modern women who knows what she’s doing.

    Now, about that sailing any pass, I say ‘discretion is the better part of valor.’ In other words, there is a time and place for everything. Try sailing the Columbia River bar between Oregon and Washington state at the wrong time, and you may lose everything, literally. So, don’t be afraid to do things, but also do them in the least dangerous way.

    When are you guys going to get a Parasailor for Curiosity? I think that would help with long distance sailing.

    reply
  • Kay T

    I LOVED RANGIROA ! I stayed right in shore from where you were anchored. I dove the pass several times and absolutely loved it ! And yes i saw a hammer head ! Just one but he was a big guy. I also got up close and personal with one the dolphins. She came in And hung around for a while. She even let us scratch her. I had the most outer body experience when i held her head in my hands and stared into her eyes! It lasted for several minutes. It was incredible. One the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had diving. I’d love to go back someday ! So glad you guys made it there.

    reply
  • Alan Solomon

    Awesome video. I want to go to Rangiroa now. I have heard of Rangiroa before but, I forgot about it. I never had a first hand look at it like this. Man it is beautiful. The only way to go and enjoy the awesome Nature there is with your own boat.
    I would have to get over my sea sickness first. I would need a patient, understanding first mate too.
    Best,

    reply
  • Hampel Rutledge

    Great video! Diving looks like so much fun! Even going thru the pass looked like fun. I’m sure you plan things like that so your not at peak tide running against the current but it was still amazing with the dolphins. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

    reply
  • Sandy

    So sorry to seem critical, but your dangling gauges….. You can pull the gauge hose under the shoulder strap of your BC (kind of under your arm, so it is front of you all the time, instead of dangling off to the side where it can hit coral. You can also get some surgical tube and make a loop on the shoulder strap of your BC and put a clip attached with surgical tube to the gauges and just clip them to your BC….again right where you need them.

    LOVE living vicariously through your awesome videos. Been following you since the early RV days

    reply
  • Jim Fowler

    Thanks for sharing. Love your adventure.

    reply
  • mary

    I’m so glad the Holiday’s are still with you! Safety in numbers. 🙂

    Dolphins are so much fun to watch! I think they are the party fish. Wouldn’t that have been fun to be right out there with them in the water? I guess it was a little crazy with the waves you encountered but it sure was exciting.

    It is a beautiful atoll. It is a shame you all did not see hammerheads. Maybe you did another day???

    Hugs from home. I can’t wait to hug you both!

    reply
  • Elisa

    I laughed right out loud at the dolphins surfing the waves! Loved all the spirit of excitement y’all keep through your adventures. Keep up the great work of sharing the life you enjoy so much <3

    reply
  • Roger B

    Awesome video and titling the individual fish you were following underwater was very interesting and informative. The beauty of the island or atoll from the drone is incredible. 5 stars. Thank you for sharing your adventures. Watching your videos on the big screen TV is my favorite.

    reply
  • Wheelingit

    Loved this post! You had me with the flapper girls. Wonderful!

    Nina

    reply
  • Charlie Hassenboehler

    Love yall!
    I don’t see a thumbs up button to hit… but permanent thumbs up sailors!

    reply
  • Robert Dawson

    Wow fantastic post,thanks once again.Enjoy your travels.Blessings, Bob in Md

    reply
  • Louise Walters on SV Serena Rose

    What an amazing journey. Loved all the dolphins playing and the underwater section. Going thru the cut is similar to some of the inlets and cuts we have been thru. It is like riding a roller coaster. Safe journey my friends and as always, thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

    reply
  • Craig Rose

    Loved it and thank you for sharing. I’m happy you two are living the life you are and hope your adventures continue to brighten your lives and those you choose to share it with.

    reply
  • Henri

    In your thrill-a-minute lives you must have an occasion where you’re thinking “what shall our next video be?” So – a suggestion – I’d love to know about your kids – Cleo and Singa! Where/when did they adopt you, what are their lives like, what are their quirks, what do they like to do, do they jump on your keyboard when you’re editing and so on. I’m sure that they are worth a 20 minute video!

    Thanks for your video’s – they make my Sundays!

    reply
      • Roger B

        I’d enjoy seeing that video also.

        reply
  • Jim

    Great video as usual. Recently bought a MSI GS 75 Stealth and seeing that it is what Jason uses I’m reassured it was the right decision. I’m an insurance adjuster and partially due to you guys I decided to live full time in an RV…….. never looked back. Safe travels, my friends.

    reply
  • Ausbin Pippin

    Thanks for another great video of such an wonderful area of this world that we have. Keep on living your dreams and a big thanks for sharing them with us. Safe Sailing

    reply
  • Bruce Campbell. Toronto

    Well done you two,your enjoying the diving,great underwater photos of the
    Fish,thank you for listing the names of the fish,and some of their characteristics. Safe,happy,and successful sailing!

    reply
  • Jeanette Brennan

    Thanks for the awesome experience today. Great video – you sure are livin’ the dream! Thanks for sharing your awesome adventures with us! Stay safe and keeping on lovin’ and livin’ life!

    reply
  • Mike Freimund

    Glad you’re living your dream, yet again. One question. I only see one cat. Do you still have both of them?

    reply
  • jim

    Do you not fear issues with the sharks? I see you dive and scuba around them many times.
    great Navigation through the Pass. Hairy for sure.

    reply
  • Linda Jorgenson

    Thanks! That was awesome!! You are sure living my dream that’s for sure. What was the population there? And temperature, and where you going next?

    Is it hard making friends, then having to say goodbye? How homesick do you get? Family coming to see you at all? Wow. Thanks again, you made my day. Safe sailing, Lynne

    reply
  • Roeann

    I love your life-style! I watch with inspiration and a little bit of jealousy. Great video!!

    reply
  • Gary Hood

    Very exciting to watch from my chair with a fresh cup of Java. You guys are the best, what fun you bring to us living through your camera lens. Thanks for sharing .

    reply
  • Jan

    As usual your video footage is fabulous. I always look forward to sundays, coffee cup in hand, first thing opening up your latest. When you guys first started out from rv to boat I used to worry. Now I see you guys are handleing everything just fine.
    That water color knocks my shoes off! Wow. I am still using my solar panels purchased through your amazon link long ago. Good product.
    Lots of work video editing. I appreciate it.
    Jan

    reply
  • Jeffery

    Hi uall just seen vold like see you in nice places working so cool holp you s doing good sea gods good for and safe

    reply
  • Maria

    Go Girl!

    reply

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