i’m the type of guy that lives but the phrase “never say never!” and as much as possible, i try to teach people to “never say never.” Asayama-san told me a few times “no, i cannot.” in the beginning, i said “please don’t say that.” then after he said it again and again, i got mad and told him “hey! never say never!!!” you have to believe in yourself!
so after taking him free diving a few times, i thought it was time to give him the pole spear. i just passed it to him underwater. i told him to watch how i do it, and just copy me. i watched over and over as he tried and tried. one hour later, i came back and explained to him “hey, the fish are running away from you because they can tell you’re nervous. next time, try to relax and the fish won’t run away.” then he went down, shot the spear, and caught his first fish!!!
i could tell he was freaking out after! i could tell he was super surprised. yes, i know because i started out just like him. but instead of spearing a fish in a few tries, i took me a few years.
after he shot it, he was looking for me. and yes, i was watching his every move. i didn’t miss a thing.
then when he saw me, the joy and excitement came out. he was smiling ear to ear! and we were also yelling so loud too!
then he brought the fish to me because i’m sure he didn’t know what to do with it. haha.
look at his smile! so pure, and so amazing. after this, he caught another one.
hey Asayama-san, “congratulations on your first and second fish! you did great! i’m glad you are living in part of my dream life. my dream life of teaching people how to surf, and teaching people how to survive. at 67 years old, you are now an inspiration to many people in this world. keep on trying new things, keep on begin positive, and remember “NEVER SAY NEVER!” i’m so proud of you!
