Sail Away with Me: 4 Days of Sun, Sea, and Self-Discovery Near Catalina Island

This July, I swapped my salon shears for sunscreen and embarked on an epic four-day sailing adventure near Catalina Island, alongside five of my friends including the thrill-seeking boat owners that call it home, Bobbie and Steve. This wasn’t just any getaway—it was a vibrant escape with my friends that tested my courage against the ocean.

Day 1: Setting Sail and Settling In

Before leaving to catch our 1.5 hour ride on The Catalina Flyer from Long Beach to Avalon, I found myself diving into a hair-highlighting session for my friend Lindsay. We ended up having to finish her gloss after we got to the island. True to my nature, there I was, mixing and applying color right on the dock—because when you’re a hair artist, every place is your salon!

Arriving at the island, we wasted no time transferring our gear via dinghy to our sailboat home. Settling in was an adventure on its own, but nothing compared to the “sailors’ happy hour” at 5 PM. As horns and honks filled the air—a tradition reminding everyone it’s time to sip some rum or vodka—I felt like I was part of an exclusive club. Our first night under the stars was both magical and surreal, with the creaking wood and tapping ropes lulling me into a peaceful sleep.

Day 2: Rocky Waves and Inspiration

The sea tested us with rocky waves, a stark reminder of its ruling power. Each wave and queasy moment was part of a journey that taught me about resilience and the beauty of stepping out of my comfort zone.

Despite the ups and downs, we managed a quick trip back to Avalon to pick up another friend and refuel with burgers—whose name escapes me because, hey, you’ve got to live in the moment!

We ended the night with, what it felt like an immersive movie, “True Spirit”, a true story about a 16 year old girl who in 2010 became the youngest person to sail around the world solo. It took her 210 days and she capsized 6 times! Talk about motivation! If you haven’t seen this movie yet, I highly recommend you watch it. I was locked in.

Day 3: Paddle Boarding and Exploring

Here’s a fun fact: I’m kind of scared of the ocean. Yet, there I was, sitting on a paddleboard, peering into the kelp forest below with snorkeling goggles. It was like entering another world, one where my fears dissolved into the colorful vibrance of underwater life. Inspiration is everywhere and this was an entirely new perspective to explore. As the day faded, we cozied up for a barbecue and I let the gentle rocking of the waves whisk me away to sleep.

Day 4: Diving Deep into Courage

Despite my nerves, I didn’t want to miss out on anything—including the water itself. Encouraged by everyone, including Lindsay and another friend, Megan, I finally took the plunge—literally. Jumping into the salty oasis was thrilling! More than just a swim, it was a triumph over my fears.

Living on Bobbie and Steve’s boat was more than an adventure; it was a journey of self-discovery. From battling seasickness to snorkeling and finally diving in, every moment was a step toward a braver, bolder me.

Reflections:

Returning to solid ground, I felt a mix of relief and nostalgia. The sea had left its mark, gifting me not just memories but a newfound confidence and a deep appreciation for the wild, wonderful ocean.

More Photos from My Trip: