Field Recording Journal - Beach near harbour arm - 9th October 2022
I’m watching the sea make its way along the harbour arm in smooth flowing waves that leave water marks along the brown grey concrete. Wet traces of contact. The sea defence boulders that jut out from the middle of the harbour arm are visible now as the tide goes out.
Near the shore there is a break in the concrete structure of the harbour arm. It looks like a recessed wide wooden gate but I don't think it can be opened. The sea fills and explodes in to this gap with wild playfulness. I find myself wondering why the sea is interested in this space, why it doesn’t just roll past it, instead of making such a big deal of it. But it does look fun so i don’t blame it. I’ve stood in that space at low tide. It scares me imagining being there now, the ferocity of the water. How it engulfs and bursts outwards, spraying over the beach.
It’s a pleasure sitting here listening and watching. Feeling the light spray on my face, tasting the salt on my lips. Close enough to the edge of fear but feeling safe.
Small groups of people wander along the arm. I wonder if they are drawn to the power of the sea. An instinctive pull to wonder at something so immense. I’m jealous of strong swimmers and surfers. It must be something to actually be in it.