Programs Blog

20 March 2025 

Time: 1545 

Location: SEA Campus, Woods Hole, MA, USA 

Weather: 44°F and cloudy, 7 knot wind out of the SE, gusts at 11 knots 

I’m soaked. My shorts are wet, the bottom half of my shirt is moist, and my sheets now dawn a neat, damp outline of where I’ve been sitting. And… I’m smiling ear to ear. The 20th has been a long time coming. With an ominous note on the calendar saying “pool day” and a brief mention of something called a “Gumby suit,” the crew was eager to get through the week to today. I am happy to say it was worth the wait. 

But first, welcome! My name is Zach Flagler, and I am a senior out of the University of Washington in Seattle. Though an Enviornmental Studies major, I have a place in my heart for the ocean and oceanography, and SEA is providing every opportunity to meld these passions. Now back to it. 

Piling into the bus, we set off for Massachusetts Maritime Academy, a university in Buzzards Bay that has been training mariners since the late 1800s and, conveniently for us, has a pool. The moment we arrived, Cap (Rick Miller) wasted no time getting us in the water, starting us off with a short swim test. Once we proved we could at least stay afloat, it was time for the real challenge: suiting up. Wrestling into the thick neoprene survival suits was an ordeal in itself. Encased from head to toe, we looked like oversized, rubbery figures straight out of the Claymation cartoon, Gumby (hence the name). But the moment we hit the water, the suits did exactly what they were designed to do. It only took a brief but amusing adjustment period before we got used to the strange, weightless sensation, bobbing like corks on the surface. 

In a real emergency at sea, getting suited up and into a life raft quickly and efficiently can mean the difference between life and death. What seemed like a simple task–climbing in and out of the raft—became a full-body challenge as water pooled in the legs of our suits, making every motion clumsy and slow. We took turns hoisting ourselves up, helping each other over the inflated sides and scrambling to find room in the increasingly packed life raft. Sure, problem-solving and emergency preparedness are serious topics, but we all couldn’t stop laughing at the experience.  

As the training progressed, we ran through various emergency exercises designed to simulate real-life scenarios. Some drills focused on swimming as a group to stay together and be visible, while others had us practice flipping the raft upright in case it capsized. The thick neoprene made everything feel heavier, our movements more exaggerated, but, after some trial and error, we got the hang of it. After the structured drills, we were given some free time to simply swim around in our suits, enjoying the strange mix of weightlessness and restriction. Floating there, looking up at the ceiling of the training facility, it was easy to relax and enjoy. The practical skills, the teamwork, and the humor of it all made for an unforgettable experience. 

It’s been a week of water. From the rain earlier in the week to today’s pool excursion, we’re getting a glimpse of the conditions ahead and a newfound appreciation for our foul weather gear. Every drill, every challenge, and every unexpected lesson prepares us for what’s to come. The reality of life at sea is starting to sink in, bringing both excitement and a healthy dose of respect for the tasks ahead. With less than two weeks remaining in our first shore component, the team is one step closer to phase two: life at sea. 

Shoutouts: 

To mom, dad, Aubrey, and Brooke: The pictures of home are wonderful, especially at this time of year. From shaving Indigo to clips from the ranch, and it makes my heart swell seeing you all enjoy our home. Thank you so much for your never-ending support, through these last few months especially. I am making memories I’ll have forever, and I have all of you to thank for getting me here. I love you all so much, and I look forward to sharing stories and photos of my trip with you all soon. 

P.S. Mom, I couldn’t stop thinking of you and your Gumby today. I hope you see the resemblance. 

To Trin: I love you and miss you a ton. Though we’re across the country from each other, it’s remarkable how just a quick phone call with you can lift me from my lows. I am so proud of you and am so excited to be back with you soon to continue our adventures and rough attempts at baking 🙂