after the break....

it has been quite a while since my last post, for that I apologize. But, to give the 90 second (or so) recap since the last post here we go.... (think voice over from the 'micro-machines' guy)

Central Section won the Taplin Bell in decisive fashion, but, South bay went 2nd and 3rd with a strong presence from the younger Guards - Big Props to all who came out to race, watch and support...Sean Lemm won the pier-to-pier swim, separating himself from his closest competitors in the final 3oo-meters...I finished out in solid 4th... 4 days later came USLA Nationals in Ft Lauderdale, Florida...

Huge congrats to Monmouth County, NJ for clinching the OPEN Point Score Title - That's right, LACOLA came in second in the open - BUT, thanks to our Age Groupers, LACOLA still won the OVERALL Championship Title....personal highlights, after 19 races, multiple gallons of fluid, almost the same amount of WATERMANS sunscreen, I was happy to climb up to an overall 6th open points scorer, with an epic debut in the American Ironman finishing 5th... Congrats to Dave Cartlidge and JVD for their AMAZING 2nd place finish in the Open Surf Boat, and props to all of our Young and oldER Guards for coming out to race, hangout, and have an amazing trip to sweltering Ft Lauderdale, FL...

Then came a week of severe illness brought on by "Overtraining" - yes racing TOO much can happen....

Then JAPAN!!!! ooooooooooooh Japan.....

(what?! I can't give it all away in one post can I?!)

The Bell

Saturday Night

Chop or smooth; Swell or flat; Currents or stillwater - The Judge Irvin Taplin Relay will always bring the best competitors to the forefront. Velzy, Doyle, Kahn, Donahoe, Rink, Fortune, Solberg, Baker, Gair. Legends of Surf and Surf-lifesaving, These are but a pin-prick of the talented and determined lifeguards who have proudly rung The Bell.

Northern held the Bell for nearly a decade; Southern a bit longer than that; Central claimed The Bell with authority last year. Who will take The Bell Home Tonight is anyone's guess. But, when there's surf involved, that's all it will be - a guess.

Lifeguards, Watermen, Athletes of the highest caliber will fight for the right to put their names onto The Taplin Bell.

Can Central Repeat? Can South Bay put a Second Woman onto The Bell? Will Zuma push back into their glory-days of old? Can a non-laco team lay claim for the first time since '87 - and the establishment of the Mitch Kahn Rule?

Tonight at 7pm at Manhattan Beach Pier - Let the Games Begin!!!!

Lions, Tigers, and Boats OH MY!!!!

There is no comparison to the sound produced from two Dories colliding! There is also no comparison to the sight of the bow of a Blue Dory drilling the broadside of a white Dory in the surfline on its way out to sea! This was just one highlight of an amazingly-spectator-leaned Intercrew Championship Relay.

The question was posed, "Can Venice make it three in a row?"; sporting the better part of an Olympic swim crew, surf-savvy board crew, and a near flawless boat team - YES, is the simple answer. But, They were not unchallenged in their pursuit.

Dockweiler, aka Carnage Asada, pushed the pace - and maybe a boat broadside - and forced Venice into overdrive to claim their title.

Altogether the night was a great success for all parties involved - great racing, a little bit of contact (I have an 8inch laceration on my right ribs from someone's nail in the Shallow-Water-Sprint - gotta love when rugby and swimming mix!), some surf - and the boat carnage that went with it - made this an unforgettable night.

Congrats to Venice on their win; Dockweiler for making them earn it - and adding some flair in the boats and on the exit; and to my Crew - The Baywatch Crew, amazing what can happen when WE stick together!

International Surf Festival

Will this be a Three-peat Year?! After claiming the Bud Stevenson Intercrew Championship Trophy 2 years running, the Lifeguards of Venice Beach have their sights set on making it 3-in-a-row this Friday night at Manhattan Beach Pier.

But, they are not alone in their search for victory. The contingent from Manhattan will look to break through to the top after knocking on the door the last year. However, no team is really out of the running when it comes to this event. The Manhattan Beach Pier always lends itself to a little bit of surf on nights when lifeguards race. Every Team is only a Wave Away from victory - or defeat.

Friday nights' progresion of events will provide a ltany of entertainment for the evening. Starting out with a rescue demonstration by members and assets from our L.A. County Fire Dept. Lifeguards and the US Coast Guard--Sector Los Angeles.

Whoever said swimmers cannot run, never watched the 6-man run relay. Can the Guards of Dockweiler claim another another as the fastest on sand. The sand will fly from the heels of these, and other Guards, in the pursuit of speed.

It was probably the same guy who thought that swimming was NOT a contact sport. Bodies will mix and collide in the 4-person shallow water sprint relay...1 catch - the total age of the 4 members of each team must add up to 125 years.

No age minimums or limits - just pure, simple, SPEED will show itself during the 6-man Board Relay. The simple out-&-back format of this race is always a crowd pleaser, as spectators can line up along the pier for an over-the-top view.


Will surf dictate the pace? The mix of fiberglass, surf, bodies, and speed is sure to provide an elixir of sheer athletic satisfaction. The perfect appetizer for a weekend full of excitement!

A Preview of Upcoming Events

As the Summer continues to flow, many athletes in Southern California are seeing the light at the end of the summer competition tunnel. Hampered by injuries, but buoyed by an amazing work opportunity, I have missed most of this year's competition. However, there are certain events that could never be missed without being confined by hospitals or handcuffs.

Next week marks another year in the continuing saga of the International Surf Festival, held throughout the South Bay, Friday July 31st through Sunday August 2nd. While there are numerous events that are held during the festival, Three stand out for me: the Bud Stevenson Lifeguard Intercrew Medley Relay, The Judge Irving Taplin Lifeguard Championship Relay, and the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim.

Each of these events carries its own storied history and tradition, and each its own mark of pride for its Champions.

Leading up to the start of the "Weekend of Champions", previews of each of these three events will be posted.

Spring Back Into Action

As summer comes ever-closer upon us it is time to shake off the cobwebs – if you haven’t already.  Whether you’re jumping back onto your paddleboard, bicycle, surf ski, back into the pool or ocean, or back onto the sand/road to run, now would be a good time to review some pre season training topics. 

We are always eager to get back into the swing of training, racing, and the good times that coincide.  But, it is important to remember that we not do too much too soon.  Overtraining is a legitimate physical & mental health concern – especially for those who no longer have the privilege of a dedicated coach.  Take your re-introduction to training in 3’s.

1. Take your first 3 weeks easy – not loafing – but, not trying to kill yourself or the guy next to you. 
1. If you are weight training (or intend to start), take these first three weeks to strengthen all the muscles you will need to train properly – This means NO WEIGHTS! Core exercises and body weight ONLY – and at a MAX of 3 DAYS A WEEK. Weights, and individual strengthening movements can be added after your body has that simple base. 

2. Getting back onto the water? Paddleboard? Ski? Surf? Fly Fishing? Your first three weeks should include a substantial amount of time out of the water building CORE STRENGTH. No, not all of your training should be done on the water.  But, what is done on the water should not be excessive in compensating for your softness around the beltline. The first 3-4 sessions on the water should not exceed 1hr-1.5hrs (max), and at no greater than 75-80% -- if your heart-rate is above 160, your going too hard.

3. Swimmers and Runners – Keep the K’s low for this first period. Work on technique and finesse. Swimmers this means NO hand-paddles or crazy fin workouts – power and lung-buster sets will come in time. Runners this means no repeat 400’s on the track, or HR’s above 150* (*HR= regardless of fitness level, keep it low)

REMEMBER – We’re trying to break ourselves BACK IN

Not simply BREAK ourselves

2. During these first 3 weeks make sure you are getting adequate rest. That generally means keeping your sport-specific training to 3-days/week, maybe a 4^th on Saturdays.

1. Strengthening sessions should be kept to a minimum of 2, and a maximum of 3 sessions per week. Remember, lots of CORE STRENGTHENING.

2. Board and Ski paddlers, a Monday, Wednesday, Friday routine will give your shoulders an opportunity to rest – as well as let that newly formed rash to heal. Use the days between paddles to work on CORE STRENGTHENING, and shoulder exercises.

3. Swimmers – there really is no such thing as a 3day week. But, there is a 4-day one.  Take Wednesday off to allow your body to adjust to the new abuse your taking.

3. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Have a snack. Hydrate some more!

1. This truly is the key to success at any point in a training cycle. Without proper amounts of fluid and nutrients your body CANNOT repair itself properly.

2. Look at your diet! McD’s and T-Bell? Time to move on to something a little better for the system – Besides, in this economy, saving coin by making your own food is a nice way too take less of a dent out of that bank account.  We’ve all heard all of these things a hundred times – and we all know it’s true. Take some fruit with you to work, and have that as a snack to keep you energized. 

3. Small snacks, or meals, throughout the day will actually keep your metabolism firing – ie, that winter coat you acquired this year, you can help tone it down by actually eating more often.

4. HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE

5. When you look at your dinner plate, you should see a plethora of colors and textures – the more the better. Lots of variety in veggies and proteins will keep your body amply fueled to recover before your next beating err workout.

6. Be Smart. Don’t overload your body with any one thing. Don’t take massive portions on your plate.

7. HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE

8. If your workout is NOT going to last longer than 1 hour, just use water to hydrate. Electrolyte replacement drinks are loaded with sugars that, if your not working past the 1hr-1.5hr mark, your body DOES NOT need.

9. If your workout is going past that 1-1.5hr mark, DO USE electrolyte replacement drinks.

So wipe the dust off your board, bike, paddle, oars, ski, shoes, or swim cap and get back out there!

I will preface this with saying that this is a mixed bag of emotion and insight – Not the usual happy, or upbeat, stories that appear.  And I will start with this:

No matter how far the walk. No matter how expensive the call. One – is ONE TOO MANY – Don’t Drink and Drive!!!

 A moment of reflection

 “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

                                             ~Dr Seuss 

While this is not in my normal writing style, I wanted to take a moment aside from the stories.  In the early morning hours of April 9^th, 3 promising lives were cut short, and a fourth changed forever.  The fragility of this life cannot be overstated.  FOUR. In an instant the worlds, and lives, of four families were changed forever.

One was a Spirited young woman attending Cal State Fullerton.

 One was a Bright young man, attending law school to follow a dream, and become an agent in the world of sports.

 One was a Bright young man, who had just achieved the dream of so many others – Reached the Pinnacle of his sport.

One was a Bright young man, who was in the midst of chasing his dreams in Sport.

If you haven’t been following the news, I am speaking about the accident involving the young Pitcher from the LA Angels’ Baseball team.  I am not using names out of respect of the families, as I do not know their wishes.

 Tragedy strikes at any given instant, anywhere in the world; but, it is not until such tragedy affects you, or someone you love, that it truly strikes into your heart and life.

 I knew one of these victims rather well. We went to high school together. We both attended the same University…and both worked in the Sports Realm.  This morning, his name was read to me over the phone, and instantaneously, my world changed again.

 2 Years ago, I lost my brother-in-law in a car accident – and my life, and my view of it, was forever changed.

 To read and hear that this accident, which has taken my friend – somebody’s son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt – was avoidable, but happened at the hands of selfishness.

 I am not writing in search of sympathy or condolence, but rather, to remind us of how fragile life is. In an instant it is here – a beautiful miracle, born into the hands of parents. The next instant Shattered – Stolen. Joy and Tragedy often occupy the same space.

Their lives affected my life, and are intuitively a part of who I am in this World - and I am Better for it.

 No matter how far the walk. No matter how expensive the call. NEVER NEVER NEVER – Drink and Drive

 To the Families – May GOD bless and watch over you in this time of tragedy. My Prayers are with you.

A Current State of Affairs

For those keeping track, this is the latest on the condition of my shoulder...

Last week I visited my third Orthopedic Specialist - FUN - up in Pasadena. This visit was above and beyond any office visit I could have expected. No good news. No bad news. Just a very sober review of, and look ahead into my shoulder's condition. The review.

The Bicycle accident which happened last November was NOT the major traumatic factor that we thought it was. Nope. Degenerative Fraying of the Labrum and and Posterior Rotator Cuff has been the result of a lifetime of aggressive physical activity - most notably, the last 10 years of high level swimming and related activities.  The trauma from bicycle accident was the tipping point in a fragily-balanced condition. The damage was already done, and the accident threw the joint into a difficult-to-control state of inflammation and disrepair.

Over the past eight (8) or so weeks, I have undergone continuous physical therapy and strengthening sessions in an effort to strengthen and stabilize the joint, along with a steady regimen of anti-inflammatory medicine. While my activity levels have increased to a sufficient height for maintenance training, inflammation control has been sporadically problematic.  As such, under heavy deliberation and consultation of multiple individuals, I received a one-time-only Cortico-Steroid (Cortisone) injection into the right shoulder capsule.

For those who have never received such an injection (which I consider a last resort method of treatment, and not for repeated use - like many insurance companies prefer) it is quite the experience. After watching the Ortho sanitize and mix a three-part solution into a syringe, he then attached a black 16-gauge needle.  Not a small prick. Sitting on the exam-room table, facing away from the Doc, I focused on my breathing - concentrating on the rhythm and rate - a method to deal with pain tolerance taken from the breathing practices of yoga. The unfamiliar 'pinch' on the back of my shoulder - he was taking a posterior entry approach into the capsule. The feeling of fluid being injected, while the needle is being driven deeper into the tissue, is an indescribable one. Needless to say, its not one I would recommend for a daily experience.

Within 30-seconds the procedure was complete.  Now, a 3-week rest period lies before me. So it's another sit-and-wait period for me...Not a Fan. But se la vi. That's just what has to be done.

After these 3-weeks, I will be reevaluated, and from there we will see how the body will react to physical therapy and training. And from that future decisions about treatments and training regiments will be decided.

So that is where we're at. To Pre-empt many thoughts - Don't be sorry; I'm not! I have a  wonderful Life. And while this is potentially a big deal, it is not the end of me or my competitive ventures - merely a bump in the road. I have been blessed for many years with a relatively-clean bill of health, and we all have to pay the piper sooner or later.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement.

Just Another Rolling Hill

At 50 miles-per-hour objects move into, and out of, your sight relatively quickly.  When we were in Driver's education courses - en route to getting that ticket to freedom called a License - the instructors taught us to look "10 seconds ahead".  That is to say, identify, classify, and follow an object 10 seconds before it gets to you.  Most of us, now by a developed automaticity, do this type of tracking unconsciously while we drive our cars up and down our streets and highways.

If you have ever been driving at 50 mph, or faster, and stuck your hand out the side window, you have felt the resistance that air puts against your body and car (usually thought of as a wind).  But, what if you were going 50 mph and you didn't have a windshield?  Or a roof?  You may have a sweet 1930-ish era convertible coupe (how sweet!). What if you didn't have doors? Or four wheels - you only had two? 

What would it feel like to move at 50+ mph downhill on something that weighed less than 20lbs. Had no internal-combustion engine. Had tires that were only 1-inch wide. Was piloted by your two-hands. And Powered by your 'Chevrolegs'?

A Pure, un-adulterated, adrenaline-fueled, dopamine-releasing, ear-to-ear-grin forming, Rush! 

While trying to recover from a shoulder complication, I have been spending ample time on my road bike (Yes! I wear the silly clothes, get over it!). A few rides ago, I ventured down the road from my home into San Pedro, and then up into Rolling Hills. It was around 6:30am (a late start) when I rolled out onto the street. Along the way I crossed paths with a small group of cyclists who were just finshing their jaunt around the peninsula (like I said, a late start). I jumped into their ranks for about a mile, or so, on PV Drive North, before peeling off on a hard left up - and I mean UP - Silver Spur.

There were no big gears being grinded. Instead, my little baby-boy gears spun round like an amphetamined-ferris wheel. Not to be cut short of my downhill section-to-come, I continued on and pulled a right-hand turn to head up Crenshaw Blvd. The construction crews worked with melodic rhythm and efficiency - undaunted by the cool bite lingering in the morning air.  My side of the road was unsurprisingly empty, while the roadway streaming out of the hills seamed to have a constant user.

At the top of Crenshaw you are greeted with an awe-inspiring view of the Pacific Ocean - Santa Catalina Island just slightly to the left, and all of Santa Monica Bay to the right.  Turn around to think about starting back down the hill and you are greeted by a view that - even on a hazy day inspires thought and wonder as to how large Los Angeles is.  This morning was clear. Clear enough to read the "Hollywood" sign without squinting, while the Pacific's blue-green hue, and the snow caps of Big Bear, frame in the bulk of LA.

After a few minutes of rest, some nutrition and hydration, it was time.  I adjusted my helmet, checked my glasses, clipped in, and pushed off. The first rolling hills give you wonder as to how uninterrupted or rolling the rest of the hill will be - but you are soon greeted with a downhill grade that immediately propels you into higher speeds. Time for big gears. Not necessary. Within 30 seconds of pedalling the bike was already pushing 45mph, and my legs strained to keep up with spin of the pedals. Time to tuck-in.

Into the drops I went (the drops are the lower part of the handlebars, you know, the part that when you see them you say, "gee i hope that guy didn't pay full price, that handlebar's bent on both sides") as I watched the mph number steadily creep higher. Feet stopped pedalling and formed a stable base. Head and chest tucked down close to the frame - Like, makeout close. Hips shifted back flattening out the back. Uneducated to the technical specifics of aerodynamic cycling positions, I thought this felt about right. Judging from the consistent acceleration, I think it worked out pretty well.

On the high-side of 50mph, with no airbags, or steel cage around you - you notice things. Colors, vibrations, smells - the movement of 4 leaves on a tree 200 meters ahead of you letting you know you may have to brace a cross-wind. You're Awake!

The all-too-familiar 'twinge' started to bite at the back of my neck....cramping? really?! Tucking into the aero position required muscle usage that I had not yet developed. But God it's fun! A quick look down to stretch out the neck and we were back in business. To be completely honest - there is no feeling like passing a BMW 5-series going downhill; just something beautiful about it!

After the 5-0r-so-minute descent, I was back into the traffic and congestion of a typical LA morning. And as I rode home, mixed in with other people - riding in their cages of steel and plastics - I took with me the piece of mind that I was a part of a different niche of society; one that wasn't caged, but, incredibly free.

Because Sometimes Somebody Else Gets to Do The Writing

My Friends!  Please Click on the link and check out my Interview with Watermans.

Watermans Interview

Thank you for Reading

Amazing, The Power of A Second Look

A cascade of once-in-a-lifetime events and circumstances surrounded a Tuesday afternoon.  I cannot go into too much detail about the 'who' and 'where', but be satisfied that this Dr. and his staff are more than highly qualified.

I will get right into it (sorry no novelistic story on these):  The second opinion stated that the "tear" was not really a "tear". But rather, an edge of the labrum was "frayed", and that this, in and of itself, should not necessitate surgery.  In addition to this, however, The Second Opinion discovered that there was "fraying" of the supraspinadus muscle of the rotator cuff - and that this is the likely source of the majority of my pain.

Prognosis: 6 - 8 weeks continued Physical Therapy, coupled with restricted upper extremity exercise; Therapeutic Anti-inflammatory regimen.  If, after these 6-8 weeks, my condition does not improve - or worsens - another MRI/Arthrogram and potential surgery would come into play.

So what does all of this mean? I am grounded. Literally. No water-born activities. Training, for the foreseeable/near future, will consist of punishing the lower body on land.  Cycling. Running. Cycling and running. Punishment in the gym on the lower body. Followed by more punishment on the lower body. And maybe run a little bit more. FUN!

Another good thing to come out of the new prognosis, is the potential to rejoin the US National team on its trip to South Africa for the ISRC at the end of March - not as a water specialist, but as a beach event specialist.

We'll see how it goes.

Setbacks and Future Aggressions

More details will follow this post, along with more stories in the ongoing adventure that is my life.

I have had the great fortune of training, traveling, and competing with some of the greatest people on earth. Throughout it all I have been even more fortunate to have done it all relatively injury free.  Obviously, with a heavy workload, and dynamic conditions beyond human control, some minor hitches occurred - but these are to be expected.  

For the first time I face an unknown.  Last week I had an MRI Arthrogram performed on my right shoulder. From these films, my first Orthopedic visit resulted in not-so-nice results.  A partial tear of the superior aspect (the top) of the Labrum shown on the semi-grainy plastic films. 

To get the immediate question out of the way - Yes. Surgery is an option.  No. This is not the only option. 

I am currently in the process of seeking 2nd and 3rd opinions from other Orthopedists, and will determine my route of treatment after these consults.

As a result of the circumstances, and the uncertainties accompanying them, I have elected to suspend my planned competitive trip to the Gold Coast of Australia. The potential for worsening the damage by training the way I would in that environment is too great to ignore.

No matter the course of action, I am confident that I will return to the competitive forum stronger and hungrier than before.

"Never Never Never Give Up!"

~Winston Churchill

Tickets? We Don't Need No Tickets!

So I decided to take a break from life and take a little trip.  It started off like any other trip.  A somewhat long and apprehensive drive. Checking in at the counter - Swiping the card.  A quick pat-down. Off to the gate.  We boarded the aircraft - packed in like sardines - and prepared for takeoff.  

The Engine's whine pierced through the hull of the aircraft. Brakes released. And we were off.  Down the runway torwards the ocean. A quick influx of G-force, and the plane was off the ground.  We sailed skyward toward the West. 

 Like any other flight, after about 10minutes the pilot chimed in.  This time was different though.  This time he didn't say we could turn on our portable electronic devices; or that we could move freely about the cabin, but to have our seatbelts fastened while seated.  Someone would be coming through the cabin checking for tickets.

Tickets? Yeah tickets.  Like on the train.  The guy with the funny/sweet hat comes through to check and punch tickets. Not a big deal. Small inconvenience. One big problem. No Ticket.

-Tickets?  

-What tickets?  

-Tickets sir, where are your tickets? 

-I don't need a ticket - I gave it to the guy at the airport. 

-Tickets Sir?! (his voice rising is disgust over my insolence). 

-Look, I dont have any tickets with me. Can't we resolve this once we land?

-No Sir.  I will have to ask you to leave Sir.

-I'm sorry?

-You will have to leave Sir!  Out you go!

-But we're at 13,000feet!

-Have a good day Sir.  Bu-bye.

And with that irritating 2syllable SNL line resinating - I left the aircraft.

What crazy mixed up world this is.

Happy New Year!

LoveLife

Gut Checks to Guest Chicks

So, the New Year's celebrations have come and gone, and things have started to settle down.  For those that I haven't spoken to already, I am still in the US (Refer to my previous post, "the Gut"), putting in a 4week self-inflicted bootcamp.  

This week, however, my routine was interrupted by a surprise phone call.  On the other end was a girl I had never heard, seen, or knew existed before the reluctant "micah?!" that came from the phone.  Olivia came to the US, with a family as a hired nanny, from Melbourne, Australia.  She was now on a 1week vacay from the family, and thus, without shelter.  After staying with someone (whom a friend of hers had recommended) for 2days, things weren't going the way she had anticipated.  She emailed Tommy.  Tommy swam sprint, and mid-distance, freestyle along-side me at The Arizona State University.  He gave her a short list of people who might be in the area.

Gut check.  I had changed my travel plans based, almost entirely, on a "gut feeling".

The phone rung late Monday evening, and Tuesday Olivia was introduced to myself and two more former teammates from ASU - Eric and Joey, as well as three other Lifeguards and a Coastie.  

Now in a much more comfortable environment (her words), LA and the USA have a second chance to shine to one of our international guests.

You never know what might come out of that gut feeling....Go with it - It's usually Right!

Let the Adventures Begin

The Gut...A Small, But Powerful Contributor

Walking along a sidewalk of a busy street you suddenly get the feeling that you should pause for a second to look around.  You follow that feeling, step to the side of the walkway and pause, just as book shelf tumbles onto the sidewalk in front of you, coming from the doorway of a small storefront.

Taking an multiple choice exam, you stumble across a question you have never seen before.  Your hand instantly moves to mark the "B" bubble - but you pause. Retract. Move to the right and fill in the "C" bubble.  You receive your test back the next day.  The answer was "B".  You failed by One-point.

Intuition. Instinct. Gut feeling. 6th Sense.  There are several names for it.  Whatever you call it, there is no denying its existence - or its uncanny aptitude.  Whether it be everyday decisions about what to cook for dinner, or which shirt to wear; Or, about once-in-a-lifetime decisions that present anything but logical solutions.  Go with your Gut!

That "Gut Feeling" is there for a reason.  Who or what put it there is anybody's guess.  Yet, it is there, and it has proven to save more than one man's head.  

When I was in the Training Academy for the LA Co Lifeguards, one of the mantra ingrained in the front of my memory was..."When in doubt, GO!"  Those four words have served me many times over the years on the beach.  However, this is not all-encompassing.  In fact, it is pretty unique to that field of my life, and the opposite is more true outside that environment.

When in Doubt - Don't!  Crossing the street. Eating some questionable produce. Whatever the case may be.  That 'little voice', or gut feeling, is probably right.  The human instinct has kept the species alive for thousands of years.  It might know a thing or two about survival.  Trust it. Go with it.