Durban to Berlin
The beginning
My journey from fear to freedom began on the shores of Durban, South Africa. I was born and raised there in the late ’70s. I grew up during the harsh reality of apartheid. It was a system that enforced racial segregation. From access to good beaches to quality education, we were segregated. Thanks to Nelson Mandela, our freedom came in 1994.
The situation
In the ’80s, the Daily News reported shark attacks in Durban. This was real! I often heard my parents saying, „The water is dangerous.“ The Indian Ocean, with its boisterous waves, was beautifully wild. I felt the ocean calling me, but it was a distant reality. My school did not have a swimming pool, and the closest public pool posed safety issues. Reading books and getting through school was a priority.
Post-apartheid, I admired the world’s surfers participating in the Gunston 500 surfing competition in Durban. Deep inside, I also wanted to enjoy the freedom of being in the water without fear—a fear shaped over years.
Rustenburg
After completing my chemistry studies, I joined Anglo American Platinum in Rustenburg. This city holds a special place in my heart, where I made many life-long friends. One of my friends connected me to a swim coach at the Virgin Active gym. I started my swimming lessons and learned alongside kids. „You are so big, why can’t you swim?“, said one of the kids. I love the brutal honesty of kids.
Just after committing to my swimming lessons, I received a promotion at work. It came with more responsibilities and business travel, which interrupted my lessons. Later, I moved to Johannesburg and found another swim coach. I remember the moment when I let go of the rail at the swimming pool without fear. Exhilarating!
Mannheim and Heidelberg
In 2013, I moved to Germany to do my MBA at Mannheim Business School. Students can take part in the annual rowing competition against another business school in Germany. Unfortunately, not me! Afraid of the water! I was happy to cheer and support Team Mannheim.
After my studies, I moved from Mannheim to Heidelberg, with its beautiful river overlooking the castle. The peaceful river inspired a new love for water. I wanted to join my husband in Stand-Up Paddling.
It was not easy to find a swim coach for adults in Heidelberg. I was thankful to find one. My new coach helped me work on the basics again. Somehow, the fear came back, and I needed to work on that! „Has something happened in the water that has made you afraid?“ my coach asked.
During our holidays, I marveled at my husband surfing in Durban. Wherever we went on holiday, I tried to integrate swimming lessons.
The turning point
In December 2022, I asked Moritz’s Surf Coach to recommend a swimming coach. I managed to have three lessons at the King’s Park Swimming Pool in Durban. It was emotional; I was finally going to break this fear, where it all began. My coach said, „Confront your fear.“ It was a life-changing moment.
Berlin
I returned to Berlin after my vacation and got in touch with a swimming coach here. Berlin is surrounded by beautiful lakes. What would summer look like at the lake?
I started my lessons at Hans Rosenthal public pool in the winter of 2023. It was not easy in winter, as the water was not always warm. As I focused on my goal, the pool announced its closure for renovations. What were my options?
Berlin, with its well-connected public transport, allowed me to learn at another pool despite the longer commute. Realizing a dream outweighed the sacrifice.
Freedom
The fear became less and less. I found myself starting to Body Board in Durban. When fear returned, I remembered, „God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind“ (2 Timothy 1:7). It lifted my spirit.
Understanding the physics of my body in water was key. Though it made sense in my head, I had to experience it fully. After 10 months of work in 2023, I felt comfortable in the deep pool. Practice, practice, practice! It was possible to swim in deep water!
Hope
My fear is not unique. One out of three internationals in Berlin shared their wish to overcome their fears. Finding My Way was born in honour of overcoming fears and walking in freedom. My hope is that you too can overcome your fears and live your life in its fullness.
Finding My Way 
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