On my recent short trip to Jacksonville, FL, I got to spend an hour at the beach before heading directly to the airport. Let me tell you, mermaiding in the ocean is so different from in the pool! It was tricky to get the tail on in the waves, though they weren't large waves. Then to swim there with the waves was a much bigger workout that at the pool--I only swam for ten minutes, then was ready to take a break. It was the first time I'd opened my eyes in the ocean, and found that the sting was not any worse than at the pool, and my eyes recovered much faster. At least I got some good shots on the beach--enjoy!