It may be cliché to say that you like long walks on the beach on Valentine’s Day, but ocean love is definitely real love. It’s easy to see why we’ve romanticized the ocean so much from cherished memories of catching your first fish to learning how to surf and to seeing colors only the ocean could produce. That’s why we asked our supporters why they love the ocean in honor of Valentine’s Day. Below are just a handful of the hundreds of responses we got. Enjoy!

“Reminds me of my Honeymoon 10 years ago when we walked the beaches hand in hand in Maine.” – Douglas C.

“I love the ocean because I am an islander. It’s in my blood. I feel like a mermaid when I’m in the ocean, flipping & flitting about. I’m faster & lighter than I am on ground. It feels right. – Ina A.

“The ocean touches my soul. When I’m swimming among the sea creatures, it’s like I’ve made it ‘home’” – Dottie C.

“I love the ocean because it allows me to surf on waves born thousands of miles away, from furious storms in places I’ve never heard of, on timeless boards that connect me to ancient cultures.” – Shane B.

“My very first memory is of sitting in the window of my grandparent’s home watching the boats come and go from the harbor.” – Grace S.

“There’s nothing quite like the ocean breeze on your skin and salt in your hair.” – Renae H.

“I was born on an island. My parents had me in the water and on the beach as soon as they could. There will always be sand between my toes, and I only ever feel at home when I smell the breeze of the ocean and hear that beautiful, awe-inspiring roar.” – Samantha S.

“The ocean is why I am now engaged to my soon to be wife – We met 26 years ago while I was serving in the U.S. Navy.” – Ernest S.

“It’s one of the only places where no matter what I’m going through, I can feel completely satisfied, at peace and relaxed.” – Kelley S.

‘It gives myself and my kids unexplainable joy to see the never ending waves, to hear waves crash, to dig in sand, to splash or float in the water.” – Christi N.

Thank you to everyone who submitted their reasons for loving the ocean! We hope you have a great Valentine’s Day.

Please note that quotes may have been edited for length or clarity.