Santa Cruz Sentinel

Close your eyes. Take three breaths. Now imagine yourself on the beach. As the tide ebbs into the sea, all of your problems, all of your issues recede.

That’s how Toby Corey, who launched Tesla’s Powerwall and solar roof during a stressful yearlong stint, described the attraction of the ocean at the Santa Cruz New Tech MeetUpon Wednesday night at Hotel Paradox.

About 350 people attended what was billed as a first-time “BlueTech” event, bringing together people with a passion for the ocean and people using technology explore and protect these waters.

Corey interviewed Wallace J. Nichols, a sea turtle biologist and best-selling author of “Blue Mind,” which explains the science of why being on or by the water rests the brain.

“How many pounds of stress has the ocean sucked out of our community?” asked Nichols. “There’s no better relaxation ... Water helps us be more empathetic, more creative, more fearless.”

He started the Blue Marbles Project, handing out a blue marble to thank people for taking care of “our little blue planet” and asking them to give it to so someone else doing something to care for the ocean. 

He gave the first blue marble to Santa Cruz resident LeBaron Meyers. Years later, it came back to her.

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