Thirteen Waves

One. Lee D. Beck counted the first wave and waited for the second, knowing that he'd have a chance of surviving if he could hold his breath, maintain his composure, and count to six, the number of waves in a typical set. The leash of his surfboard, wedged in coral, was holding him captive underwater. If he freed himself before the waves broke, they would send him tumbling into the reef behind him. The waves kept coming. Lee kept counting.

Six. Seven¿

Thirteen.

It wasn't the first time Lee foun...