The Man Who "Dolphins" Across Waterford Beach and Ocean Beach

Jeff Samms is trying to reverse the path of his life. And "dolphining" helps.

In 2010, Samms was sentenced to 18 months in prison after he was convicted of two counts of second-degree stalking and risk of injury to a child, a felony. During the 18 months he spent in jail, both of his parents died, and he didn't attend either funeral.

"It was a rough time," said Samms, who maintains he was innocent (to read the details of his arrest, click here).

The 18 months in prison hasn't been easy for him to get over, as Samms is trying to be a productive member of society. But he still struggles with demons, so he turns to exercise and tries not to focus on what happened in the past.

"To anyone out there who is having problems or issues in their life, just keep moving," Samms said. "Keep moving forward. Keep staying on the positive. Keep moving forward."

Samms spends his days exercising. During the summer, he does what he calls "dolphining" at Ocean Beach and Waterford Beach. Samms said he learned the move by watching dolphins and whales, and it - like all the other exercise he does - keeps him in a  good place.

"When I feel angry, when I feel sad, when I feel all of these things, I come out here and I work out," Samms said. "And it elevates my mood. I don't drink, I don't take prescription drugs, I believe in a clean, organic life. And this is part of that lifestyle."

Samms has trouble finding work or housing since his felony conviction, so he stays at a homeless shelter in New London. He is working with the FUSE program, which he said will help him find housing and a job. He is hoping to do something that relates to one of his two passions: fitness and art.

"My goal is pure financial health and wealth and prosperity doing what I love," Samms said. "Doing the fitness thing, doing my art. That's my best shot."