Oh dear. That's a bad start! Don't worry, I'll grant you it is not at all obvious. You haven't specified which Ecco game you're playing or which format (note to other readers - this is VERY important if you want help). I'll assume you mean the original set of games. In this case, bets are you need to jump as high as you possibly can out the water. This activates the whirlwind that also (very conviniently!) removes that obstruction and starts off the game. Hurling yourself out of the water is probably the most fun thing about Ecco anyway, so I'm surprised you haven't tried it. Mash those buttons!