Surfers and bodyboarders need your help?

Question

im a bodyboarder and i have a problem, i love bodyboarding and i can;t float but i can float on my back but i can swim properly and whenever i go out im scared i'll either drown or something will happen what do you think of this? should i stop BBing?

Answer 1

Okay, that's better! :) First of all, you have to learn to become calm while in the ocean. If you freak out and panic, you are more likely to have problems (as I'm sure you already know). Try doing yoga or other stretching and breathing exercises before you get into the water. This will help calm your nerves, plus it will help prevent any muscle cramps (I've pulled my calves a few times in the water because it was cold and I didn't stretch beforehand). It's good to be an informed swimmer. Research shark activity and history of attacks in the area where you body board. There are times of the year where you are more likely to have a run in with a shark because of breeding seasons, etc. Another thing...practice floating and swimming at a pool and have someone that works at the pool give you some pointers. Tell them that you want to be prepared for the ocean and that you want to learn floating techniques and also "egg beater kick". Water polo players use egg beater to stay upright in the water. It's a bit difficult to due for more than a few minutes at a time, but the more you practice, the easier it will be. Anyone can drown in the ocean, even rescuers, but you are less likely to drown if you are in an area that is lifeguarded, has smaller waves, and other surfers/body boarders nearby. Go out with a buddy next time so you can have someone with you in case something happens, and also you can talk with them about whatever so that you can take your mind off of anything that worries you.

I hope that helped you at least a little bit....let me know if you need any more suggestions. I may have forgotten a few things.

Good luck sweetie!

Answer 2

You know that big piece of foam that you paid 450 bucks for?  It floats!!  

Seriously though, just know your limits.  If you're not a comfortable swimmer don't go out on big days.  Strength in the water comes from practice and experience.  

As far as the sharks, you're basically just going to have to get over it.  They live in the ocean and you're a visitor while you're there.  What goes around comes around, take care of your surroundings and Mother Earth takes care of you.  Besides, you've probably got a better chance of drowning than getting eaten by a shark.