What should i do to overcome my fear of big waves? i love surfing but only if it isn't big. help!?

Question

What should i do to overcome my fear of big waves? i love surfing but only if it isn't big. help!?

Answer 1

Big is relative so what may seem big to you is not really big to others. Just try to push your boundaries a little at a time. Plus, try to think about what specifically you are scared of (ie underwater coral, washing into obstacles, closeouts) and try to work around those fears. Understand how to duck dive as you paddle out, watch a few sets before you even go in the water to asses the situation, and make a plan as where you are going to paddle out, where you are going to wait for a wave and where you are going to go once you ride one.

Personally I am not afraid of the size of waves, they do have some additional challenge, but closeouts and shorebreaks pose real dangers and do scare me. Realize that shorebreaks are a dangerous situation that really can't be avoided without simply avoiding the water altogether at that spot.

Also, risking life and limb for a handful of waves on a bad day is not worth it to me. You are not alone in fear of big waves. I know that even professional surfers will avoid waves bigger than maybe 15 ft under certain conditions and maybe avoid 20ft under any condition.

Whatever you do, panic in the water is the worst thing to have happen because it leads to rash decisions that could get you hurt.

Answer 2

stop surfing pick a sport your better off with what is the point of surfing if you dont like BIG waves

Answer 3

well i don't know how big you're talking; but for big waves, you need training, which means building your strength, fitness and stamina: this will really increase your confidence. Bodysurfing and swimming are really great for your fitness, and also practise holding your breath for long periods of time underwater and swimming in (fairly) rough sea, if you master this stuff then bigger surf won't intimidate you. I'd say just gradually build up your confidence by trying out slightly bigger waves than you're used to and just keep going from there.

Answer 4

Heres one for you......

I surf right, but i cant even swim!

Few months ago there was classic swell here and i dived into 10 ft waves with my 7 ft 6" and almost got totally TRASHED

That freaked me out, but then i went to this beach on my own (stupid i know) and same thing happened but i soon realised it was a dangerous beach not meant for surfing anyways.

Sooo basically u just gotta take a chance sometimes u know, its do or die.

If its not worth you risking a few bruises over then youll surf like a pansy, wondering if the wave behind the next one is a few feet higher than the one thats just knocked you over.

Try taking a lesson on a big day, and really go for it, that way youll be advised on how to cope and youll learn to love it : )

Good luck.

Answer 5

One of the major keys to surfing and surfing well is how good of a waterman you are.  You have to have a sense of the ocean and you have to be in great shape.  Body surfing and diving help to bring you into condition.  surfing itself brings you into condition but spend time in the water without your board.  Diving a surf spot when there are no waves helps you to understand how the wave breaks and why it breaks where it does.  this helps you with your lineup positions and confidence.  Put in the hours man.  One day you will be out in really big waves and wipe on takeoff.  You will be in the middle of the lineup and fear will grab you for a second or two... And then... you will suddenly realize that they are just waves and you can handle it.  Body surf in on a 10 footer and all your fears will be gone.   Until you hit the 20 footer of course.  Without the fear it would not be half the fun!!!

Answer 6

that just tells you that you need more time in the water to be more confident. It doesn't exactly mean you're a scared wimp it just means you're mind is telling you that you just cant handle this type of wave right now and you need more experience.

Answer 7

look into knitting

Answer 8

just get sum one to take u out the back when its big not to big 6 to 7ft best if its a mate ay...sit out the back for a while and watch the sets roll through when u think u can handle it...drop in mate...thats what happen to me now im hittn 10 to 12ft and its sht when the swell is small...good luck dude :)

Answer 9

simple, grow some balls. if you feel like you're going to die on the wave you're about to takeoff on, then it's perfect. paddle hard!