Overcoming fear surfing

[dizzeeP]

I've surfed on and off for about 2 years but still have fears surfing, namely being out the back - I feel trapped out there or something and find I have bad anxiety and can't seem to chill and think logically. Secondly, when surf gets to be over 3ft I get pretty tentative about going out and it becomes the most demoralizing thing. I love to surf, just can't seem to be at peace in the ocean. Anyone with any advice (especially from experience) please pass it on! Cheers.

[surfnoob]

Do you surf with someone or by yourself?

[RonG]

You say "on and off for about 2 years" - how often do you actually get out and surf? I haven't been surfing long, but I spend a lot of time in the water and have found that the more time I spend the more confident I get about my skills in terms of the conditions. That, and getting knocked about a bit and living to tell the tale helps in reducing apprehension about what's going on around you.

If the waves are over 3 feet, that's not insignificant for someone whose skill and experience aren't very deep. So, maybe being a little nervous in those conditions is a good thing - if you don't surf much you may not be prepared for much more than that. If you're nervous out back when it's bigger than that it may be a good indication that you don't belong there in those conditions.

[Jimi]

as said above - experience and water time is key. I find if I take a break (recently about 6 months off) from surfing, then I am very hesitant the first couple of times in the water, but that usually resolves pretty quickly.

I also think that you should be more worried about being caught inside! Out back is a fine place to chill and regain your breath after the paddle out!

[dizzeeP]

@ surfnoob - a bit of both, sometimes alone, sometimes with a couple mates
@ ronG and @ Jimi, I surf 1-2 a week (weekends) depending on the surf
i think it might be more of a psychological thing than anything, who knows..!