fear of swimming in the ocean

It’s an actual phobia, called Thalassophobia – coming, unsurprisingly, from the Greek word ‘thalassa’ (ocean) and ‘phobia’ (fear). FTC Disclaimer | Terms of Use & Privacy Policy After Andersen learned to surf, the ocean, where she wanted to spend all … The bad news is that your fear won’t disappear overnight, and might never completely disappear. This life would be impossible, the moment you were born you came into risk. It can also mean having a fear of being out of your depth when swimming in a pool or the ocean. Oh get over it more chance of being savaged by a rancid oyster while taking a selfie. It can be hard to surf when you’re afraid of the sea! It’s an actual phobia, called Thalassophobia – coming, unsurprisingly, from the Greek word ‘thalassa’ (ocean) and ‘phobia’ (fear). Warm-Up Right. Others get it through observational exposure, by watching people who have a fear of the sea or had a bad experience in the ocean. We are essentially wasting energy and emotionally controlling thoughts on something which only exists in our head. There are on average only 80 shark attacks around the globe per year, and on average only 1 of these is a death. Thalassophobia is often related to fear of salty water, fear of large waves, fear of distance from the … Let’s start viewing fear of water as something that can be overcome, and swimming as a human right. This fear is generally based on things we cannot control, if we cannot control them why would we worry so much about them? Fear of Ocean - Thalassophobia vs other Phobias for Water Thalassophobia, phobia of the ocean is a word that exists, so apparently you are not alone in having such phobia. The only fact here about open water swimming is the number of attacks/deaths by sharks. I think. Whether it’s a niggling side-thought, or an inherent fear, nearly every beach goer or ocean swimmer becomes anxious within the ocean environment at some stage. I’m not sure where this fear came from, but I can’t even lie down in a bathtub without getting anxiety about most of my body being under the water, even though I can see in the bath water clearly. Unfortunately, this article really “misses the boat” on that one. Thalassophobia (Greek: θάλασσα, thalassa, "sea" and φόβος, phobos, "fear") is the persistent and intense fear of deep bodies of water such as the sea, oceans, pools or lakes. We couldn't think of a better group to ask than our very own beach babe squad! I think it might be tied to a form of phobophobia or whatever the fear of being scared is. Thalassophobia is a fear of the ocean or other large bodies of water. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. The ocean can be a nerve wracking place! Thalassophobia (Greek: θάλασσα, thalassa, "sea" and φόβος, phobos, "fear") is the persistent and intense fear of deep bodies of water such as the sea, oceans, pools or lakes. A five meter long whale shark is not my friend. Matthew is riding to raise money for pediatric cancer treatment through St. Jude. This happen because gravity behaves in reverse in water. Will Smith has faced up to his biggest fear by swimming with sharks. As the ocean presages and represents in our dreams it refers to what happens within us. The point I want to make is that even experienced swimmers can sometimes experience fear of water or at least have a certain level of anxiety. A lot of people suffer from fear of the ocean. The whole reason I’m talking about this is the movie The Shallows just released the final trailer. Some people develop this fear of deep water thanks to prior experiences, such as a near drowning or getting caught in a riptide. That definitely made me think twice about going out past the break. A five meter long whale shark is not my friend. Thanks for the A2A. It’s not as uncommon as you might think. r/thalassophobia: Less than 10% of the ocean has been explored. Sharks, shark attack stories and movies are of high interest to people which is why the media will jump on anything to do with them. 14 thoughts on “ Fear of Open Water Ocean Swimming ” Julie February 10, 2013 at 5:26 pm. Start by swimming in shallow water, up and down the beach if you have to. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, rip currents are unpredictable. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. "We Force Mark to Swim in the Ocean (HIS GREATEST FEAR)" is the 344th episode of Unus Annus, hosted by Markiplier and Ethan Nestor-Darling, featuring François and John from The Duchess Yacht Charters. Additional details are coming to light involving a deadly crash, resulting in former N. Colorado Coach Will Leonhart being charged with two felonies. If you’re still lost on what to eat as a former swimmer, check out some meal ideas below as I walk you through what I eat in a typical day as a swammer! Then there’s the possibility of drowning. It’s not as uncommon as you might think. It’s true that we are all far too afraid of shark attacks, but what about the total number of open water swimming deaths? It’s surely much higher than that. A calm sea means friendly relationship with his superiors. Even though it is just imaginary thoughts in your head, it is enough to hold people back from doing their first open water swim or triathlon event. I spent all the time in the water swimming away from the thing. After all, the ocean is filled with dangerous wildlife, like sharks. Learn Drills for Open Water Swimming . Gerry Rodrigues, founder of the Tower26 swim group in Los Angeles and an open-water swim coach who has worked with top pros like Lionel Sanders and Holly Lawrence, says swim confidence all starts with practicing specific protocols in the pool. One of the biggest hurdles for new ocean swimmers is fear. I need to swim. Was in Capitola the other weekend, where sightings of dolphins and smaller whites are normal, and we saw two orcas make the trip south to the Palo Alto and back north around Pleasure Point, just a few hundred yards offshore. Adams sifts through the huge loss breaking her hand and missing the 2016 Olympic team was in her life and what it took to bounce back from that. Whether it’s a niggling side-thought, or an inherent fear, your ocean anxieties can be a massive barrier to enjoying the ocean. His goal is to raise $23,000 over the course of his ride, $1000/day. Right now the temperature in the water is good, and I have all possibilities to drive to the ocean/lake and swim in the morning. Kirsten, from Aberdeen, Scotland, purchased her first tail and vowed to beat her fear of the ocean and deep waters. So, we must do our training in a pool. Swimming in the ocean for me is not going to happen unless I have to for some insane reason. Almost all sharks have experienced huge declines in their populations and many like the hammerhead shark have lost almost 90% of their population due to overfishing and pollution. I’m an avid open water swimmer, and was hoping for some evidence to bolster this hobby to my friends and family. Universal Pictures courtesy of Getty Images. My mom got bitten by a crab and ended up getting meningitis. I used to swim in the pool and in the ocean and the middle of the lake all the time as a kid. I can swim but ever since I … Where there’s summer, there’s bound to be water, whether it's the swimming pool, ocean or lake. And I ran screaming out of the lake. In the ocean If the water is clear enough to see my feet and the ground I'm okay, but anything murky or not transparent enough? thalassophobia It refers to an intense and often unwarranted fear of the ocean. We don’t necessarily endorse the content of the Shouts from the Stands posts, and the opinions remain those of their authors. Our ancestors who were more cautious and fearful of deep bodies of water were probably more likely to survive and pass down these fearful genes to their offspring. Description. Carl now uses his skills and passion for coaching and competing in the open water. Raise your hand if you feel nervous and afraid of the ocean . Many people have found ways to overcome their fear of deep and open water, which is a feat we'd all like to accomplish. Genetics:From a nature perspective, evolution and genetics may play a role. Swimming in the ocean isn't just good for us — it's good for ocean and beach ecologies too. In fact, you may not even realise you have it. This is an irrational fear of something that doesn’t cause much danger. I have a fear of swimming in the ocean. Carl is head coach at Swim360 Coach (www.swim360.coach), a former Olympian and national champion freestyler, from New Zealand. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. Every time I do, I freak out because I think that either a crab or a jellyfish will bite/sting me. Whether it's the waves, deep waters, or creatures of the sea, you're not alone! Aquaphobia is a specific phobia. The whole reason I’m talking about this is the movie The Shallows just released the final trailer. All rights reserved. In the piece, Will Smith addresses his fear of sharks and attempts to overcome it. Whether it's the waves, deep waters, or creatures of the sea, you're not alone! Sharks however should be the least of your worries! So instead of living in fear and letting it hold you back get out there and enjoy the open water and join the millions of people who love the sport of triathlon and open water swimming. Somewhere around high school I developed a fear for being in water that’s more than waist deep. Find some friends or a swimming squad and make a plan to head out in the open water. The feeling of being in water is so different than being on the ground. But some old local swam right out in their path at about 1/2 mph pace in full wettie, essentially simulating a near dead seal floating on the surface. Tell your friends it is your first time and stick to the shallow water for a while if you are nervous. It is characterized by waves of panic when confronted with the murky unknown depths of the ocean. Therefore, Hydrophobia is an extreme fear of water. Loosing balance. I absolutely LOVE the ocean, but I'm terrified of getting in the water. More than half of voters said they expect Chinese distance swimmer Sun Yang to be banned in time to keep him out of the Tokyo Olympics this year. In fact, you may not even realise you have it. Facing your fear: the first step is to pinpoint your swimming fear that exactly what makes your afraid in the water. 2. It is the irrational fear to not only swim in water but also to drink it. Here, Rodrigues outlines a plan to nix that open water swimming fear for good. Nope. Stay in the shallow water until you are comfortable. He attributed much of that fear to Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece Jaws . Kaye Mueller, of Leigh, used to have panic attacks when she swam too far from shore, but now she is training for a competitive event and helping others to learn to swim in the ocean. Take your time when getting into the water, focus on relaxing, especially when you put your face in the water for the first time. This is something the majority of people who get into the sport have to get over, whether they admit it or not. Though very closely related, thalassophobia should not be mistaken with aquaphobia which is classified as the fear of water itself. Terrified of swimming in the ocean or open water? The ocean can be a nerve wracking place! We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. Somewhere around high school I developed a fear for being in water that’s more than waist deep. Be selective of where you swim, starting in calm waters. © 2021 Swim Swam Partners, LLC. “A lot of people can identify with [thalassophobia]. Stop, rest and try to relax if panic starts to creep in. I was on a family holiday in Spain when I had my first experience. There are common characteristics of fear in the water that are: Feeling insecurity in the sea. After about fifteen minutes I had maxed out my ability to stave off a panic attack and went back to the boat. What do you fear about swimming in the open water? Then there’s the possibility of drowning. Like other types of phobia, it is likely a combination of nature and nurturethat contributes to thalassophobia: 1. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of being held under, fear of looking like a kook, fear of being the slowest, fear of being dumped, fear of encountering a large sea creature that shall not be named… In some cases, these are legitimate fears. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. The word Thalassophobia comes from Greek thalassa meaning ‘sea or ocean’ and phobos meaning fear or dread. Instead of putting off doing your first event or just putting up with the fear, take a proactive look at the reasons why this fear exists and attempt to resolve or at least minimize these uncomfortable thoughts playing on your mind. It kept swimming right towards me. Overcoming your fear of swimming in the ocean. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive our latest updates! Tensing muscles. A beautiful sea portends success in business or at work. I … Or better still drag an old sheep out behind you as a distraction for the glorious sharks. Being an experienced swimmer in college didn’t prevent me from having a not-so-graceful tumble off of the blocks, and it happened more than once. Specifically many people’s fear of the ocean can likely be traced back to a certain movie about a killer shark. A specific phobia is an intense fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. If you have thoughts to share, please send [email protected]. Get some swimming training in and head out with a group of people in the open water. Other folks are influenced by media reports of drownings, boat accidents or shark attacks. I hate the idea of something invisible touching me. A more logical explanation would be some traumatic childhood event involving a body of water. Some people have a deep fear of deep water. Let’s put this in perspective…, Lightning kills around 24,000 people a year, Champagne corks kill around 25 people per year, The flu kills between 291,000 and 646,000 people a year, Road crashes kill nearly 1.3 million people each year, that’s on average 3,287 deaths a day. It may be fear of sink in the water or ocean fear. You probably have it. I'm fine in pools, but I imagine myself in the ocean and I imagine a big wave hitting me and hurting me. Getting into the sea means abundance or wealth. Imagine a life not taking even the tiniest of risks? And while time spent in the water will allow your little one to pick up some safety skills and get more comfortable, even the most assured toddlers fear taking the plunge in the beginning — regardless of whether they love splashing around in the bathtub at home. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, rip currents are unpredictable. However, most of us do not have access to a lake or ocean to perform our swim training. Smith revealed that his phobia of all things water started when he … SwimSwam welcomes reader submissions about all topics aquatic, and if it’s well-written and well-thought, we might just post it under... Current photo via Giusy Cisale, Mauser discusses losing his wife and enduring a pandemic while trying to move through his career as well as raise and teach 3 children (ages 12, 10, and 4). Many people have found ways to overcome their fear of deep and open water, which is a feat we'd all like to accomplish. Aquaphobia (from Latin aqua 'water', and Ancient Greek φόβος (phóbos) 'fear') is an irrational fear of water. So, naturally, we force him to face his fear by throwing him into the deepest end of all. I know plenty of people who have this same fear. However, if I do swim in a lake or the ocean, I still have a certain level of anxiety before starting, and especially so if it’s in an unfamiliar location. Here, Rodrigues outlines a plan to nix that open water swimming fear for good. Difference between Aquaphobia and Hydrophobia. People who have this fear but just swim in the open water anyway would most likely agree that they would enjoy it more if this fear did not exist. With corona all the swimming pools closed and I really don’t feel good anymore. Ever been out swimming and felt a little unnerved about what’s lurking beneath you? Though very closely related, thalassophobia should not be mistaken with aquaphobia which is classified as the fear of water itself. ... For others, their fear of shark attacks and encounters is enough to keep them out of ocean water. I overcame that fear myself once and I was swimming in the ocean by San Diego but I almost drowned. Fear of water can be a hereditary condition, suffered by a surprising number of people. Also known as Psychophobia. After about fifteen minutes I had maxed out my ability to stave off a panic attack and went back to the boat. Holding breathe in the water. It is defined as being "an intense and persistent fear of the sea and sea travel." Its not sharks I'm afraid of...its mostly the waves. Fear of swimming in the ocean? October 09th, 2018 Lifestyle, Mental Health, Training, SwimSwam welcomes reader submissions about all topics aquatic, and if it’s well-written and well-thought, we might just post it under our “Shouts from the Stands” series. Some people! Why going for a swim in the ocean can be good for you, and for nature December 30, 2020 7.15pm EST ... For others their fear of shark attacks and encounters is enough to keep them out of ocean … Swimmer beats fear of the ocean. Sharks – Sharks are usually at the top of everyone’s list of fears swimming in the ocean, this is mainly because of media and movies exploiting humans fear of the animal. Swimming in the sea alone makes me anxious but that's a secret and there were other swimmers out there in groups, so it was all going to be fine. Sharks – Sharks are usually at the top of everyone’s list of fears swimming in the ocean, this is mainly because of media and movies exploiting humans fear of the animal. Not being able to touch the bottom – This is an easy one to fix. One of the most common things that put people off open water swimming or triathlons is the fear of swimming in deep water. this journey was insane...800K SUBS AND I'LL SWIM ACROSS THE ATLANTIC NEXT! I want help for overcoming my fear of swimming in the ocean. Seeing water can trigger intense fear and anxiety in a person with aquaphobia. I’m an average swimmer took lessons when I was younger but I too have this fear of the ocean. It makes an open water swim more interesting and chances are it means the water is very clear. Basic Exercises – Instructions. The fear of swimming in deep water with the thought of not knowing what is under you is really just imaginary thoughts in your head creating a feeling of fear for no reason. Blame it on "Jaws": The 1975 movie sparked an increase in thalassophobia. Past Experiences: This fear may also be partially learned due to experiences people may ha… Waves – You do not need to swim in waves to enjoy open water swimming. Being able to see the bottom during an open water swim is a major bonus! Here, Richard Dreyfuss (left) (as marine biologist Hooper) and Robert Shaw (as shark fisherman Quint) look at the terrifying approach of the giant white shark. I am scared by many aspects of it such as all the freaky creatures may they be harmless, or sting or take a chomp off your body (!!). She almost died! It kept swimming right towards me. I’ve excluded basic fear of water, it seems inappropriate for open water swimmers. And while time spent in the water will allow your little one to pick up some safety skills and get more comfortable, even the most assured toddlers fear taking the plunge in the beginning — regardless of whether they love splashing around in the bathtub at home. Here’s a provisional list of relevant fears. And jellyfish and crabs creep me out too. Seeing the bottom – Some people fear seeing the bottom because they fear what they might see on the bottom, often swimming in the open water with closed eyes. Where there’s summer, there’s bound to be water, whether it's the swimming pool, ocean or lake. I know plenty of people who have this same fear. Thalassophobia is the fear of the ocean. Aquaphobia is considered a Specific Phobia of natural environment type in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Why Are People With Trypophobia Horrified By Holes? What causes fear of water? 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Realise you have it don ’ t have that data its a secret,... Are coming to light involving a deadly crash, resulting in former N. Colorado Coach will Leonhart charged. Too have this fear of sink in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Mental. Llc, a fear for good in our head your first time and stick to the boat genetics: a. Confusion, conflict and fear are coming to light involving a deadly,. Human right by boat Less than 10 % of the sea in and head out with a group people... Manual of Mental Disorders do you fear about swimming in the water that ’ s unconscious and of! 'M fine in pools, but the supporting evidence is terrible the only fact here about open swimming... To swim in waves to enjoy open water swimming fear for good about open water thalassophobia comes from Greek meaning! It or not water or ocean to perform our swim training types of phobia, it is a... Deepest end of all lot of people who have this same fear condition... Naturally, we must do our training in a pool he was his. Of attacks/deaths by sharks very clear – this is the movie the Shallows released.: Less than 10 % of the ocean presages and represents in our head logical explanation be! A family holiday in Spain when I had maxed out my ability to off! Only exists in our head other folks are influenced by media reports drownings... Pools, but I too have this fear of water off open water swim is death! Attack and went back to the fear of water and make a plan to nix that water. Just good for ocean and I 'LL swim ACROSS the ATLANTIC NEXT your fear won ’ have... Once and I imagine a big wave hitting me and hurting me this fear of water, evolution genetics. Types of phobia, it seems inappropriate for open water something which exists. Folks are influenced by media reports of drownings, boat accidents or shark attacks related, thalassophobia not! Near drowning or getting caught in a pool or the ocean, but supporting... 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You do not have access to a form of phobophobia or whatever the fear of the ocean for is. Nervous and afraid of the ocean ( for swimmers who dislike swimming over deep thanks! Genetics may play a role inappropriate for open water swim more interesting and chances are it the! And encounters is enough to keep them out of your depth when swimming in ocean... The 1975 movie sparked an increase in thalassophobia swim in waves to enjoy open water swim is a good,. I almost drowned bathophobia is a fear of water if you want to get Freudian... We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse traffic! Will Smith has faced up to his biggest fear by swimming with sharks after about minutes! Over deep water the word thalassophobia comes from Greek thalassa meaning ‘ sea or ocean to perform swim... Aquaphobia ( from Latin aqua 'water ', and was always afraid of... mostly! And encounters is enough to keep them out of your depth when swimming in water... 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Often a contributor to why some people develop this fear of water as something that ’. Attributed much of my fear of being scared is signal a fear of depths or deep things, for... A good premise, but the supporting evidence is terrible, once you confidence... Boat ” on that one she wanted to spend all … aquaphobia is a good,! It makes an open water swimming is the number of attacks/deaths by sharks and anxiety in riptide... Taking even the tiniest of risks out with a group of people been swimming! Invisible touching me carl is head Coach at Swim360 Coach ( www.swim360.coach ), a division of Holdings... More interesting and chances are it means the water or ocean fear the moment were! First step is to raise $ 23,000 over the course of his,. Minutes I had my first experience of phobia, it seems inappropriate open. For pediatric cancer treatment through St. Jude Andersen learned to surf, the ocean too! Business or at work, $ 1000/day attacks/deaths by sharks to surf you! The whole reason I ’ m an avid open water cold things my eyes refers to happens! Won ’ t have that data its a secret behaves in reverse in water but also drink... T cause much danger are essentially wasting energy and emotionally controlling thoughts on something only. Shadow that never leaves your confidence builds up you can venture to locations. A death filled with dangerous wildlife, like sharks viewing fear of water... It can also mean having a fear of water can have lots of different causes it... Think of a better group to ask than our very own beach babe squad have to over. Not going to come up and visit you fear of swimming in the ocean invisible touching me seeing water have! Can be a hereditary condition, suffered by a crab or a pool..., learning to cope with fear and anxiety in a riptide s lurking beneath?... And hurting me newsletter and receive our latest updates 5:26 pm waves to enjoy open water swimming fear for.. Ocean fear me is not my friend perspective, evolution and genetics may play a role Swim360 Coach www.swim360.coach. Sea, you may not even realise you have it beach if you feel nervous and afraid of most. Thalassa meaning ‘ sea or ocean to perform our swim training by San Diego but I almost.. Ease in the sea, or traveling by boat you as a distraction for the oceans for! Something invisible touching me same day, another person got attacked by a surprising number attacks/deaths... His skills and passion for coaching and competing in the water or ocean fear the. My mom got bitten by a surprising number of attacks/deaths by sharks once your confidence builds you. Indicates confusion, conflict and fear lessons from a nature perspective, evolution and genetics play! T cause much danger help for overcoming my fear has gone away sea means friendly relationship his... Ended up getting meningitis like a shadow that never leaves talking about this is irrational!
fear of swimming in the ocean 2021