If you have ever experienced fear in surfing and you want to learn how to deal with big waves, you came to the right place. In this post, we will be talking about what most surfers don’t talk about- how to overcome the fear of surfing big waves. Whether you are a total beginner or an intermediate who wants to reach the next level, fear can definitely hold you back. So, let’s break down the fear of surfing big waves, understand it better, and learn to overcome it.
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Let’s face it, we’ve all been there at least once, in this terrifying moment when a big wave took us down and held us underwater for what felt like an eternity. Every surfer out there has this one specific wave deep in his memory, a wave that he will never forget, a wave that beat him and showed him how small he is while facing the power of the ocean.
Well, it is totally OK to fail sometimes; losing is part of the game. However, the problem starts when the bad experience turns into trauma and hurts your confidence in the water. Usually, when that happens, you find yourself not catching waves or taking much smaller waves, and even while riding a wave, your movements are not as smooth as they should be. In other words, you become hesitant, and that is why you underperform. It is tough to have fun in your surfing session while you are scared of the waves.
So, How Can You Overcome the Fear of Surfing Big Waves?
How can you shake up a lousy wave and keep surfing like nothing happened? How can you be more confident in the water?
Well, the good news is that many surfers walked this path before you and learned to deal with the fear of surfing big waves. The knowledge is already out there, and all you need to do is to embrace it and put it into action.
In a nutshell, the solution is split into two parts- mental and physical:
Mental:
The mental part– you must have the understanding that the time that a wave can hold you underwater is much shorter than you think. In reality, unless you are a pro big wave surfer, no wave will hold you down for more than 10 seconds. 10 seconds, that’s all it actually lasts in most cases. Therefore, all you need to do is keep calm and wait for it to end. I know, easier said than done, but knowing that should take most of the pressure of catching a wave.
Physical:
The Physical part– you must prepare your body for facing the ocean. That means two things: first, ensuring you are in surfing shape. There are many exercises you can do in and out of the water to make sure your body can handle extreme situations. The second thing is to master your breathing technique. That’s right, control your breathing. There are proven breathing techniques that can help you hold your breath for a long time and feel comfortable about it. It does require some practice, but it’s a game-changer in surfing and in other aspects of life, too.
If you want to get deeper knowledge and overcome the fear of surfing big waves. In that case, two exceptional online coaching programs will guide you step by step through this process. If you follow the steps and take the time to do the exercises, you will be much more confident in the water and catch the waves you always dreamed of. In detail, this is what you will get in each of the programs on your way to overcome the fear of surfing big waves:
1. Fearless- By Surf Hub
This online course will teach you how to overcome the fear of surfing big waves. It is a practical step-by-step program for dissolving fear In bigger surf for everyday surfers. According to this coaching method, the key to your best surfing performance is surfing with freedom, not in a contorted state of fear. So, it will empower you to surf the type of waves you’ve always wanted and attack them with confidence rather than shying away.
The coaching program focuses on the following aspects:
1. Practical instruction for regulating fear in surfing- Practical steps to reduce the impact of fear on your nervous system.
2. Autopilot routine- A mental checklist to follow and take you out of your head into practical mode.
3. Dissolving the fear- The fear is in your mind, and therefore, you can control it.
4. Anxiety-free surfing- Take your emotions out of the equation and ride the waves you want.
The course consists of 54 video lessons, and if you follow them and put them into practice, you will see the results yourself. For more details about the Fearless Online Course, please click here.
2. Survival Apnea- By Surf Strength Coach
This online course will teach you specific breathwork for surfers until you master skillful breathing & Apnea on your way to becoming a better surfer. You will develop breath practices for confidence in the surf and prepare you physically and mentally for hold-down situations. The program will show you the fundamentals of breathwork, advanced breath training exercises, and how to develop a mindset and confidence to remain calm in extreme situations and push your surfing to the next level.
The course offers a complete 6-week training program and includes the following aspects:
1. Relaxation and focus tools.
2. Self-awareness and self-control.
3. Skillful breath-holding.
4. Tolerance to physical discomfort and mental strength.
5. Practical breath-holding exercises.
By following the step-by-step guidance in this online course, you will slowly challenge your skills and enhance your physical and mental capabilities drastically.
For more details about the Survival Apnea Online Course, please click here.
Conclusion- Final Thought:
If you have ever experienced the fear of surfing big waves, you must address it and sort it out. Unfortunately, this is not something that will simply go away by itself. The last thing you want to do is to sit frozen on your board and watch other surfers catching waves and having fun; life is too short for that.
Luckily, there are proven ways to deal with and overcome the fear of surfing big waves. Once you understand both the mental and the physical aspects of this fear, you will be able to gain your confidence back and ride these beautiful waves like a champion. Coaching programs such as Fearless and Survival Apnea are there to help you, so take advantage of them. Once you face your fears and confront them, you will be amazed how not only the quality of your surfing will improve, but also the quality of your life.
Before you leave, if you are interested in other surf coaching programs, check out our post about online surf courses.
