Fear of surfing or drowning

Traumatic experiences

Many people are afraid of surfing.
Often, it’s not just the wave itself, but the feeling of losing your bearings underwater, not being able to breathe, or not surfacing quickly enough. Moments like these can feel much longer than they actually are. As a child, you don’t think twice about it and just love that rush. That’s why you keep jumping into the waves over and over again. But the power of the water is often underestimated! It’s only when you’re a bit older and get swept away by a wave again that you start to think about it.

Maybe you’ve been there:
You’re standing on the beach, watching the other surfers, and you’re actually looking forward to surfing. But suddenly, you start to feel unsure. You see boards flying around, powerful waves, or someone coming out of the water injured—and right away, there it is: fear.

This fear is nothing out of the ordinary.
And it doesn’t mean that surfing isn’t for you.

Why it’s normal to feel anxious while surfing

Fear isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
It shows that you’re paying attention and taking a situation seriously. This is especially important in the ocean. Water, waves, and currents are powerful—and it makes sense to respect them.

Fear often arises when we perceive something as dangerous or have had a bad experience in the past. This can happen right at the beginning, but also later on. Fear is something everyone experiences, no matter their skill level.

Types of fears

Fear in the sea can manifest in many different ways.

• Fear of the “washing machine” underwater
• Fear of not being able to breathe
• Fear of the reef or the seabed
• Fear of takeoff in bigger waves
• Fear of making it to the lineup
• Fear of other surfers and their boards

The important thing is:
These fears are real—but they don’t have to stop you from learning to surf.

Fighting fears

The first step is to take your fears seriously and talk about them.
Be open with your surf coach, surf buddy, or surf school about what’s worrying you. Only then can they really address your concerns.

A good surf school can be a huge help, especially if you’re a beginner.
Not just in the water, but on land as well. Theory can seem dry at times, but it often gives you exactly the confidence you’ll need later out in the ocean. You’ll learn to better assess what’s happening at the spot, how to behave, and what to watch out for.

You and the others in your class will be taught how to behave properly in the water in certain situations. This way, you can be sure that everyone knows what to do with their boards in the water. Plus, everyone now knows how to handle the current at the spot. No matter what your skill level is, for your own safety, always find a surf buddy who can go in the water with you or get help for you in an emergency.

Fears fade as you gain experience

Fear rarely disappears overnight.
But it can lessen with knowledge, practice, and positive experiences in the water. Step by step, you’ll learn to assess situations better and stay calmer.

So you don’t have to wait until the fear is completely gone.
What’s much more important is that you learn to deal with it.

Let’s hit the water

If you head out into the water with respect, proper preparation, and the right guidance, your fear can gradually turn into confidence. If you’d rather go out with a reputable surf school, please get in touch with us and send us a message. Most importantly, always let us or your surf coach know if there’s anything you’re afraid of.