Re: [Paddlewise] Unreasonable fear

>My life has been one of pretty well ignoring fears that cropped up at me
from
>time to time. But this was different. I was actually scared.


Bill, I agree with Jed that your fear was not at all unreasonable, and that
I'd guess that there are few people on this list who would not easily relate
to this post.

Even with your impressive history of risk-taking, there are elements here
that made the fear justifiable.  Of course, there's that instability -- we
have an elaborate and finely tuned equilibrium mechanism, and loss of
equilibrium brings a strong and well-documented emotional response.  Add to
this your lack of confidence in the lead guide on that day.  From your
description of your previous experiences, I'm guessing that you had
confidence in your companions even in the riskiest situations.  This time
was different (and, yes, bless the assistant guide).  Add to this a set of
sea conditions that were more challenging than you had faced before, and the
fear is not only understandable, but predictable.

I've been in a couple of similar situations, and -- to my surprise --
handled myself well despite my fear.  Those events were liberating for me,
giving me confidence without making me foolhardy.  They also motivated me
(and I second Jed here, too) to improve my skills on flat water as well to
practice in surf and rougher conditions while in the company of highly
skilled and safety-conscious companions and guides.

This is a sport with a wide range of risk options, all of them joyful to
those who stay within their comfort range.  One can choose to paddle in
protected marshes, in very intimidating surf, and everything in between.
You can stretch your own comfort level systematically until you reach the
point that gratifies you.  Then, keep the joy of the sport by maintaining
your skills and avoiding conditions that might take you beyond it (even
while you prepare for them, just in case).

Bob Volin
  (The morning philosopher who will go to work later....)

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