Re: [Paddlewise] Vertigo?

<<If I  looked over my left shoulder, and out into the empty flat gray bay, I 
had a
 sensation that could only be compared with looking into a deep elevator  
shaft, or over a sheer cliff into infinity. I felt I was loosing my balance.>>

I know EXACTLY what you mean. I've got this kind of agoriphobia (I think 
that's the term) over open water too. It used to hit me as I drove. If I came 
on open water all of the sudden I'd just about panic with the feeling of 
suddenly falling. I'd look away to clear my head. If I knew it was coing I'd 
be a bit fearful as it came up but as soon as I was there I was okay. Being 
around it more has made it easier over time.
    I'm not so effeced when I'm in my boat because I can see shore, even if 
it is far way. I've never been far enough from land that I couldn't see it. I 
hope you get a good answer because this is one of the things that keeps me 
from even considering real sea kayaking. I can go out on the Chesapeake Bay 
but that isn't wide enough that I can't see land in the places we paddle.

Joan Spinner

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