[Paddlewise] fear translation

Let's assume that fear produced by the subconscious is likely a result
of a deep seated uneasyness over the risk analysis associated with the
activity that's causing the fear.  That's probably not always the case,
but it works for me.  Once you become confident in your risk analysis
the irrational fear should subside in severity more or less inversely
with your rise in confidence of your risk analysis.

My experience with irrational panic occurred in mountain scrambles at
Banf Park.  I had to take a step that could have slipped.  So I looked
to where I could slide, and about 30 inches or so from where I would
place the dangerous foothold on a tiny flat spot in an otherwise highly
sloped surface, there was a shear drop off for quite a ways and the
slope only moderately improved from there.  There was a very significant
probability that I would not have come to rest for several hundred feet
if that one foothold didn't hold.  

I took the step and walked to the middle of the saddle like formation,
where it was quite flat.  I had to sit down and couldn't stand up for a
couple minutes, even though it was flat for 10 feet in any direction. 
My subconscious mind had placed me in panic mode because I had no
confidense in the risk analysis that had just transpired.  As I sit here
now, I can say that it scares me to think of taking such a step without
being clipped in to a rope, and I probably won't take that risk again. 
But I do think I can do more mountaineering and that panic will only
occur where said confidense is lacking.

The paddling application
So when I get in my kayak and fasten the sprayskirt this fear hits me. 
Why, if I was to forget to have the grab loop facing out I could
drowned.  That is a real fear.  I deal with.  I check the grab loop.  If
someone asks me to wet exit, I may experience this fear again and again
check the grab loop.  

My risk analysis has led to: checking the grab loop, insuring that the
sprayskirt is easy for me to take off, listening when paddlewisers
discuss that the side is the place to work the sprayskirt off (were the
grab loop to be turned under), and that using a hand from inside the
sprayskirt will give the greatest advantage (I should practice these two
techniques).  When I capsize to do a wet exit, I am completely at ease,
because I am confident in my risk analysis.  There is no number of
physical repititions or skill and familiarization exercises that can
diminish a lack of confidense in risk analysis, until you deal with
what's at the heart of the matter.  Once that is done fear will
translate into confidense in risk analysis.  Sure reps are key, and will
likely trigger the necessary risk analysis, but they could also provide
false confidense from peer suport that will just fade away when you are
on your own and the dudu hits the fan.

mike, dududu dadada, yada yada
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