Surfing Waves

So I have been surfing for about 8 years and now consider myself to be fairly decent (I regularly can do cutbacks and snaps, occasionally floaters), somewhat experienced (surfed a variety of waves up to overhead) and comfortable in the water. But whenever I surf alone I just get paranoid about stupid stuff like sharks even though I'm not in a sharky area (NJ) and have seen them before when surfing. Its really frustrating because it kind of ruins a good session. Anyone have any tips to get comfortable surfing alone?

I suggest to try the following. When you think about sharks ar other dangerous animals, then think about something else. Anything will do.

An other version is to tell yourself " I am not letting fear rule my life" Saying it aloud may be best.

The system is the same, you break away from the negative thinking.

Cheers Torben

Train and swim in the pool loads and to the max and then some - you’ll be able to surf alone with ease then.

Be brave, Grasshopper. Oops, I mean superfish.

Hi mate, I come from oz and yeah I know what you mean.

Have been around kangaroo island and south vic etc. Big sharks and not too infrequent attacks when you take into account the scarce numbers of people actually in water where a shark will be i.e. over the drop off

Im probably a bit better in ability as have been surfing longer.

Usually when you are on your own, the surf isn't that good, thus the sets can be a little messy and smaller, but also more frequent as the wind hasn't been strong enough to blow up large intervals between sets.

I cure my fear by paddling onto more waves. - I get out the back and go nuts like a grom, paddle onto everything and by the time you get your breath back the next set comes in.

Works a treat. just don't be so picky - I bet your sitting there for ages in crappy sets waiting for a good wave?

Anyways, hopefully it helps.