Surfing Waves

Hi, I just started surfing two weeks ago. I've been out twice and I stood up my first time out, and almost every time I caught a wave the second time. I am terrified of the ocean though. If have to get off my board to turn it around, or if I wipe out and get sent underwater I get really scared that a shark or sting ray or anything like that is gonna mess me up. I know that sounds stupid, but its like something I feel I can't control. I really enjoy surfing so far and am able to get in the water its just every now and then seaweed will brush my toes or something and I freak out. Is this normal?

Its normal to be scared of things that you arent experienced at or dont understand or can't see.

I'm quite comfortable at public speaking because I do a lot of it, some studies say people fear it almost as much as death... and think I would ever go skydiving? Nuh. But plenty of people do it. My son started ducking under waves a few years ago and now thinks its great fun, but took him about years of being in the surf to build up the courage to try. Different experiences create adrenaline, then they become boring and you need 12 foot waves for any frission of excitement.

Obviously I can point out the statistics about being attacked by sharks or whatever; your biggest risk in the ocean by far is drowning...

If its really an issue, wear booties and you wont feel a thing. But with practice probably your mind will eventually go 'whats that, oh just seaweed' rather than 'whats that (2 seconds of panic) oh just sea weed'.

Hi SadisticNature, welcome to Surfing Waves!
You're not alone in your fears. Along with dtc's advice, take a look at some of the other topics we've had.
search.php?st=0&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&keywords=fear

It's not common for surfers to have those kind of fears. But think of it this way statistically you are more likely to die driving to the beach than getting bit by a shark so what should you be afraid of? If you were surfing an area with stingrays I would suggest that you shuffle your feet on the bottom to avoid having a problem with them. I never worry about them in Hawaii. Sharks live in the ocean and they are always out there somewhere but rarely bother humans.

Im less than a novice surfer but i spent most of my life going to the ocean to do one thing or the other. Maybe you should start getting yourself more familiar with the ocean first. Maybe go for a swim, spend time in the water jumping around waves without a surfboard. When you have spent enough time and you feel safe then go with the surfboard.

The thing is that when you go in with a board you go to parts where you need to feel with enough confidence or else one would not expose to big waves, deep waters and all that, one is careful but not frightened because you know what to do and what could happen.

So if its any good i would suggest you first learn to have fun and feel safe in the water first and then go in with the board so you will go without those worries.