Think it might've been one of the scariest moments of my life

Chloe234

last night i went out for a surf but it ended really badly. I ended up being flipped and pulled away from my board by a massive wave then consistently rolled over my neck and dragged from the middle of the beach to the far left right by the rocks and the cliffs. I couldnt get up and anytime I did I just got flipped over yet again, knocked off my feet and dragged. At this point i was deperately trying to get up and out of the sea, or even just away from the rocks and cliffs because i was inches away. Eventually I managed but I dont think ive ever been so scared. Im now left with a bruised back, neck and legs as well as scrapes and cuts and im in a fair amount of pain.

I once found peace in the sea but now.. im not sure. Im scared of it. I think i might have another lesson before going back in alone but i was just so scared and thats only if i decide i want to. One more wave and it couldve ended so so badly. I couldnt even lie onto my back and float because i was basically being ragdolled to the sea and there was no water to float on. I couldnt fight it and I just had this massive panic attack once i was able to drag myself away. Members of the public were just stood there watching as i just tried harder and harder to get out.

i should've took it as a sign when i struggled to even get in because the waves were bigger than me and kept knocking me over. I couldve lost everything and it scares me so much, this was 100 times worse than the last time i got into a spot of trouble.

independent_

That sounds terrifying and I’m sorry it’s happened again. I think another lesson is a good idea, the instructors will be able to go over the best thing to do in this situation as I’m sure most of them have been there as well - the sea is full of surprises.

Chloe234

independent_ wrote: »

That sounds terrifying and I’m sorry it’s happened again. I think another lesson is a good idea, the instructors will be able to go over the best thing to do in this situation as I’m sure most of them have been there as well - the sea is full of surprises.

Thankyou @independent_
Its just hardd because this time makes last time feel like nothing now and im worried if theres a next time it could be even worse. i know a few people whove had bad experiences and their advice is to get back on the board but last night just felt like it was too close. Its just made me feel like im shit at surfing too because i feel like any surfer whos actually good couldve gotten out of that. I just got caught because my board is so big and easy to be taken with waves. Im definitely gonna look at getting another surf session altho it depends as ik money isnt great atm.

ella

@Chloe234 This sounds incredibly scary and painful but I am so glad you are safe. It's so understandable to feel shaken up after an experience like that. I had a similar incident a few weeks ago and it really threw me off for a while- the sea is amazing but unpredictable at times. It can also be confusing when it's your safe place too, which it is for me and I know it has been at times for you over the Summer.

Taking another lesson might be a great way to help your confidence. It's okay to feel scared, so remember to take things at your own pace- you'll get there eventually

Chloe234

Thankyou @ella

A while ago I was in a rip and was being pushed under and couldn't get out with my board but it wasn't anywhere near as extreme as this and it's the unfortunate thing/side to surfing. And now i reais3 how small the occurance was then compared to this.

I think I might try work my way back up like I did last time so swim in the sea first with lifeguards rather than hopping straight back in. It's just so scary. At times it makes you wonder if you even want to go back in but then the feeling it gives just being in the sea is so much better than not. I'll have a think about a lesson as I don't know if it'd be a lot of use if I already know it all, I just need a confidence booster. I just wish I had a friend who surfed so I could go in with them and then be slightly more at ease.

independent_

It is definitely worth trying to go in when the lifeguards are there to help you if you can. Might mean you can only go at certain times, but it could be reassuring to know that if you’re in trouble, they are looking out for you

Azziman

Hey @Chloe234, sorry to hear about what you've been through. It sounds like you had a really scary experience, and I'm glad to know that it wasn't worse.

I think that taking things slowly to get back into things sounds sensible to ease yourself into things. It's true that the longer you stay away entirely, the harder it can feel to get back on the board (based on what surfing friends have told me!). Getting lessons or being with a lifeguard might be a good idea if you have that option available to you, at least until you've built up your confidence.

I can hear how much you've enjoyed being on the water before, and how much you've enjoyed the journey so far. It'd be a shame if you weren't able to have that again, so really hope you're able to return to surfing soon when you're comfortable. We're here to support you through this!