topic Re: I Fear the Ocean in Community Chat

I Fear the Ocean

On It — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 13:56:06 GMT

Although I have visited areas and beaches on the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico, I have never touched the water. I fear the ocean because I am not equipped to survive there. This photo is my worst nightmare.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

kaydee50 — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:01:53 GMT

I guess you've never taken a cruise! I love the ocean although I haven't been in a bathing suit in decades! Never think about having to "survive" in it!

Re: I Fear the Ocean

songbird — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:27:20 GMT

The water or the whale? Neither one can really hurt you, unless you panic. The whale is toothless. It's throat is not big enough to swallow you. If you panic you're more apt to harm or frighten the whale. Swimming is wonderful. The ideal exercise. Especially ocean water. You're more buoyant in salt water. scared of sharks? Try swimming in a pool. Learning to swim will change how you feel about water.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

on the bay — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:32:23 GMT

I used to feel more at home in the ocean than on land.

But the past years I've been more aware of sharks which I never even thought of before.

I was a lifeguard, on swim teams and would stay in the ocean all day, my family calling me to come in when the waves got so huge. I am pretty sure I was a dolphin and they can protect you from sharks.

Sadly I am kind of afraid of them now. Also for my grandkids. You know that is just how living life goes sometimes.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

Estellee — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:33:23 GMT

@On It Yes, that is scary with that very large fish swimming under the boat. Reminds me of a movie I saw, lol.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

faeriemoon — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:33:50 GMT

Whales do not scare me in the least.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

LindaSal — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:36:10 GMT

Many people fear the water, especially the ocean. I am not or ever was a very good swimmer so when my kids were 3 and 5 they took swimming lessons at the Boys and Girls club. I didn't want them to miss out on the joys of the ocean. I totally get it, though I do go out on boats and to the beach as we only live 45 minutes from the water........but there is always that feeling deep inside.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

on the bay — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:39:19 GMT

@LindaSal,

That is so
wonderful of you as a parent! My mother did the same thing. She and her father always had a fear of the water but she was determined that my sister and I did not. I think with me I became the total opposite of having any fear at all. until recent years

Re: I Fear the Ocean

On It — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:45:29 GMT

@songbird I have had swimming lessons and swam throughout my childhood. It is what the ocean can do that makes me avoid it. Rip currents, jellyfish, whales overturning boats, sharks, tidal waves, storm surge, etc. I thought this photo was a good physical portrayal of what is in my thoughts.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

on the bay — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:58:51 GMT

@On It,

I'm smiling reading your post of all the things and yes I guess when we think of it all, it can get kinda scary.

The riptides, there is a way to get out of them and we all should know if going in though usually it is posted that they are out there.

Well, just put your toes in at the edge and watch your feet sink in and then step back and watch all over again. And that's enough and ok

Then all that other stuff, those legitimate fears you don't have to worry about.

Though I had never heard of a "rogue" wave until reading about a few years ago. Yes, there are a lot of scary things but I'm glad I got to live in it for many years before the fear got in. Is it that way for many of us in so many things as we experience life and get older? Not everyone but a lot?

I'm so grateful for all those fearless years.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

KingstonMom — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:01:25 GMT

@On It

I would frame that bad boy and hang it on my wall!

Re: I Fear the Ocean

Kitty Galore — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:10:48 GMT

not particularly afraid of the ocean, but can certainly understand anyone being afraid . If not a good swimmer especially . I am a decent swimmer, but don't like going to far out . When younger though I would and never give it a thought. . I won't however take a cruise , I wouldn't want to be way out in the middle of the Atlantic , no way to get off , I would feel trapped . besides just seeing water as far as I could see and not see land could be scary I feel. Will do a river cruise though.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

KittySoftPaws — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:15:48 GMT

@On It I think it's good to "fear" something that could harm us to some degree, as it helps us make sound smart un impulsive decisions.

However, to not ever touch the water is to me more of a fear of the fear itself, rather than the thing itself. Most of the time the things I have feared the most, seem to be the easiest and don't warrant the fear I have attached to it..IMO That being said, what a cool picture!

Re: I Fear the Ocean

On It — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:16:50 GMT

@Kitty Galore Yes, seeing a shoreline is very important. Our favorite lake isn't the lake. It is the river flowing into the lake. I can easily imagine swimming to either bank. Plenty of room to boat, fish, and ski, but no wondering where to find land.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

wagirl — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:20:28 GMT

Not a big open water fan either---the same for cruises-----

Re: I Fear the Ocean

rockygems123 — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:34:54 GMT

@On It

Growing up in SF suburbs we had ample opportunity to go to the beach and we took it. The waves were huge at times, the water always frigid and body surfing would sometimes land us underwater with a bikini bottom full of sand. All the while weighing way less than 100lbs.

Amazing the level of fearlessness when young.

Probably depends on whether or not you grew up with water and the comfort level attached to it.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

Teddixat — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:41:00 GMT

@On It Is it possible that is photoshopped. I can't even imagine how long that whale is

Re: I Fear the Ocean

MamaWick — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:44:53 GMT

I absolutely think that is a photoshop. However, I won't negate the OP's fear, though I'm sorry she has that fear. The ocean is amazing and mystical.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

manny2 — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:46:50 GMT

I grew up on the beach. My house was right on the beach. I had no fear. I have gone on cruises, and I have been on island beaches.

Today I would never go in the ocean. It scares me.

As for the picture. It is scary. The whale can do a lot of damage. I wouldn’t want to be on top of it in the water.

Re: I Fear the Ocean

shoptilyadropagain — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:51:47 GMT

I've always loved and respected the ocean but I've never cared to swim in it. There are too many critters (large and small) for me. I don't swim in lakes, ponds and rivers either. However, I have no issue or fears if I'm on any size boat.