5 Ways to Feel More Comfortable in the Ocean
For the most part the ocean is where I feel most at peace and a deep sense of calm, however there are moments when I feel nervous or start to feel fears creeping up on me and this is a totally normal experience in the ocean. I’ve been snorkelling and freediving for most of my life and I’ve had the privilege of diving with a huge variety of ocean life in a wonderful array of places. Despite these experiences I still feel nervous in the ocean at times, but through these experiences I have been able to develop tools to manage the nerves or fears as they crop up and those tools are what I am going to be sharing below.
1. Deep Breaths
As a freediver I have found that mindful breathing can be an absolute game changer. Taking slow, long, intentional breaths not only prepares you for a breath hold, it also makes you focus inwards and really prioritise the quality of your breath. When we are nervous we tend to take shallow short breaths into our upper chest. Focusing on your breathing and actively bringing those breaths deeper into your lungs can help slow down your heart rate and reduce the physical symptoms that come along with feelings of nervousness and fear. It also gives the mind something to focus on which can be a welcome distraction from whatever other thoughts may be bouncing around your head.
Try exhaling for slightly longer than you inhale, for example, inhale for a count of 6 and exhale for a count of 8. Literally counting in your head as you breathe also helps focus your mind on your breathing, taking the focus away from thinking about how nervous you are or the fear you may be feeling.
This tool can be applied in so many circumstances. If you are feeling nervous before getting in the water take a few moments to slow down and focus on your breathing, if you start to feel nervous while swimming you can gently roll onto your back and float or even just tread water for a bit and breathe. If you are snorkelling or freediving you can slow down and really focus in on taking deep slow breaths through your snorkel (this will also improve your breath hold which is a bonus!).
Our breath is something we can tap into at any point, we just need to remind ourselves to tap into this invaluable and inexhaustible resource.
2. Comfortable Gear
When spending time in the ocean it is so important to be comfortable, there is nothing worse than your gear not working for you. A mask that keeps filling with water, fins that are too tight and make your toes go numb, whatever it may be, poorly functioning gear is such a huge distraction and can really taint an ocean experience. Whether you are swimming, snorkelling, floating, or diving, your gear can make such a huge difference to your enjoyment levels.
When I dive I prefer to not wear a wetsuit, opting for just a swimsuit instead. This is completely down to personal preference though. Wetsuits help keep you warm and affect your buoyancy and they also provide a layer between you and the ocean (this can help prevent any scapes on the reef or sharp rocks). Diving in just a swimsuit makes me feel more in control. I enjoy the challenge of the cold water and I really love the feeling of having no layer between myself and the water. Whatever you choose, wetsuit or no, it is important to find the right fit, something that isn’t too tight or too loose that allows you to access your full range of motion.
When it comes to gear I’ve found that my AGULHAS mask and snorkel are unmatched in terms of comfort and functionality (it helps that they are also really beautiful too). I’ve also been using a pair of Spierre carbon fins with pathos footpockets for years now and will never go back, they are comfortable on my feet, don’t hurt my ankles, and they make me feel like I can go for hours without my legs getting too tired.
These are just the things that I’ve found work for me, I think it is so important to experiment and play around with different options to find what really works for you. And once you’ve found it you’ll know, the quality of your time in the water will just skyrocket.
3. Buddy Up
Spending time in the ocean with people you really trust can make your experience so much more positive. Finding buddies that watch out for you, check on you, and make you feel safe makes such a huge difference (don't forget it's also important to practise being a good buddy yourself!).
If you are exploring somewhere new and don’t have a diving community to tap into, try going to the local dive shops or finding a local facebook page for divers. I know from experience that one of my favourite things is showing new people my ultimate dive spots and this is pretty common among divers. It can be such a community building activity and while seeking out buddies can be daunting to begin with, it can be so worth it when you do find the right people.
4. Go For It!
My number one tip is to go for it! In whatever way you can, slowly start to challenge your fears. This can be the tiniest step, like dipping your toe into the ocean, the important part is taking that step and proving to yourself that you can do it. Every time I have challenged my fears and gone for it, I have been so deeply rewarded. The ocean has so much to offer and while the nerves and fears can be overwhelming at times, giving it a go and facing those fears has always led me to beautiful experiences.
5. Find Joy in the Process
Even after all my years in the ocean and using all of these tools I still get nervous in the ocean… it is not necessarily a binary process of going from fear to enjoyment, it takes constant tests of your limits and honestly that’s all part of the journey. Finding joy in that process is my final tip. Get out there, find your limits, and push them!
Happy exploring!
