Fear of Roller Coaster Rides

The spring weather is really getting to me, in a positive way. My last Hub was about Flowers -The stars of the earth. I guess this time of the year spring/summer brings out the outdoor adventure side of us. I would love to visit a Theme park with friends this summer but I am a little hesitant.

When I was about 8, mum and dad took me to one and I remember the merry go round was a bit high up. I recall so well, as it started going round and round all the kids were squealing in delight. “yah” etc. I think I was the only one crying on it saying “I wanna get off”. I still remember those words. Mum and Dad smiled and waved to me each time I whirled past them. They didn't hear me.

Then in the 90s, when I lived in Liverpool. My brother came to visit so we went to Blackpool Leisure Theme Park. We went on one ride and at a point I thought, “Bugger, when will this stop spinning? Is there a stop button?" Finally, it stopped – we both got off, looked at each other and at the same time, we shook our heads and said “Never again!!” then burst out laughing.

That was over a decade ago and I would really love to go to another Theme park but my goodness, those rides that take you to the top and suddenly dip so low, still scare me. I feel, something might happen to my brain and then I start remembering that scary film Final Destination where they were falling off the ride. I always say to people “Feel the Fear and do it anyway” but this quote doesn’t seem to be working for me. It’s more like “Feel the Fear and leg it anyway” (“Leg it” is a Slang for “run for it”). On the other hand, I am fascinated by the rides.

If you are in the same boat as me. Here are some Tips and useful information that I found.

1. A lot of testing is done before a roller coaster is opened to the public to ensure safety.
2. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking to ride, to mostly eliminate the risk of throwing up.
3. Check your blood pressure before you take such rides, as a precaution. Especially if you have blood pressure problems.
4. Follow the Safety warnings given to you.
5. Ride small roller coasters and progress slowly to bigger and faster ones
6. When choosing a seat for the first time, pick the middle. The forward seats have the view that you might not be ready for; the rear seats get the upward "kick" from the coaster as it passes over the top of a hill.
7. When going down a drop, take a deep breath, hold it and crunch your stomach lightly to lessen butterflies. (I would like to add, remember to start breathing again).
8. Ride with a less Nervous friend. (that means, no one will be sitting by me!)

9. If you are nervous, it is okay to scream. You will not be the only one.

10. Roller coasters aren't very long. If you hate it, it will be over in a few seconds! (Yeah, right!)

11. Roller coasters look much scary than they really are .

This one really takes the biscuit:

12. Once the ride is over, don't walk out of there acting like you just went through hell. You don't want to scare other people. Open your mouth a bit like you've gone on the best thrill of your life, and fix your hair as soon as you enter the general public. Don't forget to smile!

What!? So, they want me to look Cool, Calm and Collected after the ride. I promise you, my hair will be like Don Kings’ when I get off the ride.

If I manage to pluck up the courage to ride one or two, I will update you. Meanwhile, it would be interesting to know the Roller Coasters you have been on and came off “smiling”.