The fear of roller coasters is usually limited to one of three things: the fear of heights, of having an accident and of being forced to move. With the right approach, however, it is possible to learn to control them and begin to enjoy the thrill as exciting as the feeling of security they offer. In the late 1990s, a Harvard Medical School professor was commissioned by an amusement park to develop a cure for "roller coaster phobia". He discovered useful stress control techniques that made roller coasters more manageable. Then, you can learn to gain confidence by going on a roller coaster for the first time and controlling your emotions along the way… you might even have fun! Read on for more information.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Increase Self-Confidence
Step 1. Know what to expect
It would be a good idea to inquire about the roller coaster if you've never been on a ride. Amusement parks usually rank this attraction based on intensity, so you can learn more about a particular facility you plan to visit. As soon as you arrive, get a map of the park or do an online search first.
- Wooden roller coasters are the oldest and most traditional. Usually, they have a lift chain, they go very fast, but never upside down, and they don't have very complex circuits. Roller coasters built in steel are much more articulated, perform numerous twists and turns, often upside down. However, some steel structures are preferable because they have more curves and don't have many descents. They are also less wobbly and smoother than wooden ones.
- If you are afraid of steep descents, look for a lift where the descents are curved rather than straight, so the ride will be gradual and you will not feel the sensation of falling. You can also choose the rolled roller coaster, which propels you at high speed, instead of dropping you from high heights, although in some cases they are quite intense. It may sound silly, but most children's roller coasters allow anyone to ride, so they can be a good start.
- Do not search for particular information concerning, for example, the height of the structure, the speed at which the cars arrive and other "terrifying" details. However, it's a good idea to be aware of the twists and turns so that you can bulk up physically, know what to expect from the course, and avoid feeling intimidated. Find and study these details once you are up, so you can show others how proud you are of yourself.
Step 2. Learn from the experiences of others
Millions of people ride a roller coaster every year, having a blast - there is little to fear and a lot to gain in the way of unbridled fun. By talking to those who are passionate about these rides, you can get interested and excited about the idea of taking a ride. Even by comparing yourself with those who used to be afraid of it, you can understand what you are missing.
- Talk to friends and family, but also to the employees who work at the park entrance who love roller coasters. Ask which attractions are more accessible or less rushing, and which ones to avoid. Another good idea is to ask people what their first roller coaster experience was like. You will be able to dispel some doubts about what you should avoid the first time.
- Find some information on the internet about the amusement park you intend to visit. Try watching YouTube videos of any attraction you plan to hop on to see if it's quiet enough for your taste.
Step 3. Realize that roller coasters are made for thrills
If you're scared of running down a 12-level descent at 100km / h, that's perfectly normal - it means the amusement park does its job well! Roller coasters are made to scare and give users thrills and thrills, but they are not really dangerous as long as safety rules are followed and instructions are followed. Such a structure is thoroughly tested before being authorized to open to the public, and all rides are regularly maintained to ensure they remain efficient over time. You don't have to worry about malfunctions if the amusement park works professionally.
Every year some injuries are reported among those who ride roller coasters, but the vast majority of these injuries result from mistakes made by users and from behaviors that violate safety regulations. If you listen to the instructions and stay seated, everything will be fine. Statistically speaking, you are in greater danger by driving your car to the amusement park than by taking a ride on a roller coaster. The chance of dying is 1 in 1.5 billion
Step 4. Go with friends
Going on a roller coaster should be fun and you will more easily rejoice in the company of your friends, because you can yell and support each other during the ride. Some people feel more comfortable in the company of a terrified person, so in such a situation you will have the opportunity to express your fear, screaming at the top of your lungs, without feeling excluded. Others like to ride with someone who has already been on a roller coaster in order to be reassured that everything will be okay.
Don't go with people who push you to do what you don't want. Knowing your limits, don't dare to climb structures that are out of your reach, unless you feel ready to push your limits. If you've found your comfort zone and don't intend to get out of it, it doesn't matter what everyone thinks about you. Don't let anyone push you or get you on rides that you know you aren't comfortable with yet
Step 5. Look at the clock
On average, the roller coaster circuit is shorter than a TV commercial. In some cases, you will have to queue up that takes 200 times longer than the ride. Even though it looks gigantic, the ride takes the time of a breath. Try to remember that, for better or for worse, everything ends extremely quickly. The wait is the great source of fear and trepidation, while the running is the fun part.
Step 6. Read the rules and restrictions before queuing
Before queuing at the ticket office, make sure you have the minimum height required, by consulting the board at the entrance to the carousel, and that you are not physically indisposed to enjoy this attraction. Generally, people with heart ailments, pregnant and other physical disabilities are not allowed to ride a roller coaster.
Part 2 of 3: Ride a Roller Coaster for the First Time
Step 1. Start small
It will probably not be a good idea to jump straight into the merry-go-round that includes the "loop of the loop" or whirlwinds. Usually, old wooden roller coasters with small and medium descents and no rotation are a reasonable solution for beginners and for those who wish to try them without running the risk of getting scared. Spend some time in the park looking around and checking which structure is least intimidating.
Take a ride on other thrilling rides first to get the adrenaline going and get used to the thrills. Even though roller coasters seem difficult to you, they are normally not much scarier than other rides. If you can handle the roller coaster, you won't have any problems on the roller coaster
Step 2. Don't look
When you find yourself at the foot of the carousel, waiting for your turn at the ticket office and ready to board, try to resist the temptation to look up at the descent or the scariest part of the ride. Talk to your friends and distract yourself from what's going on. You have no reason to be agitated by looking at the most terrifying segments of the path from the ground. Think about other things, taking your mind off this thought.
When queuing up, don't look at the scariest descents and twists, but at the people who have finished the ride. They'll probably look like they've had a great time. It will be the same for you too
Step 3. Sit in the center
If this is your first time on a rather terrifying carousel, the best place to sit is in the center, because from there you can stay focused on the seat in front, without worrying about the path, while still having the possibility to look around. The central part contains the quietest places.
- Alternatively, you can sit up front so that you don't narrow your view if you feel you feel better. For some people, it's scarier not to realize what's about to happen.
- Don't sit in the crowded rear seats, as the acceleration force is more powerful during hairpin bends and descents. The ride is most intense when you are sitting in the rear of the car.
Step 4. Follow the instructions given by the employees and the rules of the carousel
When you approach the car to sit in your seat, listen carefully to the instructions given verbally and follow the directions of the employees. Each carousel uses a different type of seat belt, so you'll need to listen carefully to make sure you've inserted it correctly.
- When sitting in your seat, try to be comfortable and comfortably fasten your seat belt. If you can't get it or if the harness is particularly complicated, wait for the assistant's instructions. If you are able to enter it, it will still check that everything is okay.
- Once you have fastened the harness, stay seated and relax. Put any glasses and jewelry you may be wearing in your pocket and take a few deep breaths. It will all be fine!
Part 3 of 3: Taking on the Race
Step 1. Look ahead
Keep your head resting against the back of the chair and try to focus on the path in front of you or on the back of the front seat. Do not look down or sideways, otherwise you will feel the speed of the car more accentuated and will also increase the sense of disorientation and nausea. In other words, don't look down.
- Follow this advice especially if you are going through a hairpin bend. Look straight ahead and focus on the circuit. This way you will only experience a slight sensation of weightlessness which, in reality, should be quite pleasant and pass in a few moments.
- Resist the urge to close your eyes. Often, beginners think that by closing their eyes they will be less terrified and feel better, but in doing so they risk becoming disoriented and feeling nauseous. Focus on a stationary object and keep your eyes open.
Step 2. Breathe deeply
Don't hold your breath on the roller coaster, otherwise you could get numb, making the situation worse. As you approach a rather steep descent, breathe deeply, trying to stay focused on the breath, neglecting everything else. This way, you can calm down and draw your attention to a small object. Just inhale and exhale. It will be funny.
To be able to focus, count as you breathe. Inhale deeply to four, then hold the breath to three, then exhale again to four. Repeat the cycle in this way to calm your nerves
Step 3. Contract your stomach and arm muscles
At some point in your run you will begin to "feel butterflies in your stomach" - probably at the beginning. This feeling is part of the fun of the roller coaster, but for some people it can be a little stressful. To relieve it, you can contract your stomach and arm muscles by grabbing the harness handle that holds you steady in the seat to try to stay calm.
A large amount of adrenaline is released on the roller coaster, which triggers the "fight or flight" reaction. Blood pressure and sweating increase, while breathing becomes faster. The view becomes sharper and you are ready to act. You can relieve these sensations slightly by contracting your muscles to tell your body to relax
Step 4. Ignore the spooky decorations
Many rides add to people's panic by adding scary colors, dark lights, and animated animals or goblins along the sides of the course. If your fear comes mainly from physical suggestions, these kinds of decorations can send you totally on tilt and make the situation worse, so you better ignore them. If elements are thrown or objects move, just look straight ahead and don't care. Keep breathing.
Alternatively, if the roller coaster involves a story unfolding along the way, the scenery can be a useful distraction. If the plot catches your interest, stay focused on the story and stop thinking about how terrifying the ride is
Step 5. Scream out loud
You certainly won't be the only one. Usually, there is always a lot of noise on a roller coaster, among people joking and yelling, as they go up and down. Instead of falling silent with fear, try screaming and you can actually make the ride more fun. Also try throwing some "Yuhuuu". By screaming you will have the opportunity to relieve panic and maybe even the urge to laugh.
Step 6. Use your imagination in your favor
If you are dying of fear, try to use your mind to move elsewhere. Imagine flying somewhere in an airship, being dragged away to Batman's lair or even driving the car. Anything can be useful to distract you from what is happening and make it faster, as long as it distracts you from the thought of the journey.
- Gassed and turned into an animal. Pretend you are a wild kraken or some kind of dragon circling high on the rides. If you feel a feeling of power, you will feel less tense and your mind will think about something else.
- Some people recite a few mantras or hum the verses of some song while running. Try singing the latest hottest song in your mind, focusing on the words, rather than your mood. Or say something simple, like "it's alright, it's alright".
Step 7. Always use your judgment
If an attraction doesn't seem safe to your liking, if employees don't seem to care too much about safety regulations, or if you've heard of accidents and safety issues, don't get on that ride, especially if you're a bundle of nerves. Typically, amusement park structures are built with expensive machinery, which is carefully maintained and tested regularly.
Typically, the roller coaster circuit is checked every day before opening to the public and closed if any problems arise. If a carousel has been closed frequently in the past couple of weeks, it may be best to avoid it. The likelihood of a problem going unnoticed is minimal, but you may feel better by not getting on an attraction that you find unreliable
Advice
- When choosing where to sit for the first time, head towards the central part of the car. From the front seats you will see everything and there is the possibility that you are not prepared to expose yourself to that view. On the other hand, the rear ones experience more pressure when you are on the peak of the climb.
- Once you have tried the roller coaster, you will experience such strong sensations that you will want to repeat the ride.
- Relax when you hear the sound of the hook. Usually, the muscles tense and the anxiety starts. However, what the body does not tell you is that it will only last a few seconds, a minute maybe. Live 24 hours a day, the roller coaster takes away only a very short fragment of your life, which you will appreciate for sure. Another tip is to sing in the mind to relax.
- Yelling is very helpful. Scream as much as those around you. Consider it a game. That way, you can be distracted.
- Laugh as you talk about how happy you are after each climb, especially if it was particularly difficult to manage. You probably won't see people around you again. By laughing, you will relieve the tension! It's like replacing fear with happiness. You can also just smile.
- If all the people in line got on and off unscathed, the same will be for you.
- Sometimes all you have to do is just go up. Roller coasters are nothing more than a controlled fear!
- When you're in a queue, talk to friends and family around you about something you care about or like - this way, you'll seem less worried even if you're actually getting it in your pants.
- If your biggest problem is fear of heights, go for a rolled roller coaster. They're just as intense and fun as the tall ones, but they use a throwing mechanism. The slow and worrying part of the climb is not there, but there is no lack of speed, ups and downs and twists!
- If you feel the need, put something in your pocket that can help you, like a stuffed animal or a picture. Bring a stress ball to release tension while queuing.
- If you are bringing children, take extra precautions for their safety.
- Choose a carousel that is not too scary, but not too trivial. You must feel a sense of achievement. Try something that is somewhere in between.
- As you go downhill, take a deep breath, hold it and squeeze your stomach, so you will lessen the sense of emptiness.
- Play in advance! Try to think about how fun it is to go through the air on a roller coaster. Remember that you do not go to death.
- Jet vomit doesn't really exist. However, if it happens, it doesn't harm anyone.
- If you don't like strong sensations very much (maybe you feel butterflies easily in your stomach), don't go on a roller coaster that has giant bends and bends.
- If this is your first time, try not to look down, don't dare, and don't fret, otherwise you'll regret not trying something new afterwards.
- If you're afraid of heights, but still want to have this kind of experience, go on an indoor roller coaster. There is no shortage of twists, descents and hairpin bends and will stimulate you to get on other rides.
- Sit in the center.
- Sit wherever you want, depending on how far you intend to push yourself. The front seats do not help to overcome fear, as they show all the way, but generally the feeling of speed is muffled. In the rear ones the speed felt is stronger and you can see what happens in the front. The central part is somewhere in between: fast, but not terrifying, and sometimes it gives some nice scare.
Warnings
- If there is a smaller person in your group of age or height, make sure they are of the right height to ride the roller coaster, even if the staff will check them at the entrance.
- Make sure you read all the precautions and warnings before taking the roller coaster ride.
