jgoodstein
Contributor
I am a new diver going through my courses. Outside of Open water diving I have been working with a team of researchers in Florida studying the predatory cycles of TOP predators in the coastal everglades here in Florida. I have handled sharks ( Lots of bulls, lemons, Atlantic sharp nose, and nurse sharks). I have handled alligators of all shapes, sizes, and aggression levels. I do not pretend to be the know all end all as I am the stills photographer and I work for the biologists, but i consider myself highly educated in marine biology. So thats where I am at and where the problem presents itself. I will be diving and shooting for some upcoming research and tv series we are working on (very excited), and plan to use this new skill both professionally and privately.
My wife, who is the love of my life, is to say the least horrified of sharks. She won't even go in the ocean and turn her back to the water she's so scared. We go to sea world and she ends up crumpled on the floor clenching to my legs cutting off all circulation as we visit the shark tanks. Now I have friends that have actually been bitten, I have handled sharks in and out of the water, and have a healthy respect for them. But her fear is irrational the odds of her getting bitten or attacked is pretty small compared to her daily routine. She knows plenty about them and even saw sharkwater the documentary and was appalled at the treatment of such wonderful creatures. I think the long ingrained fear put into her as a child has had a real negative impact on her.
It's our 10 year anniversary and we are going to Roatan Honduras. I plan on diving and she'd like to as well. She's fine.. but nervous about diving even in a pool. I told her that we will snorkel in lagoons together but leave the scuba to me until you get over your fear. So with that said my question goes out to those especially that live in Florida.
How do you get over your irrational fear of sharks? Therapy? slow introductions to the creatures? force her into Open water training? Does anyone know any good therapists that may be able to assist?
Thanks in advance.
My wife, who is the love of my life, is to say the least horrified of sharks. She won't even go in the ocean and turn her back to the water she's so scared. We go to sea world and she ends up crumpled on the floor clenching to my legs cutting off all circulation as we visit the shark tanks. Now I have friends that have actually been bitten, I have handled sharks in and out of the water, and have a healthy respect for them. But her fear is irrational the odds of her getting bitten or attacked is pretty small compared to her daily routine. She knows plenty about them and even saw sharkwater the documentary and was appalled at the treatment of such wonderful creatures. I think the long ingrained fear put into her as a child has had a real negative impact on her.
It's our 10 year anniversary and we are going to Roatan Honduras. I plan on diving and she'd like to as well. She's fine.. but nervous about diving even in a pool. I told her that we will snorkel in lagoons together but leave the scuba to me until you get over your fear. So with that said my question goes out to those especially that live in Florida.
How do you get over your irrational fear of sharks? Therapy? slow introductions to the creatures? force her into Open water training? Does anyone know any good therapists that may be able to assist?
Thanks in advance.