Overcoming Your Fear of Roller Coasters

Before overcoming your fear you have to figure out what you're afraid of. If you don't like the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you're in a glass elevator then perhaps there's more to your fear then a mere article can help you overcome. If it's more about the sense that you're not in control then there are some tricks to help you overcome it, if that's indeed what you want to do. Nobody ever said you HAD to get on a roller coaster!

First get yourself a hand holder. A good, trustworthy friend who has not only been on the ride before but won't spend the entire time in line freaking you out further. You're not going one step more with someone saying 'We are so gonna die on this' every time the coaster makes an overhead pass.

If you're in a well known amusement park with high ratings then you can rest assured that their roller coasters are up to standards and completely safe. People go on these rides day in and day out and have done so for however many years this coaster has been in operation. There are safety checks, inspections and daily maintenance on all theme park rides, including the roller coasters. The park owners don't want you dying on their ride anymore then you want to die on it so they do their best to keep the rides in pristine condition.

Try the ride out during the less busy times so you don't spend an hour in line worrying about your fate. Aim for the middle of the ride. The front is for the really brave and excitement-minded individuals and is always the most thrilling seat in the house, which is why there is generally a longer line for the front of most coasters. The back of the coaster is deceptive. Sure, you can't see where you're going but being the last car on the track you get the full pull of the drops. While the front car doesn't really get going until it's back end makes it over the top of the hill, that back car goes flying down the hill from the top all the way to the bottom. The middle of the track is pretty safe. You can't see but you're also heading down the track before you start picking up speed.

Don't ride with that guy who is already hooting and hollering in the line. You'll know him when you hear him. If he happens to be getting on the same ride as you, politely step to the side and let the people behind you go. If you're already nervous you don't need some idiot making a fool of himself and rattling your already rattled nerves. Then again the distraction might be nice. It's a tough call but it all depends on you.

Lastly, remember that you don't have to do it. Knowing that there is an escape clause may get you in that line and keep you there. You can make the decision to get on or not when you get to the end of the line and know that you wouldn't be the first or the last person to ditch. The shorter the line, the better, as you don't have as much time to think about it. Take a deep breath, close your eyes if necessary and just enjoy the ride.