When I was three I fell into a well by accident. Since the accident, without realizing I developed fear of deep water. I didn’t learn to swim until swimming became part of my learning curriculum. I did it for the grade. I conquered the pool!  Yet I wanted more. I wanted more than my toes touching the waves. I’d sit and watch while others would play in the waves and silently wishing I didn’t have this angst of drowning.

Kiteboarding changed all that gradually. I’ve probably swallowed 18 gallons or more of The Columbia River Gorge, Kite Point in Cape Hatteras, The Slick at Real Kiteboarding, Tobay Bay, Napeague and the Flats in the Keys combined while learning the sport. I continue to do so as I progress. A few times since July this year I’ve panicked each time my toes do not reach the bottom. A drowning panicky feeling that leaves your brain helpless. You start to make mistakes when you panic. Bad decisions are made.

How is kiteboarding helping me get over this fear? Here’s what I learned…

• Your love for something or someone is greater than your fear. I’ve fallen in love with kiteboarding and the community that supports it. It is an amazing sport and it is supported by an resplendent community of exceptional individuals.

• You have a goal. I simply want to learn the sport and be decent at it. I realize I’ll never be a pro-kiter, yet I’d like to be able to execute tricks and downwind with a pack of kiters and discover different parts of the world.

• Higher calling. Kiteboarding is more than an adrenaline junkie’s sport. It is a lifestyle and a state-of-mind. You’ll have to try it to understand what it means to be a kiter. Once a kiter, there is no turning back.

• Practice, practice, practice. To be a better kiter and a self-proficient one, practice and dedication to the sport is a must. Which means I always try to be in the water when the wind comes. In different bodies of water with varying conditions each time. Each session is different from the last. It reminds you that life changes daily.

Since my last trip in the Flats, Key West, I’ve been able to minimize and dilute my panic attacks when I’d find myself out of tiptoe reach while in water.  Deep breaths, a clear mind and putting into practice each of the valuable lessons learned and shared by instructors and fellow kiters help me get through that moment. Since my kiting journey, I realize that the biggest fear I’ll ever have is not trying enough to succeed.

You are gifted to accomplish anything you set your heart and mind to do. Just go out and give it a try!

@mavindigital