Help, Fear of Flips

[Atlantisblue]

Once a long time ago, whether a dream or in real life I can't remember, I did a flip and became disoriented; now, I have this intense fear that if I try a flip under water that I won't know which way is up. Any ideas how I can get over this and do a flip *lol*. I watch my daughter do them all the time, without any issue and I so badly want to do them, too.

Granted I'm not as young and flexible as I used to be so not sure if its beyond me now *lol*

[Talia]

Maybe these can help:

Have someone near you when you try - that person can help if you lose your way underwater
Try to do it in a deep pool - I sometimes try to do flips in shallow pools and I find it's more difficult to move without hitting my head or my tail on the floor.
If you ever become disoriented, try to remain calm, blow bubbles and follow them. Bubbles always go up!

[Atlantisblue]

I should probably wear googles when I try so if I need to blow bubbles I can see them. I was thinking of practicing a flip by doing a handstand and letting myself fall over just to get the feel for it. Just haven't quite worked up the courage.

[Talia]

That is actually a very good idea! And yeah, I would use googles for practice. Being able to see your surroundings sure will help. When you get the hang of it you can always ditch them.

Also, for some reason I though you were talking about back flips :p

[AniaR]

I have knocked myself so hard doing flips and gotten disoriented. I can only safely do them in deep water and I have an easier time if I practice a few times with goggles for confidence.

[Mermaid Danielle]

I know it sounds silly, but maybe try doing slow somersaults on land while holding your breath, before moving to the water? When you move to the water, you can use the same motion, with your hands near your head and shoulders for balance and protection- you won't have to worry as much about protecting yourself if you practice until you're comfortable before moving to the water.

Best of luck!

[Atlantisblue]

Talia (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?1235-Talia) - I've always hated wearing goggles because some water always used to seep in and it felt really bizarre *lol* but I'm going to look into getting used to them so I can see a little better. When I was younger I always used to do back flips on trampolines, and found them easier to do because I could watch the ground...although I used to do front hand springs...however, not quite as fear free these days but i'm guessing back flips will be easier than front in the water. If i start with allowing myself to fall over while doing a handstand, i might get used to what it feels like and eventually find it easier

AniaR (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?10-AniaR) - ouch, how deep of water do you feel comfortable doing them in? and after you knocked your head did it take you a while to feel comfortable doing flips again?

Mermaid Danielle (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?1378-Mermaid-Danielle) - that's worth trying and see if it helps me get comfortable with the motion. I haven't done any somersaults in years *lol*

[AniaR]

I never feel comfortable doing flips honestly. I am just determined to get better.

[Atlantisblue]

Hopefully, I'll be able to do them one day!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I only do them in the deep end of the lane pool, 2.08 m depth. I tried to do them in the other end and nearly smashed my face into the pool floor!

You're not the only one. The first time I tried a flip, I went the wrong way and had to swim up very fast for air! But after a few tries, I got the hang of it.

[Atlantisblue]

I'm determined to figure it out! Hopefully we will get out swimming again soon.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Just got to keep trying. Did I mention my first flips were half flips? I had tried when I still had a very bad breath hold... 10 secs!

I'm now up to around 28 secs.

[Atlantisblue]

Ya I can see myself doing half flips as I get used to it

[Sherielle]

I learned how to do back flips in the water when I was younger and in 4ft deep water. What stuck with me all these years is to rotate both your arms together while you flip. Like two pinwheels. They help keep you in the circular motion so you end up back upright.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Yup! Twirl your arms not dog paddle crawl them as it is too slow to get back up for air.

[Atlantisblue]

Propellers lol

[Ashton]

Any time I had tried doing flips in the water I got it all in my nose and it spooks me. I try and exhale out my nose while doing them but I look weird.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Any time I had tried doing flips in the water I got it all in my nose and it spooks me. I try and exhale out my nose while doing them but I look weird.
Same! That water on the brain feeling made me go buy a snorkel mask instead. Now I don't have to worry about water up the nose from any angle.

[AniaR]

a fan suggested using the webbed gloves for help with flips.

Also, mermaid mutiny taught me a better way to hold my arms and it made a huge difference for me.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

a fan suggested using the webbed gloves for help with flips.

Also, mermaid mutiny taught me a better way to hold my arms and it made a huge difference for me.
How? Can you show us?

[AniaR]

I will when I get video edited

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I will when I get video edited
Yay! Ty!

[Ashton]

I would also love to see it! I want to be able to do flips and tricks. You guys know that wax ear plug stuff people put in their ears when swimming?- I was thinking maybe I could 'shove' it up my nose. I haven't done it yet since I like to breathe out my nose and just assume it is probably a bad idea to cover up my 'face blow holes'.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I would also love to see it! I want to be able to do flips and tricks. You guys know that wax ear plug stuff people put in their ears when swimming?- I was thinking maybe I could 'shove' it up my nose. I haven't done it yet since I like to breathe out my nose and just assume it is probably a bad idea to cover up my 'face blow holes'.

You can try. But I think it is a choking hazard as you might forget that they're there and breathe in deeply.

[Atlantisblue]

Ya I probably wouldn't try those, that sounds like something I'd do

[Aziara]

I would also love to see it! I want to be able to do flips and tricks. You guys know that wax ear plug stuff people put in their ears when swimming?- I was thinking maybe I could 'shove' it up my nose. I haven't done it yet since I like to breathe out my nose and just assume it is probably a bad idea to cover up my 'face blow holes'.
Maybe you could try out one of those Sinus Savers?
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7593-Sinus-Saver-nose-plugs&highlight=sinus+saver

[Merfin_Aurora_Oceania]

A good suggestion is try somersaulting on land as already suggesting, practice in the water however without your tail once you have the confidence and if required with a supervisor or someone watching you from the pool then move on to wearing your tail :)