Handling Exposed Terrain
Hi Steph!
I was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to prepare yourself for handling exposed terrain. I find my love for climbing and skiing turns to fear as soon as I am faced with exposure. For you, have you always been cool headed or is it a skill you develop over time?
Thank you for the inspiration 🙂
Kristin
Hi Kristin,
Exposure is very different than height–something I’ve always found interesting. You can be high up and not mind so much if you don’t feel like you’re close to an edge. Once you get close to an edge, with nothing to shelter it visually, the exposure can get really intense! As with everything intimidating, comfort grows through familiarity. At the same time, it’s good to be a little cautious when in exposed places, because it takes only a second to slip. But what you really don’t want to do in exposed terrain is to freeze up and get stiff and panicked. Because then you will be putting yourself at risk. I think it’s important to make good choices about the situations you put yourself in, so you don’t find yourself somewhere you don’t want to be, feeling strung out.
Still don’t let a feeling of apprehension stop you from doing things…just try to keep doing what you love to do, in the ways you are comfortable with, and just believe that over time you are going to be more at ease in the environment.
🙂 Steph
