BOO Matt Telfer

I'm going to be honest. I'm scared of sharks. I shouldn't be, but I am. I'm aware of the statistics of being attacked by a shark, yet every time I step into the ocean, I'm terrified. It takes a long time for me to get used to the water before I finally get in. I will finally get in, then immediately get back out. I feel like others have the same problem, but i feel as though the intensity of my fear is worse.

One of the worst feelings in the world is when you feel helpless. I never want to be in the position where I'm five feet away from a 10-15 foot shark in the ocean. I can't outswim it because the shark would make Michael Phelps look like a beginner. That's what I hate about it. So maybe I'm not that scared of sharks, but instead the feeling of helplessness I would feel around one in the ocean.

I still go in the ocean, like I said before. I've gone snorkeling multiple times because the visibility of the water is pretty good in those spots. Yet I'd probably have a heart attack if a shark came up out of nowhere and started to explore the reefs with me. I always go with other people because I could not handle being in there alone.

Will I ever get over my fear? I hope so because I truly enjoy being around the ocean and the realxing feeling that comes with it. But I probably won't.