Panic causes tunnel vision. Calm acceptance of danger allows us to more easily assess the situation and see the options. - Simon Sinek
So far I had never really been in a situation in the water where panic was involved. Probably that's due to the fact that - besides all the adrenaline seeking - I had always tried to stay on a level where I have still full control over the situation.
Today the game changed slightly.
For the first time ever I truly realized why extreme sports have the word extreme in it, and that dangerous situations where a cool mind is needed, are part of the adventure.
What makes a situation becoming dangerous? The lack of control. If you suddenly find yourself being faced with completely new circumstances that are apparently beyond your control, the only thing that can help you trading your way out of it is experience.
Even though the situation is new, your general knowledge and mindset will help you to make the right decision and guide you through.
Luckily, five years of experience in watersports and a good portion of self-control and composure have helped me to literally find the way out of the tunnel today.
Here's why I was somehow reborn today!
The longest 5 seconds of my life
Today's windsurfing session started like all the others I had before. I was in a good mood, ready to rock my home town's bay.
Now the only difference was that for the first time ever I was supposed to use a harness.
It's a belt with a hook you wear on your hips. Once you're in the correct position and gathering way, you can hook the harness into the harness lines that are fixed to the boom (cross-bar tied to the sail).
The great benefit of the harness is that - while hooked - you can save some energy. Windsurfing takes a lot of it, especially out of the arms. The harness is the solution to these problems.
Everything was easy and chilled until I fall back into the water while still being hooked.
The sail felt on top of me while the hook pulled me under. What a trap! I realized that I was in trouble when I tried to go back to the water surface - but I couldn't.
For a second I thought: 'That was it.'
From the corner of my eye - through the transparent parts of the sail - I saw another windsurfer passing by but he didn't see me down there.
When I realized that the hook was pulling me under (downwards) while I desperately tried to move into the opposite direction (upwards), I made an important decision:
Stop panicking, it's paralyzing your brain! Nobody but you will get you out here.
Then - in a split second - I remembered everything I had learned about watersports, diving and how panic can determine whether you gonna make it or not.
My next thought was:
If you want or not, you need to go down there again, hook yourself off and then swim back to the water surface.
And that's what I did.
I pushed myself deeper underwater, hooked off the harness and paddled around the sail that was blocking my way out.
Back at the water surface I took the deepest breath of fresh oxygen ever.
When I opened my eyes I noticed that some tears started to blend into the salty water.
It was strange feeling: I was shocked and relieved at the very same time. While I'm writing this, I'm still in a mood of perplexity.
Now I'm pretty aware of the fact that if I had let panic rule me, this wouldn't have turned out all right.
The surf instructor picked me up with the boat and recommended me to relax for a while, take off the harness and not go back surfing immediately. Yet, I opted for the contrary, not wanting to let any type of fear arise and then being attached to that harness.
I knew I wouldn't ever forget that moment when I tried to get up and breath but the sail bared the way. It was really extreme and I was full of fear.
Yet, I also knew that this experience wouldn't threaten me the next time sailing, it would only make me wiser and stronger.
Five minutes later I had worked up the courage to go back surfing.
Stay safe, steemians - and please don't panic! :-)
Much love,
Marly -
Steem Ambassador
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This blog was created in July 2016, aiming to provide thought-provoking content for open-minded people who go on adventure, step out of comfort zones and embrace the new.
Thanks for being part of the journey!
PS: All my blog posts are created and submitted via eSteem Surfer 1.1.12 - my favorite Steem desktop client that was developed by 
Original content. Underwater and surf pictures found on pixabay.com: 1 and 2