A few years back I was a rower in 4's and 8's but wasnt fit enough to progress and due to a crew break up decided to learn to scull. In the big flat boat I was fine then moved to the training scull and managed to go into the river in deep water 3 times. The last time I was under water for about 10 seconds and had a slight paniic.
Since then every time in a rowing shell once a slight "normal" lean happens Im convinced we are going in, So stopped rowing.
A year or so ago I decided I wanted to try Stand up paddleboarding, Fitness was srill an issue but I could never transfer from knees to standing but again the slightest of wobbles and I would go back to my knees after about 3 week I finnaly went to a standing position for all of 1 second and went in over my head and into deepish (I couldnt stand) water and went into a full blown panic.
Just got back from Corfu where the people I was with hired a small motor boat, again any lean had me convinced we were going in and when we pulled up into some fantastic bays for a swim I wouldnt go in, 1 due to lack of flexability on the ladder adn 2 a percived fear that even though I can swim I would panic becouse I knew I couldnt stand in the water.
Im a reasonable swimmer at least 25m probbably 50m or more but my own fitness levels have kept me me back. I can tread water for ages, Its just once my head goes under in an uncontrolled enviroment I go into a panic.
Any advice
Thanks