Roller coasters can seem scary especially if they are fast! This article will show you how to keep calm on a roller coaster and have the most fun!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Getting Onto the Rollercoaster

  1. 1
    Practice self calming techniques. Breathe slowly and deeply and try to think positively, once you have done this it will all be worth it!
  2. 2
    Tell yourself things that confirm the fun and safety of using the rollercoaster. For example:
    • "It's not as bad as it looks. They have safety harnesses and the tracks are tested all the time to ensure they're safe. The restraints 'fail-safe' which means that the default position is locked, it takes more effort to open them! Perhaps even look up the statistics of injury on a rollercoaster, you will find that you are more likely to be struck by lightning of get hurt in a car accident! "
    • "People scream because it's exciting scary, not bad scary."
    • "It's only for a short time. Then I'll probably want to get back on and have another go because it's over so quickly, even if the worst case scenario happens and you hate it, it will only last for about 2 1/2 minutes. Then you have conquered it!"
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  3. 3
    Praise yourself for getting on. Tell yourself: "Well, I've made it now, it's going to be all right now that I'm on here." or "I've finally done it."
  4. 4
    Go with someone you trust. This can help a lot to keep you calm and to have reassuring feedback from a person who is used to the rollercoaster or is able to deal with fears better.
    • Be careful not to choose someone as afraid as you. This can turn into a situation where you feed off each others fear and make things seem a whole lot worse!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Coping When You're On the Rollercoaster

  1. 1
    Double check your harness, bar or other restraint. Listen for the click or other sound it makes when it shut, several of the newer roller coasters don't have 'clicking' restraints. This means you can have the restraint closer to your lap so you don't moved as much. These restraints are still perfectly safe and they won't unlock during the ride.
  2. 2
    Keep your eyes open! It can be tempting to shut them but you can become disorientated making you feel nauseated. .
  3. 3
    Aim to breathe deeply. This can help you to keep calm and can reduce the possibility of vomiting. Count under your breath if it helps you to keep your breathing steady.
  4. 4
    Listen for the music. There is often music accompanying the ride. This may help to calm you if you concentrate on listening to the words or tune.
  5. 5
    Scream. That's what the ride's all about anyway! When you scream going down from high drops, it helps to expel the air and helps you to breathe as well as releasing stress to help you have fun!
  6. 6
    Talk to your buddies. Talking is a good way to distract yourself during the ride. However, if it's hard to hear, you might end up yelling rather than talking, so be considerate of other people. The best time to talk is on the lift hill, this is the part where you have to wait to drop.
  7. 7
    Stay at the front. This can help you to feel less scared. It's not ideal to sit here if you're looking for more thrills though. However, if you aim to not see the biggest field of view, the cart behind will allow for that.
  8. 8
    Praise yourself at the end. You did it. And you know you can do it again. Overcoming fear is a constant challenge in life and it's a great thing that you're practicing this lifelong skill.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Is it better to sit in the middle of the coaster if I'm nervous?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. In the middle seats, there is a little less wind, less jerkiness, and you don't feel alone like you do in the front or back.
  • Question
    I know this is a weird fear, but I don't like launches on roller coasters. How do I start liking them?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    This is a VERY common fear and you are not alone! Before the launch be very vocal. Express your nerves by talking/singing or laughing! Stay calm, you will be absolutely 100% fine.
  • Question
    How do I deal with the pressure of waiting in line?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try to distract yourself while in line by planning the rest of your day. Think about other rides you want to go on, what order you want to do them in, etc. You could also watch other people on the ride if you have a good view.
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Warnings

  • Follow all the rules on the ride.
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  • Don't take iPods, iPads, etc. on roller coasters because they could get broken, lost or hit someone else or secure them so that they will not fall or otherwise be damaged; at the side of the rollercoaster is usually the best place for this but remember someone may steal it although this is very unlikely.
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  • Make sure not to bring a friend that will try to make you scared on purpose.
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About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 21 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 37,886 times.
74 votes - 85%
Co-authors: 21
Updated: September 15, 2021
Views: 37,886
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