6 Simple Tips To Deal With Fear Of Climbing The Sydney Harbour Bridge

6 Simple Tips to Deal with fear of climbing the Sydney Harbour bridge

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Sydney Harbour is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful harbours. The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are world-famous landmarks.

So why wouldn’t you want to witness this majesty from the vantage point of its very own Harbour Bridge?!

Acrophobia, or fear of heights, is a disabling and frequently irrational fear that affects 2–5% of the population.

People who are afraid of heights will experience unpleasant anxiety sensations and will generally avoid high places Like bridges, tall Building and Mountains as a result of these feelings.

As a result, they may believe that they are unable to participate in the amazing and potentially life-changing experience of completing a Bridge Climbing outdoor adventure.

My daughter is afraid of heights, so she was apprehensive about the climb at first, but we eventually talked her into it, went through few steps to avoid the fear of height.

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And VOILA!

It was the most thrilling experience of her trip.

She is still afraid of heights, but she always talks about the incredible climb, and she keeps the photographs by her bed.

It’s really up to you to decide, but if you’re really against it, as Alan mentioned, it’s an expensive walk to back out of.

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Bridge Climbing Adventure at Sydney Harbour Bridge is ENTIRELY SAFE.

Things to Know Before You Go for Sydney harbour Bridge Climbing adventure

• Don’t drink and climb- all climbers will be breathalysed beforehand. Everyone must be under the legal driving limit (0.05)

• In addition to the full climb, the BridgeClimb Sampler is available and is a good option for those short on time, or who wish to save some money.

It doesn’t go all the way to the top but still gives great views.

• The climb, including prep, goes for at least 4 long hours, and some physical fitness is required.

Eat a filling and healthy meal beforehand, slop on some sunscreen, and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

• For safety reasons, nothing can be taken up on the bridge that isn’t attached to your body- this includes cameras and phones.

All climbers receive a group photo, with additional photos available for purchase.

• All climbers also receive an admission pass into the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout.

• If you’re bothered by heights or confined spaces, get advice from staff as to whether or not this adventure is for you.

At one point we did go under some low-hanging areas, and up and down tall ladders are required.

Fear is actually in your Head!

Although some fear of heights is natural and shared by most mammals, most people who suffer from height phobia are aware that their fear is irrational.

They are aware that they are safe.

However, the difference between someone who is confident in their position and someone who is not lying in what they tell themselves.

Someone who is confident may still experience internal feelings of anxiety, but because they are thinking things like “This is so cool!” or “What an amazing opportunity!” they interpret those feelings as excitement.

Someone who is afraid will feel anxious and will be more likely to think things like “I’m going to fall,” “I won’t be able to go heigher”

You will get better with Practice

One of my favourite aspects of the Bridge Climbing adventure that people who are nervous can Try out the Bridge Climbing Sampler, which is a shorter and less difficult Climb.

It will give you a taste of the full Bridge Climbing experience while also providing you with an incredible view of Sydney Harbour and a great sense of accomplishment.

It is the ideal challenge for someone who is afraid of heights.

When dealing with phobias, psychologists recommend a technique known as ‘graded exposure.’

We encourage people to start facing their fears with smaller challenges, such as climbing a ladder or peering over a balcony railing.

This gives you confidence and practises, allowing your anxiety to fade and you to quickly learn that you can do it.

Once you’ve taken the first steps, the Bridge Climb Sampler is the ideal way to reward yourself while also having a memorable ‘Bucket List’ experience!

I encourage anyone who is afraid of heights to take the Pledge and Face Your Fear.

It will be a gift to yourself and an opportunity for growth that you will remember for many years.

If you are Anxious, its completely normal & Safe

Anxious people frequently experience the following sensations when they are about ti go into the heights like Bridge climbing Or Mountain Climbing

• pounding heart

• shallow and rapid breathing or feeling as if you can’t catch your breath

• dizziness or light-headedness •

nausea, numbness, tingling, or crawling sensations

• muscle tension or feelings of a tight chest

• trembling or shakiness • heavy legs, weak knees, or feelings of instability

All of these sensations are perfectly normal and safe.

They will go away on their own if you give them time and try to divert your attention away from your negative thoughts.

The Bridge climbing Adventure is exactly that kind of unique experience.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climbing is an expensive activity, but it is important to remember how expensive Australia is as a whole. Prices must be viewed in a new light.

Activities in Australia are typically 30-50 percent more expensive than comparable experiences in North America or Western Europe, so this is more akin to a $100-200 experience at home.

6 Expert Tips to Deal with fear of climbing the Sydney Harbour bridge

ONE STEP AT A TIME

If you’re nervous on the Bridge, try to concentrate on the present moment and take one step at a time.

Putting one foot in front of the other, breathing, and listening to your Climb Leader’s stories will get you there much faster than thinking too far ahead or worrying about what is yet to come.

LOOK OUT, NOT DOWN

If you are afraid of heights, you may find it more comfortable to look horizontally rather than downwards.

Most of us have seen a view of Sydney Harbour from a window or on TV, but the view from the Bridge is spectacular.

A similar, familiar, and magnificent perspective can be obtained by looking to the side.

Breath & Watch your thinking

Slowing your breathing is one of the most effective ways to help your body relax. Slowing down your breathing reduces hyperventilation (getting too much oxygen).

Slowing your breathing, especially your out-breath, will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, allowing your body to relax and reduce the flow of adrenalin.

You should be taking 10 – 12 breaths per minute, which means breathing in for three seconds and out for three, although the longer the better!

The Bridge is perfectly safe; however, anxious people will generally have false thoughts such as: “I will fall!”, “I will get stuck!”, “I won’t be able to get off!”, “I will embarrass myself!”, and “It will feel awful!”

This type of thinking, rather than any actual threat, sends danger signals to the brain, causing it to respond with an anxiety response, also known as a ‘fight, flight, or freeze’ response.

Try to think of some useful ideas.

Ask people who aren’t afraid of heights what they think as they look out over a balcony or climb the Bridge.

Typically, they will say things like, “this will be fun!”, “What an amazing view!”, or “what a great experience!”

Distract your thoughts

If you find it difficult to think more helpful positive thoughts before your climb, you can try distraction.

Instead of thinking about your upcoming Climb, try watching TV, talking about other things, doing some work…whatever it takes to get your mind off your unhelpful height-related thoughts.

Throughout the Climb, your Climb Leader will provide excellent commentary, filling you in on the history of the Bridge and telling you stories about its construction.

Concentrate on the stories you’ll be hearing through your headsets.

Trust your Body

Your body is built to keep you safe in the face of danger. As a result, the body sensations you feel when you are afraid (whether of a real or imagined threat, such as the BridgeClimb) are perfectly normal and safe.

Your heart rate will increase, and your breathing will become rapid and shallow. If there was a real threat, this is your body’s way of preparing you to fight or flee.

Similarly, if you are running or fighting, you will sweat to cool your body down.

Ground yourself, also Reward yourself

It can be reassuring to ground yourself if you are feeling dizzy or light-headed. Push your shoes up against the solid pathway. Squeeze the hand rails to remind yourself that everything is solid and secure and that you are in command.

Make your Bridge Climbing experience memorable by sharing it with a loved one or doing it for a special occasion.

Plan to reward yourself for your accomplishment with a nice meal or a congratulatory gift afterwards.