First I have to admit that I'm super hydrophobic. I have a morbid dread of water = am terrified of water,?which means?that to date?I’ve?never?attempted?water sport?in any way, shape, or form. But the thought of?conquering?that?fear does occur to me from time to time.?

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For me a great place to start would be to?learn how to swim, as it seems to be the most accessible kind of water sport. I don't have to?invest in expensive sports gear or fly?to a remote?definition.?All it takes is?a 5-minute bike ride to the swimming center around the?block. So that's exactly where I'm gonna take the?plunge.

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However, it's still easier said than done.?As you can see, as simple?as that sounds I have yet to pluck up the courage to?take that first step. So I think for me the most challenging part is to?overcome that mental barrier.

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In fact, my bestie Mary, who's?an excellent swimmer is coming to stay for a while. I've been meaning to?ask her?to tutor?me?for?a bit. Hopefully she’s also gonna offer some moral support.

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As for the reasons why I’d like to try it, I think?it’d be super confidence-boosting?if I could confront one of?my deepest fears. If I could?do that, I feel like I’d be empowered to?accomplish anything in life.

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Another thing is I don't have to put in too much?time?or money?compared to other fancier?water sport like windsurfing?or?scuba diving. I'm pretty sure they’re?beyond?my budget?at the moment.

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Then there's the availability.?Swimming pools can be found everywhere.?They’re?also?much safer and cleaner than open water. I'd like to swim in the knowledge that I'm in safe hands?with the?lifeguards?who?are?ready to rescue?me in?case of emergency. ?