Scary Amusement Rides: My Terrifying Experiences

A Terrifying Ride on the G Whizzer

One of my most frightening rides took place on a thrilling but troubling attraction called the G Whizzer. I was in the company of my friend, and as we were the only ones on the ride, the setting added an extra layer of scare. While the G Whizzer promised an exhilarating adventure, the initial safety prompt was enough to make me worry.

As we sat down with the safety gate open, waiting for the ride attendant to close it, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. The safety catch failed to engage, and this prompted the assistant to get some spray lube. A pssshhtt! – reminiscent of a hiss – and the catch soon worked. However, the catch engagement sent a back spray of rusty black oil in our faces. We were initially concerned about our vision, but we could still see. I looked like a dalmatian puppy, with my freckles and red spots blending with the black oil, making my face appear as granite. The attendant offered us three more rides alone, which was reassuring.

The Pike: A Fast Roundabout Ride

My other scary ride experience happened on a fairground roundabout in Long Beach, affectionately known as the "Pike." This ride consisted of a large round wooden floor with green iron bars three in a row, connected around the entire circle. As the large floor would drop, passengers would be suspended by centrifugal force, holding onto the bars and looking out. It was a thrilling experience, but also quite scary, especially when the floor dropped and there seemed to be no floor at all.

The Forgotten Experience at the River Towy Fair

When I was six years old, my father and his girlfriend Tracy took me to a fair day near the River Towy. Even though I don't remember many details, I do recall that I started with a small kiddie ride first. The next ride, a spinning and pulling experience, was not enjoyable. Despite its appeal, I didn't like it at all! After that, my memory of this event is completely blank, filled with a sense of lost fear.

The Frightening Parachute Ride at Panama City Beach

As a young teenager, I had a terrifying experience on one of the parachute rides at Panama City Beach, Florida. A cable would pull you up, and then the chute would be released, initiating a fall. The seat was rounded, allowing for better comfort, but it did little to alleviate my fears. There was no lap bar, only a chain to provide some safety. The ride's speed and drop made me feel like I was being forced forward, and the chain was my sole safety measure. My anxiety was compounded by my fear of heights and peer pressure, as I didn’t want to show any weakness. Despite the fear, I didn't give in immediately but eventually did, and I was not having a good time. It felt like I was on the ride for an hour, as time became distorted in the midst of such extreme anxiety.

However, this frightening experience taught me an important lesson: I couldn’t let peer pressure sway me. Since then, I’ve managed to overcome this fear by attempting more adventurous activities, like skydiving. I’ve gone on skydiving five times, without risking my life by going up on the roof of my house. This has helped me grow in confidence and overcome my fears.

Conclusion

Despite these terrifying rides, I have learned to confront my phobias and grow from these experiences. My journey in understanding and overcoming height anxiety and peer pressure has led me to engage in more daring activities, proving that facing fears is a path to personal growth.