In reply to jkarran:
> Probably best just to have a go see how you get on with it. Start out somewhere non-intimidating.
I think the OPs doing that already, which is probably the right way forward.
> I've long suffered jelly legs at significant heights. I'm fine if I know I can't fall to my death, in the case of climbing usually a rope that will stop me. It's only semi rational, working safely keeps it under control but does mean I've never been able to solo safely or enjoy it.
I think that applies to the vast majority of people. Fear can be controlled to an extent, but that doesn't mean it's 'conquered'.
For me it's a cost/benefit thing. How much do the benefits of doing something genuinely 'frightening', (as opposed to being a bit nervous beforehand), outweigh both the potential consequences and also the level of fear experienced throughout the activity?
For example I could start getting into increasingly violent confrontations with strangers to become feared as the local 'hard man' who's able to overcome his fear of getting a kicking and intimidate everyone in the pub. Some people do that and enjoy it. I'd rather avoid being in that situation in the first place.
My question to the OP would be 'do you really want to do this in the first place?', as I've met a fair few people who I'm convinced don't actually enjoy whatever 'adventurous' activity they've taken up, they've just bought into the perceived 'coolness' or lifestyle.
If the OPs answer is yes, then I think he's going about it the right way by gradually increasing his comfort zone, as there's no magic 'cure' for fear IMHO.
Post edited at 12:22