Q&A for How to Be Brave on Your First Big Roller Coaster

It's normal to feel like someone punched you in the stomach, but try to take deep breaths and look straight.

Screaming can release tension while you are on the coaster, but it doesn't help everyone. Laughing also does the same thing.

First, go up to the roller coaster and look at the drop. Take deep breaths and imagine yourself up there, then if you feel fine, go in the line and wait. Look at other people's emotions and see if they're happy, sad, angry, scared etc. Look at mostly the happy people and try to act like them. If you fake being happy then it's most likely to go away. Also, look at the scared people and realize that they're scared too, but they're facing their fears. Once you get up to the roller coaster, take a deep breath and walk over to the roller coaster and just get in, don't think. Close your eyes while the worker buckles you up, close your eyes while going up the hill, then scream while going down.

If you're on your period, you will generally continue to bleed whatever you're doing. If you're worried about leaking, that won't happen as long as you're wearing a pad or tampon and change it regularly.

Yes, like the California Screamin. Technically, though, it launches very quickly and you'll get rid of the feeling quickly.

First, try to relax. Take a deep breath and calm your nerves. Don't think about how scary it's going to be, think about how fun and how proud of yourself you will be when you get off the ride.

A good way to overcome the fear is to ask someone who has been on the ride how their experience was, especially as it has some unusual aspects to it. If you still feel afraid, remember you can always go on a ride that is the same size but is a more conventional roller coaster.

Stay calm and enjoy it. Once you get off the ride, you get automatic bragging rights.

Remember that your aunt hated roller coasters and loved it, so it's probably not that bad. Also, just think how you can show off and tell stories later.

Go on the small rides first, and then work your way up to the big ones. The small rides will prepare you for what's coming on the bigger ones without feeling scary.

Try to open your eyes, because if you can see what's coming, you'll automatically brace yourself. If you close your eyes, the loop may surprise you and make you feel worse.

Don't close your eyes, as it makes it worse. You can focus on one specific spot to look at while you're riding, or ride with a trusted adult to ease your fears.

Just think about the fun of it. Of course it is scary, it is designed to be, but you will feel a rush of adrenaline after you ride it.

As long as the person running the ride does not tell you that you must hold onto a bar, handle, safety straps, etc., it's perfectly fine to hold someone's hand.

Try to face your fears. Close your eyes and pretend to be laying in bed, and soon enough the launch will be over.

Bring someone with you who can force you to get on the ride -- you'll feel far better when you're on there since your nerves will be overtaken with adrenaline and excitement. I would keep an eye out for the nearest trashcan or restroom just in case, though.

Know that it will be okay and just relax. Take slow, deep breaths to prepare yourself. It's normal to have butterflies, just keep telling yourself that the ride is perfectly safe and you're going to be fine. Remember, roller coasters are supposed to be fun!

Try going on easier rides before you on the big one. Once you get on, your jitters will go away easily and you'll have fun.

It depends on how you are feeling! I’d say around 2 hours if you really want to go on your first rollercoaster with a loop or up-side down element. Maybe start out with a few small wooden coasters, then some medium ones, and lastly the big steel ones. You can also watch videos from the rider’s POV online, which is very helpful in deciding which rides you want to go on.

It can happen, but it's extremely rare, and almost every incident happens only because a rider didn't follow the safety precautions. The park tries their hardest to prevent this, but some riders just don't follow the rules. As long as you have functioning arms and legs, meet the height requirements, and do not have any condition that could be a problem and can follow all rules that are in place, feel free to ride!

Find someone you talk to in the queue line. If you're too busy goofing around with other people in line, you'll help ease your tension. If someone has ridden it before, you can ask what the person likes most about it. If you feel uncomfortable talking, watch the ride. Usually you'll find that you feel braver when you know what you're in for.

When you are in the line, look at all the people smiling when they get off the ride, and say to yourself, I will be okay, and I will get off of this ride okay and smiling just like them.

Smile when you get seated, and if someone is sitting next to you, ask them if you can hold their hand. Also, you could say to yourself: "I am smiling right now, I will be smiling when I get off."

Watch videos of the ride before riding it. Watching the ride on YouTube helps because you will know what you are going to ride and you can prepare yourself for it. Also the coaster is probably not as intense as it looks. Just get on with a positive attitude and it’s only one minute of your life.