No doubt things could get fatal real quick. I don't want to dispute that fact at all.
But one thing I really enjoy is being by myself at one with what I'm doing in nature. I loved to mountain bike by myself and I loved to surf by myself. There were frequently people around but not with me. I like to be able to focus on what I'm doing and on nature and be absorbed in it without being distracted by people I am with or by my ego wanting to perform, etc...I don't like being watched. I think all of this is distracting. And actually feel much safer on my own in many ways because of that factor. Being able to concentrate without distractions, on my own time, patiently taking time for things.
But I do want to understand the risks. I have learned that the worst risks are those that are not understood and therefore not mitigated. I learned the safety stuff in my lesson in the outer banks...so I know the basics. I also did a little reading and understand about getting tangled in the line...and now have a line cutter on my vest. I also understand that lots of injuries have happened from gusts taking riders into rocks or other land obstacles and I plan to stay way clear of things and people.
I have, since I was young, loved to go out in the ocean past all of the breakers, and hang out. I would beg my parents to stay at the beach until the life guards left so I could...since they were always blowing their whistles at me.
I am a strong swimmer and very much in shape. I have a vest and have much experience with rips and getting out of them. I have no fears about being out in deep water and getting back in. Plus water death is one of the best ways to go they say!
I want to understand what other issues I should be concerned about and how to handle them. One of the biggest things is not to panic and knowing what the risks are and how to handle them is a great way to avoid a panic situation and save a life.