Vertical caving terminology and methods > Pitches and potholes, general terms
A fear, often quite intense, experienced when close to a drop, or hanging over a pitch. Can result in extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Fear of heights may seem rational since heights are a significant hazard, however it often manifests in an irrational manner. Sufferers may continue to experience extreme fear even once all precautions have been taken to mitigate the hazards. The effect can be amplified by exposed pitches, free-hanging pitches, surface shafts, bounce, echoes and loud noises. Sufferers may find some situations less intimidating even though they are more risky, and vice versa. This fear can cause irrational behaviour, and can be a hazard itself. Not to be confused with a healthy respect for heights, which is a positive thing. (Not to be confused with vertigo, which is a dizziness created by a sensation of movement.)
<< Hazard | Fall, freefall, plummet, plunge, peel off (a climb), thrown off (a climb), slide (down a climb), slip (off a climb), lost footing, lost grip, topple (off), tumble, come a cropper, bounced (off the ground), decked, cratered, come down hard, take a spill, leap off (a tall drop), swept off, swept over, knocked down, impact test, rapid descent, uncontrolled descent >>
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