I’m not a huge roller coaster guy, so I actually hadn’t gone on any rides during all of my adult life until I recently visited Linnanmäki while travelling in Finland.

I tried all the rides, but I was seriously scared for my life during a few of them, especially Ukko (someone else’s POV video).

Rationally I realize that these rides must be designed in such a way that it’s impossible to fall out even when hanging upside down, but I clearly remember feeling that if I relax my body and stop holding on for dear life, I will definitely fall out.

For people who go on rides more often, do you manage to overcome this feeling and actually relax your muscles while you’re on a ride?

  • GandalfDG@beehaw.orgEnglish
    3·
    1 year ago

    It depends on the ride. On something smooth and comfortable like a B&M hyper I can definitely relax. For example, Candymonium at Hersheypark is a great ride to practically ragdoll on. Also, putting hands up is a good start even if you’re tensed up. When you realize on some level that holding on isn’t doing anything but letting you tense your muscles unnecessarily you’ll start to feel more freedom on rides. Also, as you become more familiar with ride forces, you can better predict how upcoming elements will feel and you can brace for them in a more relaxed way, rather than trying to stay totally rigid in your seat

    Not a coaster, but on an S&S screamin’ swing I notice that I tense up totally involuntarily. Something to do with the amount of airtime and the feeling of the restraint. It really depends on the ride.

  • Chadteeka@lemm.eeEnglish
    2·
    11 months ago

    Yeah man. If you hold on to whatever you’re essentially negating the forces. I pretty much go full limp ragdoll mode. (except for holding my hands up). Wooden coasters that are a little more textured I will hold on, but for the majority of rides yes.

  • IntegrationLabGod@lemm.eeEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    It’s easier to relax when going faster vs hanging upside down like in that POV. I tense up when hanging upside down but otherwise I’m relaxed on rides.

  • choquel@lemm.eeEnglish
    0·
    1 year ago

    Orion, Nitro, and Diamondback are three rollercoasters I find so relaxing I actually could fall asleep in them if they were longer. What these rides have in common is that they are steel, with long undulating non-inverting layouts, and are made by Bollinger & Mabillard. The rocking motion instantly relaxes my body and makes me drowsy. Some might even say these rides are Boring & Mild :)