How can i become comfortable in deep ocean water?

I agree with the other guy, not feeling the bottom is far far better than coral scraping against your leg. It also means you won't hit the bottom when you stack. To get over the deep water fear, take a mate out with you. Talk to him and concentrate on the waves. This should take your mind off it. Maybe diving down and touching it could help too...? Practise duckdiving (I won't detail it here, but just google (oops yahoo:) it) so you can "duck" under the whitewater. If you can't duckdive it, get off your board and swim under it. You will get under it, no worries, but check there is no-one behind you or your board could smack into them. As to bodyboarding, it does feel less dangerous, so that could be good too. Good luck, and don't give up, its the best thing you'll ever do!