The Benefits of Watersports

  As we enter the summer months, it seems like an ideal time to look into the benefits of water sports! 

 

Water sports can cover a huge range of activities, including swimming, water polo, motor boat racing, water skiing, and, of course paddle sports, such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. 

 

I will mainly focus on paddle sports for this article.

Any activity which involves using a paddle to make water craft move, is classed as a paddle sport. 

 

Paddle sports has numerous health and fitness benefits, which means it can be used instead of the gym for many.

• Weight loss - As a full body exercise numerous benefits and adaptations contribute towards long term weight loss. 
• Cardiovascular fitness - Your heart can get a great workout from paddle sports. 
• Muscular Endurance - Your muscles will be able to maintain work for a longer period after time.
• Muscular Strength and Size - Complete some circuit training, yoga, or stretching to benefit your gym based goals.  
• Balance - A scientific study has shown that canoeists experience much better balance, both due to improved stability and familiarisation with being unstable. 
• Mental Health - Exercise itself, and many of the benefits of paddle sport can contribute towards improved mental health.  

 

Typically, paddle sports are done in an outside environment, like a lake, river or sea. This lends paddle sports to a huge range of benefits from just being outdoors (see my previous post on outdoor training for more details): 

• Increased sunlight - Great to improve mood and get your daily dose of Vitamin D. 
• Fresh Air - Especially as you are often nowhere near roads and other air pollutants.
• Hot and Cold - No matter the weather, your body has to work harder to maintain temperature, especially if you get wet. 
• Unpredictability - As well planned as you can be, it is always possible for an unexpected change in conditions - maybe there are more waves or a stronger wind. This can be very dangerous, however it can also make your session much harder, making you burn more calories. Check out some safety tips below to help you stay safe. 
• Water conditions - The colder water can have benefits for body and mind if you fall in! Be aware of cold water shock, hypothermia, after drop and other water based hazards though!  

 

One of the best benefits is variability. Variability can stop you getting bored, and even motivate you to reach our goals. Within paddle sports we can vary: 

• Environment - Find a gentle scenic paddle, watch a sun set, battle some waves and currents, or even just stop off for a picnic. 
• Craft - You can swap out to kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or some other craft. Often, there are numerous types of each craft as well, typically for different purposes - for example, a fishing kayak is much more stable than a kayak designed for speed. 
• Using the Equipment - It is easy to switch up how we use the equipment. You could take a slow, continuous paddle, or short sprints with rest, or play games, or set up an exercise circuit, or even set challenges - like using only your hands. 

 

The most important benefit, largely caused by the variability, is the fun that can be had. Whether you are on your own, with a small group or a large group, there are loads of ways to  make paddle sports more fun.

• Games - there are many games to play during paddle sports  - rafting, or Simon Says, or hide and seek, or tag.  
• Relax - Sunbathe, meditate, enjoy the peace, have a picnic. 
• Chat - Have a chat while paddling - its much easier to chat in peace than in a gym or restaurant. 
• Escape - Leave work and the world behind as you venture onto the water. 

 

 

It is important to remember that water sports can be dangerous. Check out some of these safety tips:

• Use a safe venue to practice your skills and learn your limits. 
• Use the relevant equipment - buoyancy aids, wetsuit, rain coat, hats, sun block, leashes.  
• Make sure someone knows where you are, and when to expect to hear from .you. 
• Take a phone, and keep it in a waterproof case so it doesn't get wet - and make sure it is attached to you so you can't lose it. 
• Check out some other equipment for requesting help, such as flares or personal locator beacon or radios. 
• Check the weather and tide times. 

My personal favourite for all water sports:

 

If in doubt, stay out. 

 

For more safety advice check out the RNLI's safety advice here! 

 

So, lets get out on the water safely and have fun!