The Joy Of Water Sports
“Believe me my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” So says Ratty to Mole in Kenneth Grahame’s classic novel ‘The Wind in the Willows’ and it is true. In fact, the health benefits of water sports are immense – both physically and mentally.
What are the health benefits of water sports?
Taking to the water in canoes, kayaks, paddleboards or even just simply swimming has been proven to:
- Provide a total body workout for all the major muscle groups. (especially when you fall out and have to get back in! Like I have done a few times!)
- Increase stamina and endurance due to anaerobic and aerobic exercise
- Improve mental health and decrease stress hormones. The benefits increase if the exercise is outdoors! Wild swimming: discover the health benefits of the open water | happiness.com
- Ease aching joints. Certain water sports, including swimming, are great for those with arthritis as you mobilise joints with little impact. (Hydrotherapy is a great option for rheumatoid arthritis)
- Help bone density and strength, making it particularly good for preventing or managing osteoporosis.
- Reduce your risk of heart attack by improving lung and heart function. Even just floating in the water can help with blood pressure and circulation.
- Manage your heat exposure. Whilst you can enjoy water sports all year round with the right equipment or indoor facilities, water sports are particularly beneficial on hot days to reduce your body temperature. Peri-menopausal and menopausal women will also enjoy the health benefits of water sports with the added bonus of reducing the effects of hot sweats.
- Work for different body types. Whilst weight may be a concern with certain land based exercise, many water sports are safer as weight is suspended in the water, which allows you to push yourself further physically than you could on land.
As with any sport, preparation is key to preventing injuries and getting the maximum health benefits from your water sport.
Stretch before and after any exercise. Here are some great warm up stretches for paddlesports:
Stretch Routine For Paddlers With Benny Marr (Shoulder Stretches For Kayakers)
Paddle Sports UK also have a 4 part exercise routine for paddlers of any discipline.
If you are new to a particular water sport, it is always helpful to do some research before you begin.
Or join a local group for training such as these classes at Cultus Lake in BC Instruction Text 1 — CCE Paddling Club (and they run kids clubs too). Classes are a great way to exercise and socialise with like-minded people, which helps the feel-good hormones all the more!
I have also included some links to some good guides for a few of the more popular sports to try. Check these out below:
How to Kayak: A Beginners Guide | REI Expert Advice
The Beginner’s Guide To Canoeing
Open-Water Swimming: A Beginners Guide
Living in Canada means we have a multitude of lakes, rivers and coastline to choose from and I am sure my readers from around the world will be equally fortunate but, if not, try a water sport on holiday. Talk to locals about safe spots to swim or paddle, check out local tourist offices and rent the equipment to give it a go first. There are also lots of second hand items in local shops and online marketplaces for a cost effective way to get into a new sport.
There are more extreme water sports out there for the more competitive of you. Kite-surfing, wake-boarding and coasteering or cliff jumping (please be very careful if you try this!) are great to try for a more challenging time in the water. You can find more information about these sports online.
What’s more, messing about in water is a great activity the whole family can do together. All generations can enjoy time, exercise and companionship in one place. That is good for the body, the heart and the mind and that is always a win in my book!
Remember to pack your P3 cream in your waterproof bag for pain-relief at your fingertips. You can apply it as part of your warm up routine and re-apply as necessary, throughout the day. The natural oils and water based formula means it is quickly absorbed by your skin and has minimal impact on the environment. It is also perfect for easing aching muscles at the end of the day.
Our P3 Calm with added lavender is also a pretty good insect repellent, so we’ve been told in reviews, so that’s a benefit for a day by a lake. Please note: applying P3 cream before you go into the water will accentuate the cool feeling… be aware. Some people use it when cold plunging if the water isn’t cold enough!
As always, I encourage you to live a life you love. Use our P3 cream to help you get back to the activities you’ve been missing or get inspired to try something new. I’d love to hear what you do this summer.
Best wishes
