4 Water Sport Ideas For Fitness Lovers
If you are a massive lover of fitness yet bored with traditional methods of working out, such as running or heading to the gym, then my latest post could be the answer. It suggests a number of ways you can keep fit with water sports. Carry on reading for more.
Rather than being stuck inside lifting weights or tirelessly re-treading the same steps during your cardio sessions around the park or the city streets, trying new things (especially outdoors) can be a huge benefit for your body and mind.
Water sports allow you to get fit while providing an exhilarating adventure. They allow you to enjoy new experiences outdoors that deliver an adrenaline rush and a physical challenge, all with a background of a beautiful waterscape. There are many varied water-based fitness hobbies you can take up in the great outdoors, which I will list in the following points.
Wild Swimming
Wild swimming is a sport that, in recent years, has gained popularity, with swimmers finding unique water spots they have found to take a dip. These are often private areas of nature that allow for freedom and personal space from the bustling modern world.
Even though there are currently no laws focusing on wild swimming, you still need to be careful when choosing an area of open water (as private property is restricted, illegal and can end up slapping you a fine). That said, it is a fantastic experience if you love to swim and want to incorporate thrilling new ways to enjoy aquatic activities. It offers you a unique method of connecting with nature’s open water that is both liberating and peaceful.
Paddle Boarding
Another water sport growing in popularity with the swimming community is paddle boarding. This pastime involves traversing the water on a board and using a paddle to propel yourself forward. It can be tackled in a number of ways, standing, sitting, or kneeling (depending on your preference).
Paddle boarding is a sport that allows you to navigate nature’s water at your own pace, taking in the stunning beauty of your surroundings and drifting slowly through tranquil open water. However, if peaceful escapes are not your thing, you can easily head to areas famed for rough waters. You will challenge yourself against strong currents and test your coordination skills and balance.
Plus, you need very little to get started – just a paddle board, paddle, and a flotation device for yourself and a companion (perhaps your water-loving dog!).
Scuba Diving
Rather than limit yourself to adventures above the surface, why not discover all the sights and sounds under the sea by choosing scuba diving as your chosen aquatic sport? You can explore the beauty of aquatic wildlife found only below the waves and their often magical-looking natural habitats. Remember, safety first, as diving in shallow water isn’t recommended (or even possible), so stick to deeper bodies of water.
There are hundreds of areas to scuba dive in – from rivers, lakes, and seas around the UK, across Europe, and even around the world. You will be able to get up close and personal with amazing fish life, coral reefs and even shipwrecks, all available to experience if you take up scuba diving as a hobby.
Surfing
Surfing can be an extremely fun water sport to integrate into your fitness regime. Whether you are lucky enough to live close to the coasts or need to travel further afield, there are numerous beaches in the UK suitable for surfing (especially in the southwest of England). Beyond our borders, across the oceans around the world, you will find even more fabulous beaches perfect for surfing, too.
If you want to take lessons and no surf schools near your beach destination, book a few classes with a local water sports centre before you hit the open water.
After a short while, you will be able to bring your Patrick Swayze Point Break dreams to life (maybe without the bank robberies!) – you can even rent equipment while you are learning (only taking the plunge and investing in your own items if you enjoy the sport and want to make it a permanent pastime).
Will you be looking to start down the road of water sports to brighten up your fitness game soon? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
