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From speedboating to sailing, boating has become one of the most popular water sports activities. All over the world, people are spending more and more time on the water for a whole host of reasons. Whether it’s relaxation or skill development, boating can be a positive influence on your life. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why boating is so popular, and hopefully inspire you to get out on the water too!
1. Relaxation and Distraction
If you’re keen to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, what better place to be than out on the water? Time spent on board is time away from your day job or on-shore responsibilities, giving you a chance to recharge your batteries. And there’s science behind it too.
According to Wallace J. Nichols, author of Blue Mind, ‘the mere sight and sound of water promote wellness by lowering cortisol, increasing serotonin, and inducing relaxation.’ With that being said, take the plunge and leave your phone on shore for a while – those emails can wait while the water beckons!
2. Fun for the Friends and Family
As a chance to get fresh air while spending time with friends and family, there are few activities that measure up to boating. Enjoying time out on the water allows bonds to be formed among family members and friends as you work together to keep afloat. Onboard tasks such as rope coiling or steering can be split between people, encouraging collaboration and teamwork — always an excellent cure for sibling rivalry! What’s more, children can learn basic skills like map reading while in a safe, family environment.
3. A Greater Appreciation for Nature
You might think that seeing your local area from a new perspective is impossible — but not for boaties. While out on the water, you can see the sights previously familiar to you from a whole new angle. Boating often leads people to develop a greater appreciation for their local natural spots along the coast as they experience them differently while afloat. Being aware of your surroundings has never been easier than at sea, as you are forced to focus on the present moment and indulge your senses with the sea air’s smells, tastes, and sounds.
4. Every Trip is Different
No two boat trips are the same. Be it the weather, the location, or the company, every boat ride is unique. The level of variety in boating is what keeps bringing people back. Unlike other types of exercise that can become repetitive quickly, it is rare that people tire of boating due to the endless possibilities. If you’re looking for a new boating location, check out our blog post for 5 Lesser-Known Boating Spots.
5. Boating Community
While boating solo is common, there is nothing quite like the boating community. Whether it is online forums or in-person clubs, boat life comes with a strong social aspect. For boaties, the calendar is always jam-packed with events like Regattas, Yacht Races, or simply weekly meetups at the local harbour. There is never a dull or lonely moment when boating, which is why it can be great for people who are looking to make friends or develop their social confidence. Check out our Facebook to meet more like-minded boating enthusiasts.
6. Exercise
Though it seems obvious, boating is an excellent form of exercise. Depending on your abilities and interests, boating can be anything from leisurely to fast-paced and highly physically challenging! It is no wonder that rowing machines are so popular at the gym – operating a boat is great for your physical fitness. Engaging all the main muscle groups, boating is fantastic for your cardiovascular health.
7. Develop Skills
Lastly, whether you’re a novice or a boating world champion, there is always something to learn. From rope skills to all the technical sailing jargon, the boating lifestyle is accompanied by a unique and constantly evolving skill set. If you are keen to learn more about boating, check out our blog post about the Top 5 Apps for Boating Enthusiasts.
