When was the last time you went swimming? In fact, when was the last time you learned how to swim? Did you know that 56% of swimmers know how to perform the basic skills to save their own lives in the water, which means that 44% of people do not? Swimming and watersports go hand-in-hand. When you are heading out on the water on your next vacation, you need to know that you could look after yourself. It doesn’t matter how old you are, learning to swim could save your life and all the lives of someone else around you.

It is all well and good to go on vacation and enjoy yourself on the beach, but wouldn’t you get the itch to hire the best fishing kayaks and get out there? Trying watersports may not be or something on your bucket list, but absolutely should be. If you’re stuck as to why, here are all the reasons you should try watersports on your next vacation.

• Everybody can get involved. When you’re on a vacation with family, it can often be difficult to find activities that everybody can enjoy. However, watersports are for everybody. It doesn’t matter whether you’re recreational swimming or you’re deciding to go wakeboarding, everybody can blow off some steam. The kids especially will have less fear than you will, so it’s a great time to get them incorporated into a new hobby in the water and help them to learn to swim.
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• It’s really good exercise. With the resistance of water, your body is going to work the core muscles and really burn off some calories. Good way to exercise your entire body while you have fun is with stand-up paddle boarding. Swimming is also a great workout, but if you’re having fun with the family you are less likely to be swimming lengths are more likely to be doing dive bombs into the water. Turning to swimming gives you a low impact activity to engage your entire core and work both your legs and your upper body.
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• It’s great for the seniors in the group. If you’re going on a large family holiday with grandparents and all the family members, water sports are a great way to get everybody involved together and nobody feels left out. The reason that water sports are so good for those with achy joints is because things like swimming and hydrotherapy are supportive of achy joints. Sure, they may want to be kayaked around rather than doing the workout, but hey, it’s a great way to have fun.
• You’re going to improve your mental health. The whole point of a vacation is to get out of your own head and relax for a change, and swimming and being in the water is not just about staying in physical shape. Imagine finally being able to stand up on a surfboard for the first time. Consider the feeling you’re going to have inside you when you have kayaked for the first time. These are exciting things to happen to you, so why not improve your mental health on the water?
• It doesn’t matter when you go. The beauty of watersports is that they are there year-round. Sure, some people prefer to stick to summer sports rather than do it in the winter. Given the temperature, all you need to do is skin up in a new wetsuit and you’ll be fine. You can also enjoy watersports in indoor facilities, so if you love to dive for example, find your local Olympic swimming pool with diving boards.
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• You feel completely liberated. Whether you are swimming, paddle boarding or learning how to surf, you are going to experience a sense of freedom like nothing else. When you go sailing in untouched areas you can relax and enjoy the discovery. So many people love to kite surf purely because it’s a way to overcome different winds and waves and it’s a challenge.
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• It’s a good way to burn off excess adrenaline. Watersports push you to your limit, and that means you’ll be able to burn off a huge amount of excess adrenaline just by signing up to the next round of sailing lessons. Because they have great options for anaerobic and aerobic exercise you’re going to increase your stamina and make sure that your excess adrenaline is burning through you.

It doesn’t matter what watersports you choose to do, there are always options for you. Take yourself out onto the water and see what feels the best.