Nowadays, people are so busy in their everyday routine and hectic life that they don't get time to enjoy the true essence of life. We live in cities, far away from the beauty of nature. It is obvious to feel stressed and sick in this environment. Even doctors and consultants suggest taking 6-7 days off from your busy life and exploring new edges of life, and what would be the best than water sports in this case?
Sports, in general, are the collection of vast number of activities which require physical, mental and social skills. It provides an enormous amount of benefits to a person such as competitive spirit, team spirit, physical fitness, and mental wellbeing etc. Water sports are sports being played on, in or near water bodies. Water fascinates us. But the choices differ; many of us like quiet and smooth waters, others like bumpy and convoluted waves. Thus, water becomes an excellent sports avenue where you are exposed to the thrill and serenity of life. Want vacations filled with thrill, adventure, fun, action, excitement and relaxation at the same time, then, here's your guide to different kinds of water sports.
Individual Water Sports
These are the sports played or performed by a person alone, compelling him/her to do his best. These sports need different skills, but overall, require strength, stamina, determination and desire to excel, i.e., competitive spirit. Some of the games are listed below-
SWIMMING – It is an outstanding sport which uses full-body parts of the body and mind. It is a very effective method to reduce calories with increasing stamina and strengthen the body. Your heart pounds, your muscles contract, your lungs tighten up! A few minutes later, you move beyond that initial hump of shock and float into a world where swimming is as comfortable as walking. Swimming helps you stay awake, focused and alert.
SURFING – In this, you need to ride on the board and whirl with the waves, facing them and being carried to the shore. Oceans and seas are the advisable places to do this. There are several types of surfing, such as Windsurfing which does resemble surfing but is more aligned with sailing. Windsurfers are sometimes called sailors because their rules are similar to sailing race rules. Another such type of surfing is Kite surfing, using a big kite and aboard. You stand on the board holding the kite and glide through the waves. It can be performed in easy as well as bumpy waters. Learn the basics; then you can try different tricks, stances and what not!
BODYBOARDING- Bodyboarding is one of the oldest forms of surf craft riding also commonly known as boogie-boarding due to invention of "Boogie Board" by Tom Morey. The technique is similar to surfing, but here, you lie down on your belly and glide through the waves. The best bodyboards to use here depends on your physique. When you go to the shoreline and play in the water, bodyboard makes the sea considerably more charming. Bodyboard enables you to float over the waves in the sea, enabling you to have some good times in the water. Most companies produce bodyboards which are all much the same. If you want the best bodyboard which fits your size and weight, you should look to get a custom made. Some of the brands which have got high ratings and you can trust are Surf Zone Rides LLC, Own the Wave Beach, Bo-Toys Bodyboards, Younger Super Bodyboards, Morey etc.
CLIFF DIVING – Imagine, how forgiving falling in the water is on your body. Falling from 15 foot waves and surviving the impact with no bruises. With water being 800 times denser than air and the fact there is little impact on your body when moving in water; your joints will tend to last longer than sports such as running. Enjoyed? Go for cliff diving. Here, you experience gravity at its best, falling from a height into the water. You can try the diverse landscapes on earth for this.
Some other individual water sports include- Triathlon, Jet Skiing, Paddle Boarding, etc.
Team water sports
Have fun-loving people around you with same nature and enthusiasm? Then you need a group game. You need unity, equity and spontaneity to win here. Some of the team water sports are:-
WATER POLO – This game entangles two teams who struggle to post goals. It is much like, football in the water. The teams have seven players each, and the game is divided into four quarters. It is a fuzzy and exhausting game.
ROWING – Here, you push the boat with oars generating a force to move forward. It is as simple as what we call boating.
RAFTING – Here, you steer along the waterbody, usually along waterfalls by using an air-filled raft. It has several grades of difficulty according to the presence of rapids which evolve due to the river's height, rocks etc.; It is usually done under professional guidance, the right training, appropriate equipment and safety precautions. You will experience goose bumps for sure!
KAYAKING – In this activity, you sit on a kayak wearing a lifejacket, helmet and row along the water using a double-bladed oar enabling you to row faster.
Some other team water sports include: - Yachting, Power Boating, Canoeing, Dragon Boat Racing etc.
Recreational Water Sports
Want a kick in life? Want some spice, entertainment and joy? If you are in the water to have fun, then these sports will help you relax, relieve stress and get refreshed.
SCUBA DIVING - Imagine, a sense of deep relaxation takes over when you are underwater. When you breathe and move through the waters hearing an ambient noise if the marine life around. It is a perfect opportunity to experience the bliss that has no strings attached, as it is being given by nature in its purest form. The marine life swimming alongside will make you feel comfortable in a world that is alien to yours. Their energy sway and gesture will leave a mark in your memory. Enjoyed? Go scuba diving.
PARASAILING – Here you are tucked behind a strong motorboat, along with a parachute behind your back. It is thrilling, exhilarating activity. The boat drives off, carrying the person into the air. Two or three people can parasail at the same time if the boat is powerful enough.
FISHING – If you feel lazy and want a relaxing activity then you can go for fishing. You can sit for hours, catch fish and enjoy them for dinner.
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY – It is usually done along with scuba diving, free diving, cave diving, etc. You can take photographs while exploring the underwater world. There is no limit to this. You can enjoy it as per your choice.
Some more recreational water sports which you can try are: - Spear-fishing, Barefoot skiing, Free Diving, Cave Diving etc.
This was your guide to water sports. Now grab your bag, and go have water-filled holidays.