The Easiest Water Sports To Get Into
Here at Mailsports we love all things water, whether we are in it, on it, looking at it or drinking it and one of our favourite things to do is play in it.However, we understand that the world of water sports is as deep and mysterious as the oceans themselves, so we’ve put together this handy guide to help you get into some basic water sports. The criteria for this list is that the sport requires only a basic competency in swimming to start it, it requires no additional gear and can be done in any body of water you can swim in safely. We hope one of these is for you, or if not, stay tuned for our upcoming articles on intermediate and advanced water sports, including pentathlons and underwater wrestling.
What Are The Easiest Water Sports To Get Into?
1. Diving
One of the most popular Olympic sports for spectators, diving is something that’s really easy to dive into, so tops our list. Start on a surface flat to the water, then step up to a 1 metre springboard, incrementally working your way up to the Olympic 10 metre platform, or beyond to cliff diving. As the heights rise so will the risks and even on a flat dive, you must be careful to dive correctly. Make sure the water is deep enough first, read up on diving techniques here and before you know it you’ll be doing triple spinning back flips through flaming hoops, or at least be confident jumping into any pool.
2. Swimming
We couldn’t write this list without mentioning swimming. All water sports descended from the ancient art of pushing your body through the water. There are many types of swimming, from open water to competitive lap-based races, but the basic version is accessible to everyone and if you don’t know how to swim, most people can learn in a few one hour lessons at their local pool. Check out this introduction to swimming for more information.
3. Water Aerobics
Buoyancy makes objects feel lighter in water, however the increased resistance of moving yourself through water, compared to air, can make your limbs feel heavier. These differences make aerobics, the rhythmic exercises aimed at improving all fitness elements (flexibility, strength, cardiovascular endurance), more challenging when performed in the water. The water makes this a form of resistance training, which puts more strain on the body and pumps more blood to the heart, which some argue make it more effective than land based aerobics. You can do this on your own, but you’ll probably want to try an instructor-led water aerobics class, sometimes themed as yoga or Zumba, with music. Check out more information on water aerobics here.
4. Aqua Jogging
Sometimes classed as a form of water aerobics, aqua jogging utilises the same challenges of buoyancy and water resistance but with the addition of moving, rather than standing still, to exercise. Participants run in deep water, often with a floatation device or weights to make it easier or harder. This is great training for all kinds of running, because it exercises the same muscles, and is often used in physiotherapy to ease peoples legs back into action after accidents or surgery. Find out more information on aqua jogging here.
5. Synchronised Swimming (Also Called Artistic Swimming)
Combining all the fun of swimming, dance and gymnastics with music and jazzy swimsuits, synchronised swimming involves one on more person moving in synchronisation with music. Unless you are confident enough to go to the local pool with waterproof headphones on and start dancing like nobody’s watching, or have your own pool to practice privately, you will want to join or form a group that books space at the local pool to practice. Getting involved in competitions isn’t necessary but can provide an interesting and fun dimension to this unique hobby, which will certainly make you stand out from the crowd. Check out this guide if you are really interested in getting into synchronised swimming.