If you’ve ever stepped on a boat, it’s likely you’ve experienced that shot of freedom and relaxation as you pulled away from the mainland.
Well according to recent studies, it’s not just in your head. Cruising the open water, feeling the fresh breeze, and listening to the sound of the crashing waves—whether you’re boating and just hanging on the shore—is proven to have health benefits.
Indulging in your favorite pastime And boosting your wellbeing? Win-win. And on the off chance you haven’t given boating a try, Here’s 5 reasons why you definitely should. For your health, of course.
1. Boating is the fastest way to slow down
Raise your hand if endless meetings, tight deadlines, extra hours, and being plugged in 24/7 are all part of your daily life. We hear you! Nowadays, most people are overworked, constantly connected to their devices, and struggling to find the right balance between their work and personal life. But once you’re on deck there are no meetings, no deadlines, and no rush hour. It's just you, fresh air, and water wherever you look—it’s like a remedy to modern life. Telling someone you’ve “gone boating” is like unplugging from the world on shore, leaving your worries—and hopefully your devices—behind, which in today's digital age is the ultimate luxury. Whether you're hitting the water for a whole weekend or just a few hours, boating is a great way to get away from it all and slow down with ease.
2. Boating helps you fall into a “Blue State of Mind”
Ever wondered why you feel so calm when strolling along a riverbank or playing in the ocean? Academics have confirmed what might be a no-brainer for every seafairer: being near, in, on, or under water provides all kinds of emotional and physical benefits. Scientist and marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols calls this effect “Blue Mind,” a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in that moment, which can be triggered by being close to water.It only makes sense that being on a boat is one of the best ways to tap into the wellness benefits of water. Let the sea set you free!
3. Boating reconnects you with nature
Boating might be one of the best ways to spend quality time outside, far away from traffic jams, office walls, and the kids arguing over the TV.Once you’ve stepped onboard and left the busyness ashore, you can dive into the overwhelming beauty of nature.Feeling the waves roll below you, letting the wind propel you toward the horizon, or wave-hopping with a little help from some horsepower. It’s a hell of a way to experience the most amazing sunsets and sunrises. Is there any better way to unwind and reconnect with the Earth than soaking up the stars from your deck-side sunlounger or an unexpected “hello” from a dolphin? We think not.
4. Boating turns family and friends into crews
It's no secret that work-life balance is increasingly hard to find and that spending quality time with friends and family is one of the best antidotes. With screens encroaching on every facet of our life, you know there are few activities that manage to bring us together the way boating does. And it's not just the threat of being thrown overboard. (Speaking of bickering kids...) Far away from Netflix and Wifi, you can truly reconnect with your favorite people without distraction. Enjoying some fun time together as a team, manning the boat and exploring the natural world, creates bonds and strengthens the family unit.
5. Boating, the first workout that doesn’t feel like a punishment
Does going to the gym make you feel like a hamster in a hamster wheel? Same.What about swapping the smell of stale sweat for sweet ocean spray? Boating is the best outdoor gym, mostly because it doesn’t feel like a workout at all.Just the act of balancing on a boat requires core activation and balance. You can take it up a notch with sports like water-skiing, diving, or wakeboarding. An afternoon sailing burns around 800 calories! Boating boosts your activity level without the drudgery of reps.
The Verdict: boating is good for your nerves, your waistline, and your family. “So you’re saying a day on the water is like a workout-therapy combo?” Something like that. We’re not doctor’s, but we are captains and what we can guarantee is it’s a blast!If you're still looking for the right health booster—otherwise referred to as a boat)—no worries, we got you covered.
