If you want in on one of the best-kept sporting secrets: GO SAILING. The water offers so many super fun opportunities, and sailing should be recognized as one of the finest. Sailing can be exactly what you want or need it to be. Want to find serenity? Check. Want to be crazy competitive? Also, check.
Read on to find out more about the benefits of sailing and why it is simply wonderful.
We could stop at just cruising on the water as the biggest upside of sailing, but when there are so many more, why stop there? Not only does sailing offer superior physical benefits, but the mental and therapeutic benefits are just as great. It is considered a high-intensity sport, and rightly so. The hiking and balance alone are an incredible workout and amazing functional training that can translate into your day-to-day life. You learn to be spatially aware, to care for yours/others’ boats, and keep yourself and everyone around you safe-no capsizing here!
The Blue Mind Theory is research-backed (so it must be true) and is where visual and auditory stimuli from the benign environment around water have a calming effect on your body. Well, duh! I think we can all agree that this is true. The theory gets deeper than the obvious, suggesting that the sounds of the waves and other inputs like the reflection of light on the water tell the brain to turn on the part of the nervous system that allows your body to save energy and relax.
In our typical day-to-day mode, we have tons of stimulation coming at us that keep us in survival or “fight or flight” mode, which is a different part of the nervous system. By flipping the switch, it provides a wonderful counter-balance. Going one “knot” further, when you are on the water, it’s been shown that heart rate and blood pressure decrease, and breathing and digestion improve. Go for a sail and test the theory.
Similar to other outdoor sports like hunting or fishing, you have to be all-in when sailing. It completely takes over every system and grounds you one hundred percent in the moment. The concentration and complex strategic thinking sailing requires actually promotes neuroplasticity, the idea that the brain can reorganize and “re-wire,” in this case, in a good way. You get these benefits even when leisurely sailing, and as an added bonus, sailing will throw in the most beautiful seascapes and awesome adventures.
The diversity and holistic nature of sailing is an incredibly special find in this day and age. There are so many different types of boats and options that you can embrace to get on the water. If you are more of a solo act, sailing is for you. If you are an extreme extrovert, there are huge boats that require a ton of people and constant communication. Not only is it fun, but adaptable.
How to get started today? A quick search for your local yacht club should do the trick. Many have beginner sailing classes or ways to get involved. There is fun lingo to learn, such as boom, jib, spinnaker, starboard, or port. Do not worry, you will catch on quickly, and your big brain and beautiful body will thank you. An activity for the whole family to enjoy. Get out, grab a line, and go.
