Boating, It’s Benefits For Families and Kids Of All Ages – Sharing, Learning, and Connecting Together
The world offers a myriad of activities for families to participate in, in fact it can be overwhelming trying to decide what will be worth your time and money. But if you’re looking for an activity that delivers rewards beyond just the enjoyment of the activity, try boating. Beyond the recreational experience of it, boating provides a plethora of benefits that foster stronger family connections, develop better communication skills, promote physical well-being, increase cognitive development, and make for lasting and unforgettable memories.
Nowadays, we spend a majority of our time indoors – estimated to be 90%! Even when we venture outside, it’s often with phone screens in our faces, and that’s not just adults anymore but more and more children as well. Modern life often does not give kids the freedom to spend much time outdoors freely exploring or away from their devices. Most researchers are in agreement that kids who play outside are less anxious and happier than kids who spend a lot of time indoors. More outdoor time is linked with children’s improved motor development, lower obesity rates, and diminished risk of nearsightedness. Studies show that time outside helps children feel more relaxed because they are focused on their external environment rather than on internal feelings.
Kids who play outdoors are also better at paying attention. Playing outside allows kids to develop agility, balance and coordination because they play in ways that challenge their muscles, bones and physical endurance. And boating offers the physical component of movement. They get to move their bodies, build muscle strength, coordination, and improve cardiovascular health while having fun. Learning new things outdoors and exploring promotes self-confidence, which can also help reduce feelings of anxiety in the long term.
No matter what your age, spending time on a boat has been shown to reduce stress levels and enhance mental well-being. The soothing effect of water, coupled with the tranquility and freedom of being on the open water, can provide a therapeutic escape from the pressures of daily life. Boating promotes relaxation, encourages mindfulness, and helps to alleviate anxiety. It offers a unique environment for individuals, couples, and families to unwind, recharge, and enjoy each other’s company, fostering a sense of harmony and balance. Also recreational boaters often spend hours exposed to natural sunlight which helps increase vitamin D levels much needed for good health – improved immune system functioning in adults along with stronger bones & teeth development in children!
Sailing, specifically, can be a great opportunity for children to develop valuable skills which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. It can help people of all ages foster teamwork and leadership skills through the process of learning sailing and also being in charge of the boat or a crew member. Sailing helps develop motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and confidence, both on and off the water. Boating in general requires learning about the vessel you are controlling, from rigging, which lines to pull and when, the feel of the boat in the water and any adjustments that need to made. As one becomes more comfortable in these tasks and skill levels increase fosters a sense of confidence. Whether sailing, rowing or fishing, teamwork is often a vital part of boating and learning to effectively communicate with peers is a vital skill that becomes increasingly important in life.
Boating can significantly boost self esteem and self confidence, and is also a great way to develop social skills. By committing to a task and seeing it through, the results are a tangible sense of reward and accomplishment. Learning to be responsible, communicate effectively, and practice cooperation and teamwork are invaluable skills in one’s life and interpersonal relationships. Effective communication is easily one of, if not the most important thing for healthy and rewarding relationships, so setting these foundations early in life gives children a massive head start when they inevitably enter and must find their way in the adult world. This benefit is for everyone – couples, families, friends or work groups can also still benefit massively from these same things regardless of age. Boating often involves teamwork, especially in activities when you are docking, sailing or maneuvering. Everyone learns to communicate, collaborate, and work together.
Besides the personal skills boating offers it also grounds kids in the natural beauty of the world that is so often taken for granted. Boating can introduce them to the rivers, lakes and oceans which are so essential to life on this planet. They can gain an appreciation and awareness for the marine life and biomes they are surrounded by and promote a caring attitude and consciousness towards conserving these environments on which so much life depends. It offers opportunities for children to explore marine ecosystems, observe wildlife, and learn about different species of fish, birds, and other aquatic creatures. This hands-on experience can cultivate their interest in marine life, conservation, and environmental stewardship as they learn about ecology, recycling, and protecting the natural world.
Boating introduces children to a world of adventure and exploration and develops curiosity and enhanced cognition. They can discover new places, visit islands or remote shores, and experience the thrill of exploring new areas, sparking their imagination and curiosity. Cultivating this sense of adventure opens up the mind to the many wonders the world offers while instilling the confidence and discipline gained on the water to make good decisions and keep a level head in times of stress or discomfort.
Boating is a great way to spend fun, quality time with important people in your life, strengthening bonds, while engaging in a unique and exciting activity and enjoying nature. It’s a great way to relieve stress, feeling the sun and the wind on your face, breathing in the crisp air, and feeling the motion of the boat on the water. It’s important to participate in activities that engage the body and mind and to unplug from the digital world. It can be very easy to neglect quality time with your significant other, children or friends when the stresses of life pile up. Even just spending a relaxing day or weekend cruise is an important connecting activity and fun! The calming effect of water, the breathtaking views, and the wildlife encounters all contribute to a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. Spending time on the water, for people of all ages, connects us to something immensely powerful.
Boating offers so many opportunities for enrichment – mind, body and soul. It’s a welcome respite from the constant distractions of technology, allowing everyone to unplug from technology and reconnect with nature. It can be what you make of it, a daring challenge, race to be the best or simply a relaxing afternoon spent with those you love. For children of all ages, be it 7 or 70, it can offer a rare chance to explore San Francisco Bay feel the wind, the salty breeze and the power of the tides and currents that flow around us. These are all feelings and experiences that can be sorely lacking in all our lives.
In the activity of boating and spending time with nature, we can acquire so many of the tools life on land demands us to master, from interpersonal skills to enhanced cognitive functioning. We have many ways for you to get out on the water and enjoy yourself and share this wonderful sport with the people you love. Check out our boating club where you can boat like an owner at 70% less than boat ownership. Or book one of our skippered charters and enjoy a luxurious time on the water with complimentary beverages and a scenery that draws people from all over the world to see. Looking to learn how to manage stress and increase your well-being tenfold? Join one of our Meditation + Sailing Retreat Days we offer every month.
