Why Watersports Benefit Children
Kids love to splash around in the water, whether they’re on vacation at the beach or at a local lake.
But watersports provide so much more than fun for kids. They improve children’s physical and mental health and get them outside in the sun and fresh air. They also provide a meaningful way for parents to spend time with their kids.
The type of watersport your children get involved in depends on their age. The first step is to teach them to swim so they can keep themselves safe in the water.
After learning to swim, children can be introduced to a wide range of water activities. If you enjoy kayaking, try taking your child out on a kid-sized kayak so he or she can learn how to paddle.
Standup paddle boarding, water skiing and surfing are also favorites for kids who love the challenge of learning to balance on the water.
The Physical Benefits of Watersports
Watersports help children stay in shape because they are exciting and fun. Children will burn fat and tone muscle from water resistance when paddling a boat or swimming.
Water activities can also reduce and prevent childhood obesity. They provide an aerobic workout that benefits overall health and they expose children to sunshine and Vitamin D, which play a big role in bone health.
The Mental Boost from Watersports
Learning a new skill such as sailing willbuild self-esteem and confidence in children. Exercising out on the water with family members and friends also reduces anxiety and stress in kids.
Overall, children who engage in physically challenging activities have higher grades and fewer behavior problems. By getting your kids involved in watersports, you also give them the opportunity to learn new skills while being out on the water and in the sun.
Whatever watersport you choose, make sure your children have life jackets on and that they are supervised by an adult at all times. Keeping safety in mind, you should also check weather conditions before you and your family head out your watersport adventure.
