5 ways watersports can boost your mental health in 2025

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever” Jacques Cousteau

There’s something profoundly human in the need to be on the water. Stone age civilisations crafted wooden canoes, ancient Egyptians sailed the Nile, and Vikings conquered the North Sea. Today, modern hydrofoil technology allows wingfoilers to fly above the water at speeds of up to 40 knots. What is it about the sea that has drawn humans to it for millennia? I think we instinctively know that being on the water benefits us physically and mentally. The mental health benefits of trying a new sport and developing a skill can quickly turn into an addiction and a whole new lifestyle. Watersports enthusiasts will make any excuse to head out for a session, the house chores and work meetings can wait if conditions on the water are perfect. Since I learnt to windsurf in 2017, I’ve found that whenever life gets tough, blasting around Poole Harbour on a windsurf board is an excellent medicine!

Here are some of the top mental health benefits of participating in watersports:

1. Community

I have made so many of my closest friends through participating in watersports. Having visited centres around the world, despite any language and cultural differences, the shared love of the same sports always brings people together. The social element of sharing the stoke and seeing your friends progress together can be just as exciting as the physical element of the sport. Being socially connected is one of the strongest predictors of good mental health, a 2023 study showed that lacking social connections can be as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day! A strong sense of community can boost moods and reduce anxiety, leading to a happier and longer life.

2. Outdoors

One of my windsurfing students this summer worked in longevity research. Wasting no time on our upwind walk, I couldn’t resist asking for her top tips for a long healthy life. She responded that being outdoors in blue spaces is one of the best things we can do for our health. As the world becomes more urbanised and concrete surrounds us, finding time to be by the sea, lakes, and rivers is becoming increasingly important. Researchers at the University of Sussex asked 20,000 people to record their feelings via an app at random times throughout the day. GPS data from the app allowed researchers to find that the highest happiness scores were reported when participants were near the water. This time in blue spaces can reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

3. Resilience

A great way to develop confidence and resilience is by learning new watersports skills. Whether you’re holding a wing for the first time, gaining your first flights on a foil, or you’re a seasoned professional landing your first wingfoil backflip, the sense of accomplishment feels incredible. Extreme sports can sometimes be scary, especially as a beginner, but facing the fear head on is a fantastic achievement. This confidence can translate off the water too, I often tell myself that if I can windsurf in 30 knot winds I can send that scary email! Facing these challenges can help develop problem-solving skills and aid in managing stress more effectively.

4. Fitness

Watersports can be a great alternative to the gym, adding more variety to your exercise schedule can keep fitness fun and exciting. Unlike the monotony of the treadmill, each watersports session is different, providing new challenges and a sense of adventure. Winging and windsurfing can provide great full body workouts, leading to improvements in strength and stamina. Not only does this exercise keep us physically fit, it releases endorphins that can help boost mood and combat feelings of anxiety. Research has shown that participation in watersports can improve overall happiness and reduce stress.

5. Mindfulness

My first winging lesson didn’t feel particularly mindful, the constant falling in and the wing flapping around out of my control was far from relaxing! However, with progress I have found that flying over the water is one of the most peaceful feelings. Wingfoiling requires total focus of your body and the surrounding water. This awareness helps us stay present and forget any problems. Being mindful on the water can help in everyday life, giving us the ability to cope better at work and at home. Research shows that practicing mindfulness can help manage depression and stress. Watersports is a perfect way to bring this into your routine.

If you’re looking to try something new in 2025, joining the Water Babes community is a great option. Water Babes aims to make watersports more accessible for all women. By joining our Sunday Morning Wind Club, you can discover the benefits of watersports with an experienced instructor and like-minded community. Head to our What We Do page for more info!

Sources:

Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023

Happiness is greater in natural environments LSE 

Can water sports boost self-esteem and happiness while reducing anxiety? 

Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis