While everyone loves a relaxing day on the water soaking up the sun, many don’t realize that boating has many health benefits other than just creating a sanctuary. Boating itself is a low impact activity that not only burns calories, but allows for a good time while doing it. Of course, many people add in some high impact activities while on the water, such as wake boarding, tubing, and water surfing.

 

Spending a day on the water also grants the endless possibility of bonding with family and friends. In the fast paced world that we live in, it’s not always easy to catch up with old friends or pull our children away from the remote control or television. Boating is an amazing bonding experience that creates fantastic memories. It’s hard to say no to a day on the boat when it allows for such a wonderful and beautiful atmosphere to spend some quality time that is otherwise overlooked!

 

A day in the sun also allows for our bodies to soak up a safe amount of Vitamin D. With the use of sunscreen, Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that one needs to survive. Data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), USA found that 9% of children across the USA were vitamin D deficient, while another 61 percent, or 50.8 million, were vitamin D insufficient. Spending at least 15 minutes with skin exposed to the sun dramatically decreases these numbers and give our bodies exactly what they need. Make sure that sunscreen is applied to block out the harmful rays from the sun, no one wants to get burnt!

 

Studies also show that boaters respond to stress or stressful situations in a better manner than non-boaters. By being in an atmosphere of peaceful waters, boaters are stimulating relaxation for themselves, but also their spouses, children, and those that interact with them while boating.