Water sports can offer you a full-body workout. By engaging in any of them, you will be rewarded with outstanding health advantages such as: relief from the effects of basic aches and stress, weight loss and a lower risk of developing cardiovascular ailments. In addition to this, water sports are known to provide an unmatched level of thrill and excitement. Compared to going to the gym or sweating it out at home, spending a couple of hours participating in a water sport can be a much more enjoyable alternative – with just as many health benefits!

Here is a list of four of the most popular water sports:

1. Swimming

Swimming, as the world’s most famous water sport, teaches discipline, endurance, flexibility, power and speed. Swimming regular laps can be intense and challenging, but it can also be a fun way to relax if you want to take it slow. With so many health advantages, depending on your age and inclination, you may want to take it to another level and go professional like the elite swimming stars Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte.

2. Surfing

Surfing is the act of riding a wave with or without a board. It is a water sport that can take place either in the ocean or in artificial wave pools. As popular enthusiasts Owen and Tyler Wright believe, surfing teaches you to balance yourself (both literally and figuratively) while helping you to discover the many amusement that water can bring.

The impact of surf films such as Beach Blanket Bingo and Gidget have certainly influenced quite a few people to adopt a surf culture and make surfing the center of their lives. To them, surfing is not only an exhilarating physical activity, but it also opens the door to creativity and an alternative lifestyle. From their everyday accessories, clothing and house design to their use of language and taste in music, these people can find satisfaction by being in a group of like-minded thrill-seekers.

3. Kiteboarding

From the days when George Pocock in the 1800s showed an interest in kites being flown by a person moving in water, the development of kiteboarding has come a long way. Kiteboarding combines aspects of boarding, gymnastics and paragliding, which makes it a truly unique activity. Enthusiasts often report feeling a sense of serenity when they are successfully flying a kite and gliding on a smooth surface.

As demonstrated by celebrity advocates John Kerry and Sir Richard Branson, kiteboarding seems to be an extreme water activity which is rapidly becoming more popular. It is action-packed and at the same time relaxing. The International Association of Kiteboarding is a great place to find out more information.

4. Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is a surface water activity that entails a person being pulled from behind by a closed-course cabling system, motorised watercraft, or high-quality winching equipment. Wakeboarding has risen in popularity thanks to athletes Jimmy Redmon and Tony Finn, as well as the other members of Liquid Force. According to USA Wakeboard, over 4 million people worldwide are fond of this adventurous activity. Wakeboarding provides a feeling of freedom and suspense, as it allows you to fly and flip through the air to your heart’s content.

As typical wakeboarding goes, gliding at a standard speed of 18 mph to 25 mph, depending on multiple factors (such as preferred riding style, size of the board and weight of the boarder) is so thrilling that one may often be tempted to go for another bout immediately afterward. Also, the pastime is seen as amusing due to the variety of boarding manoeuvres, such as: 911, Blind Judge, Fruit Loop, Moby Dick, Slurpee and Tantrum.

(Photo by Miguel Navaza)