The last year or so has given us plenty of time to think about our lives and what we do to fill our time.

When restrictions were at their strictest, many of us will have felt a kind of frustration from being unable to do those things that we love. Others will be keen to turn their hand to something new, embrace new experiences, and see what they are made of.

But with the world returning to something akin to normal, this presents the perfect opportunity to start opening up your horizons.

At Gill, we love sailing for a number of reasons. It is what we specialise in, what we know and what we would rather be doing over anything else in the world.

If you are weighing up whether or not to try sailing or paddlesports, then there are a few reasons that we can think of that could give you that spark you need to get out on the water. Here are five reasons to give sailing or paddlesports a go.

Physical benefits

On the water activities come in many different guises, with some being more strenuous than others. Whether you are looking to try sailing, dinghy sailing, or one of the many brilliant paddlesports out there, there are many physical benefits from being out on the water.

Sailing and paddlesports provide a real workout for the body, helping to boost your strength and cardiovascular capabilities. The more you do it, the fitter you can get. This makes it easier when out on the water, but also helps you to get in and stay in great shape.

Sailing and paddlesports are also fairly all-encompassing in terms of the muscles groups they work out. So don’t get a gym membership, get some sailing activities booked instead! 

Mental Benefits

The link between mental health and exercise is well known. Getting out and about is a great way to relieve stress, distract your mind and get positive chemicals running through your system.

The open water also allows you to open your lungs up in the great outdoors and really feel alive. Don’t underestimate what this can do for your state of mind!

We spend a lot of time sitting down and looking at screens, so why not stand up and look at the beauty of the water instead?

Reconnect with nature

In a similar vein, something that is good for us both physically and mentally is being out in nature.

As mentioned above, many of us live lives that are sedentary and saturated with technology. But the natural world is a phenomenal thing that can really speak to us on a level many of us do not regularly access.

Sailing and watersports provide a beautiful opportunity to immerse ourselves in nature and be at one with the elements. This can be hard to achieve without concerted effort, but engaging with nature is a physical, mental and some would say spiritual benefit of these activities.

Test your limits

If you feel you have not really pushed your boundaries in the last year or so, then sailing and paddlesports are a great way to see what you are made of. Particularly if you are a complete beginner, taking on the challenge is a brave but rewarding thing to do.

People will always go at different paces when it comes to getting to grips with something new. A great way to see what you are capable of is by taking on something new like sailing and seeing how you fare.

Meet new people

Beyond all of the benefits listed above, sailing can be a really sociable sport too. There are plenty of clubs and courses dotted throughout the UK which give you the chance to try new watersports and meet up with people in a similar boat (excuse the pun).

You can find your nearest sailing club on the RYA website or find a paddling club on the Go Paddling site.

Get prepared for Winter sailing at Gill

We hope this blog has provided a little inspiration to help you get out on the water and try something new in the near future.

At Gill, we have the perfect range of watersports apparel and sailing clothing you need to take to the water with aplomb.

Our range contains clothing items from wetsuits to rash vests, jackets to salopettes. We have also handily separated our collection by activity, so if there is something you are particularly keen to give a go, you can find all the items you may need on the Gill site.

Be sure to browse through the full Gill site and find out about our heritage in the sailing industry, as well as our commitment to sustainability.

Check out our delivery options too, and if you have questions, the Gill team can help. Simply get in touch – we would be delighted to hear from you!