I think watersports are brilliant for mums! Ok, I’m biased, I’ve been sailing since I was a kid myself and everything else has followed; not just as a sport, I’ve also forged my career through sailing; and for a long time, that was my life… 

Then our two delightful kids came along, and for a short while everything was nappies, bottles, baby classes and all that’s involved in nurturing tiny humans through the first few months and years of life.

Opportunities to get afloat were few and far between, but as time wore on, we took charge of that and as the kids have grown, we take every opportunity we can to be on or near the water. Figuring all that out has been part of our parenting journey. Check out our top tips for introducing young kids to watersports here.

That in itself is an incredible experience. But it’s also been so rewarding, for me, as a mum, to indulge my own love of watersports – these days it’s not about competing, but about taking things at a slower pace and that’s given me greater appreciation and fresh perspectives…   

Shared moments 

Watersports are also brilliant for sharing adventures and learning together as a family. I’ve said this before and I will say it again, but really, ask yourself, how many sports does your kid do where you can be there alongside them? Unlike many other clubs and activities, if trying things like sailing, paddleboarding or kayaking as a family, means you can experience all the highs and lows, squeals and giggles, and be there with them to enjoy that – you’re not just dropping them off behind a closed door and picking them up an or two hour later to be told it “yeah, s’alright” when you ask how they got on. 

To me, as a mum, those shared moments are simply priceless in terms of enjoyment, insight and understanding – as well, of course, as creating memories. I will never forget our very first time sailing with the kids!

Building role models 

It’s exactly those shared moments and fun times together that help to instil a love of sports and being active for life from an early age. For any kid, role models are super important in showing them what’s possible – for girls in particular studies show this is crucial to encourage participation. 

There are plenty of inspirational women out there doing great things on the water, but if you can be the role model for your kid, isn’t that amazing? 

Whether you’re a pro and can teach them with confidence yourself, or you’re a beginner and are there alongside them, learning with them, the important thing is they see you giving it a go, being active, pushing your comfort zone – and from that they will draw endless assurance, and build confidence and resilience. To be able to gift that to my kids through being on the water together is so rewarding. 

Me-time 

Being on the water is me in my happy place and while I love sharing that with the kids, Hubby and friends, it is also the perfect place for me to escape. As a mum, having time to yourself is hard to come by, you don’t need me to tell you that! Even just a few moments can make all the difference. 

One of my all time fav paddles was from North Sands beach, Salcombe. Yes, there are times I want to challenge myself on the water and push myself physically to paddle or sail harder, further, faster and that also counts as me-time – but on this occasion, I didn’t go big. I fact, I went just far enough away from the shallows (where the rest of the family was playing with bodyboards) to be able to sit on my paddleboard – without any kids in tow – and soak up a few moments of peace, and to just breathe. It was bliss.   

Strength and well-being 

Did you know the moment you step onto any board or boat, you are doing wonders for your core strength? All that constant adjustment to maintain your balance and control the boat or board makes a great core strengthener without you even realising. 

Let’s face it, with everything we have gone through physically as mums that’s a great benefit! 

Add in carrying equipment, handling paddles, adjusting sails, hiking out – these are all fabulous mini workouts, and without the need to set foot anywhere near a gym. Everyone’s fitness journey after having kids is individual, of course, but being on the water as a family gives a great opportunity to improve your general strength and well-being, in the open air and – if you’re doing it as a family – there’s no need to juggle childcare.   

Connection with nature 

It’s an obvious point but, being on the water means stepping away from screens, schedules, laundry piles – all the chores and stresses that modern parenting entails. 

Being outdoors is good for all of us, and for me it’s a reminder that there’s more to life – and to raising kids – than the treadmill of school runs and to-do lists might sometimes suggest. 

There’s nothing better than open water, the calm of nature and beautiful natural surroundings to help redress balance – for kids and grown-ups alike.    

So, remember, it’s not just the kids who should get to have all the fun! Whether you’re trying it for the first time, returning to sport after a pause, or making a promise to yourself to get out there a little more often, the important thing is… give it a go.