Are you something of a 'water baby'? Can't stay out of the water? Riding the waves on a surf board is a huge thrill, but the relaxation of a few laps in your lunch hour can't be underestimated.
Perhaps your lifestyle can include both. Read on.
Surfing
Fun Factor
Warning: surfing is addictive! The first time you lie on a board, holding on for dear life, headed towards shore like a bullet, you'll be hooked.
The first time you stand up riding whitewater, you'll get a thrill. And the first time you ride 'the green', the clear wave face, it'll blow your mind.
Body Benefits
Paddling out over the white water to catch a wave, plus ‘popping up’ to stand on the board develops strong, lean muscles in your back, shoulders, chest, and arms. ‘Popping up’ requires explosive leg strength.
Once up, your surfing stance uses your legs and body weight to steer the board. Surfing gets your heart rate up, especially if the waves are big – they make it harder to paddle out but you get a rest waiting for the perfect wave.
Cost and Gear
A board, a wetsuit, and a bar of wax should do it. Hiring them to start with is wise – plan on around $30 for board and wetsuit. But there are plenty of good deals online for second hand boards.
Wetsuits start from around $50 for the cheapest, lessons around $30 for a group, and $60 one-on-one. Remember body boards are cheap and body surfing costs nothing.
Accessibility
Surfing has exploded in popularity over the last few years, and you'll see a range of shapes, sizes, and ages in the water. Obviously it's good to live close to the beach, but road trips to find waves are also a part of the surfer's life.
Surf schools have popped up in many surfing locations, so you can get the nippers out on soft boards alongside first timer grannies.
Time Commitment
The only way to improve at surfing is to surf, and because waves are unpredictable, plan to spend every moment you have watching and waiting for them. The rest of your time will be spent juggling other commitments so you can head straight to the beach.
Surfing has the tendency to become a way of life, so plan to retire near the sea – preferably with someone who doesn't mind you banging on about the swell.
For more information, see the Surfing New Zealand website.
Swimming
Fun Factor
We're seventy percent water which probably explains why swimming feels so great. When your lungs inflate and you float, it's magical.
Swimming a few laps can be ultra relaxing – your mind empties and a peaceful rhythm develops bringing a sense of wellbeing.
Pounding the water gets the endorphins flowing and gives you a high. And going swimming with a friend is a great way to hang out.
Body Benefits
Swimming is a gentle way to get active when you're starting out – being in the water supports your joints. Kicking workouts, water aerobics, and aqua jogging all give you a great exercise session without a body pounding.
Regular swimming builds endurance, muscle strength and tone, and cardio-vascular fitness. And the great news is that it uses almost every muscle in the body!
Cost and Gear
A pair of togs, goggles, and entry price to the pool are your main costs. Adults pay $4-5 for a casual swim, although most councils offer a ten trip ticket for less.
Family tickets are also a good idea – once you've bought the ticket there's no excuse not to go for a splash. Of course lakes, rivers, and the sea are all free.
Accessibility
Everyone is welcome at the public swimming pool, and most communities have one or more, usually with a range of inexpensive classes or activities – from 'Mini dippers' to 'Fifties forward'.
But don't overlook what nature has given us plenty of – almost all of us have a beautiful waterway near by.
Time Commitment
Swimming regularly is the ideal. Make a regular date with friends to go to an aqua-fitness class or to do some laps – it'll keep you fit and toned.
You don't need a lot of time in the pool to feel the benefits – you should be able to knock off a few lengths in half an hour.
And the great thing about the pool is that you can also slip in a workout on a fun family outing.
For more information, see the Swimming New Zealand website.
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