The five best hobbies for water lovers living in London
Whether it be swimming, fishing or pond dipping or something to get the adrenaline going like wakeboarding or surfing, spending time in and around water is never a bad idea. There is an actual biological connection that triggers an immediate response in our brains when we’re near water. Even the sound of water can promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart and induce relaxation. Spending time in water has even been referred to as the secret to happiness.
Sounds great doesn’t it?
‘But I live in a city nowhere near the beach, lakes or significant bodies of water.’
If you live in London and you think the best you can do is the indoor, 90% chlorine, completely overcrowded, pool at your local leisure centre THINK AGAIN!!
Here are the 5 best hobbies for water lovers living in London
Hampstead heath swimming ponds
Natural ponds open year round to swimmers. Feel closer to nature (no chlorine, no rogue plasters and much more space!)
2. Paddle board along the Thames
There are TONS of places to rent paddle boards along the Thames (or even order one online if you think this might become your new no.1 hobby). Paddle boarding is a great low impact workout, gets you on the water without ruining your hair and is a great way to experience London.
3. Wakeboarding at London Docklands
One for the thrill seekers. WakeUp docklands is a cable wake park located in the Royal Victoria Dock. Wakeboarding is so much fun, a super intense full body workout and really addictive when you get started.
4. Outdoor lidos
For those that are regulars at said indoor leisure centres, try an outdoor lido. They are all over London and are great for getting outdoors. Often outdoor lidos are not heated and the cold water has amazing benefits (think Wim Hof). Next time it is 30 degrees seek out your local lido or be brave enough to swim year round!
5. Go to a beach.
Okay so I know there are no beaches in London BUT your nearest beach is probably only a couple of hours away max! Pack up the car or get on a train and take a day trip to the beach. Swim, sail, windsurf, kayak (whatever floats your boat ). Getting out of the sitting is seriously refreshing and seriously no one ever has a bad time at the beach.
Being in water is amazing and living in a city should never stop these hugely beneficial water hobbies.
You know what is even better than taking up a new hobby (or rediscovering an old one)? Finding a new friend to do this hobby with! Buddee is an app developed specifically to help you find like minded friends to do your hobbies with. Set up a profile, match and get chatting.
Hobbies are better with a buddy.
