Benefits of Beach Sports for Children
Beach sports are great for children for several reasons. As with all activities, however, it’s important to make sure the type of sport suits your children’s individual needs and characteristics.
Knowing your children’s conditions and preferences will allow you to prepare beach activities according to their capacities.
Keep in mind that children’s bodies are relatively fragile. All forms of exercise or sports should aim to strengthen them both mentally and physically. Exercises should never put your children’s health at risk.
“Healthy mind, healthy body” is an ancient saying from the Greek times. It may be an old saying but it’s still valid today.
Beach sports for children: a fantastic option
The beach is a setting that can be very exciting for children, especially in the summer. It also provides an excellent space for children to practice sports outdoors.
Beach sand has many health benefits, too. It acts as a skin exfoliant and helps eliminate dead cells.
Running on the sand causes the muscles to work twice as hard. As a result, children will be forced to use more energy and produce more adrenaline.
As for sea water, it also has many benefits as long as the relevant safety measures are taken. First of all, when swimming, all of the muscles of the body are used.
That’s why swimming is one of the most important beach sports for children. It also helps children improve coordination and control breathing, which translates into better cardio-respiratory capacity.
One of the many benefits offered by beach sports is that it allows children to interact with other people, away from the bustle of the city.
This will result in the release of happiness hormones (endorphins). Swimming in open water also involves more effort than in a pool – in fact, the physical benefits are doubled.
After children exert all of their energy on the beach, either on the sand or in the water, they’ll be able to rest peacefully. Adequate rest contributes positively to children’s intellectual and physical development.
Beach sports for children
There are many beach sports for children. However, there are a few favorites worth mentioning:
- Swimming in open water.
- Volleyball.
- Football.
Other equally beneficial but less popular sports include:
Snorkeling
This will allow children to explore the depths of the sea. This activity only requires fins, goggles, a breathing tube and a bit of preparation. Parental supervision is very important when snorkeling.
Running on the sand
Experts recommend playing this sport with shoes on. Shoes will help reduce the impact on the ankle and knees. Running on the sand promotes circulation.
“Running on the sand makes the muscles work twice as hard. Children will use more energy and they will produce more adrenaline.”
Other beach games
Thanks to the vast space that is available at the beach, there are many activities that can be practiced, such as hide-and-seek, and racing.
Although these are games rather than sports, they do demand physical activity and can provide children with many benefits.
Children of all ages and genders can participate in these games, guaranteeing fun for everyone.
Racing with obstacles
These races can be carried out holding a full cup of water, a spoon with an egg or a lemon. The winner is the person who arrives at the finish line without spilling the water or dropping the egg or lemon.
Frog jumps
This activity involves children crouching while others try to jump over them. Children can take turns being jumped over.
Limbo
This activity consists of holding a straight bar; children should then form a line and try to go under the bar without touching it.
The aim of the game is for the bar to go lower and lower, making it more difficult to get under. There is no risk if they fall since the sand is a safe surface.
As you can see, there are many activities that you can enjoy with your children at the beach. Beach sports can also provide numerous benefits for your children’s health.
