Top 5 tips for watersports holidays
Gran Canaria is the go-to destination for water sports holidays - often dubbed as the European Hawaii thanks to its ideal surfing conditions – and with activities such as, sailing, paddle surfing, water skiing, deep sea fishing, boating and yachting, your trip can be as jam packed or as laid-back as you like.
So, whether you’re a budding Laird Hamilton or a complete novice, the nautical expert Estación Náutica Gran Canaria offer their top tips to make sure you make the most of your nautical adventure and return safely to dry land!
Protect: Be aware of the sun and protect yourself appropriately. It’s easy to lose track of how long you’re out in the sun, especially with temperatures in Gran Canaria averaging 24 degrees all year round. Current studies show that SPF is most effective when applied approximately 30 minutes prior to exposure to the sun and then reapplied 20-30 minutes following initial exposure.
Communicate: Whatever sport you’re enjoying on the water, make sure that everyone is comfortable with the chosen activity and certified if necessary. Be sure to go at the pace of the least experienced member of your group. Define any hand signals you plan to use ahead of time and check that everyone is familiar with them.
Company: Make sure you have someone with you at all times whether you’re swimming, boating or snorkelling. Make sure that friends or family on shore know which direction your going in and for how long. This will help them know where to look for you if you’re out longer than expected.
Alcohol: Avoid alcohol when you’re out on the water. Alcohol impairs your judgement, which can be critical in dangerous situations. Impaired boating is every bit as serious and potentially fatal as impaired driving. It’s important to keep in mind that the effects of alcohol are heightened by exposure to heat and sunlight. Studies show that alcohol use is a factor in up to half of all adult and adolescent deaths in recreational water activities.
Children: Children under 16 should be supervised by an adult at all times when on or around the water. Children are generally not as strong swimmers as adults, and perhaps more importantly they are less likely to anticipate dangerous situations. Even if they are just playing on the beach, it’s a good idea for them to wear life jackets in case they wander into the water and get into trouble. Have one or more adults designated as a “spotter” keeping an eye on everyone in the water and give them a whistle or means to quickly call for assistance if necessary.
For more information on watersports activities, visit estacionesnauticas.info
