The classic image of days by the sea, or perhaps a lake or a river, include the sun beating down, scandalous swimsuits, and drinks by the marina at the end of the day, but let’s be honest. In the UK, we just don’t get that much good weather. The summer months tempt many of us to try our hand at water sports and there should be no need to let our enthusiasm drop with the temperature. Water sports can be incredibly enjoyable, with the pay-off multiplying when we keep them up into the autumn and winter. On top of that, scientific research is showing us that exercising in cold water has a host of benefits, from improving our cardiovascular health to reducing cholesterol and releasing mood-improving endorphin hormones. So when the evenings start drawing in, don’t put your swimsuit in storage - take the plunge!
Surfing Britiain and Ireland's biggest waves
Whether you’re in Britain or Ireland, you’re surrounded on all sides by the sea. The mighty Atlantic lies to the southwest of the British Isles, while the north of England and Scotland extend into the North Sea. Both of these masses of water are capable of creating powerful swells that send world-class waves right to our doorstep. Of course, these come more frequently in the stormy and turbulent six months of the year, making the best surfing in the UK and Ireland a cold water experience.
That will fall on deaf ears to the hordes of tourists on Cornwall’s Firstral Beach in Newquay in the summer, but ask any expert and they’ll tell you it’s true. Newquay may be the surf capital of England, but each part of the British Isles has its own headline-grabbing beach. In Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park doubles up as a surfer’s paradise. Scotland’s crown of surf capital must be shared between Thurso East on the exposed north coast and the Hebridean island of Tiree (otherwise known as the Hawaii of the North). Portrush is Northern Ireland’s answer to Newquay, but it’s on the wild Atlantic coast of the Republic of Ireland that the biggest waves are found. The Cliffs of Moher and Mullaghmore’s Head are legendary names to big wave surfers.
Stay warm with winter paddlesports
Winter surfing in the cold weather is hugely rewarding, but at the cost of getting fully submerged in the icy water. One step removed from this extreme (almost literally) are the paddlesports. We’re talking about canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). One of the great things about these water sports is that you don’t have to be by the coast to enjoy them. The rivers, canals, lakes, lochs and estuaries of England and Ireland are opened up to you as never before, perfect for those winter days when the rough seas are no place to be.
So what do we suggest? The Lake District is a fantastic place to go paddling, with an especially rich variety of canoeing options. But why stop there? Keep going north to the Highlands of Scotland for an unforgettable experience. There may be snow on the mountaintops, but paddleboarding through the Great Glen will keep you warm enough to enjoy the journey. For taking to the sea in the winter, we recommend sea kayaking. Again, Scotland and its islands are a fantastic place for this but the Gulf Stream-bathed archipelago of the Scilly Isles are an unmissable destination too.
Boat trips to keep away the winter blues
Okay, this one might not be a sport as such, but boat trips offer an equally beneficial experience as cold water immersions. Those benefits are the ability to explore the waterways of the British Isles at your leisure and feel cosy and warm whilst doing it. There are plenty of places to take a boat trip on the River Thames, whether in London or outside it. We’ll mention the Pembrokeshire coast again as a breathtaking place for boating thanks to the islands that lie off the southwestern tip of Wales. In Scotland, there’s the Isle of Skye which you can explore in a glass-bottomed boat, or you can take a trip along the spectacular Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland.
The best thing about this option is that there are so many kinds of trips to choose from. Big boats, small boats, guided tours, charter, even multi day hire in boats with comfortable sleeping quarters. Did we mention fishing trips? Perfect for dispelling the winter blues!
Have we persuaded you to keep up your love for the water in winter? Let us know which sport is your favourite in the comments!
