Discover Boating Canada has announced tips to get fit for any water sport in time for the upcoming boating season. Above-average temperatures mean many Canadians will be preparing to get out onto the water, which includes getting physically active doing fun water sports such as wakeboarding.

In 2011, over 10 million Canadians participated in boating activities, regardless of whether or not they owned a boat.

“Mother nature has reminded us with above-average temperatures that spring is here and summer is just around the corner,” says Tracey Hart, Director of Marketing for Discover Boating Canada “Being on the water – and especially participating in watersports – is an ideal way to enjoy nature while getting active and healthy.”

Wakeboarding

There’s nothing quite like the sensation of flight—especially if you’re on a wakeboard flying behind a boat. Or a wake skate…or a kneeboard. The acrobatic potential is amazing, limited only by one’s imagination (or sense of adventure). Definitely not for the meek and faint of heart, one-board as well as skiing water sports have emerged as showcases for those with a flair for demonstrative fun. DiscoverBoating.ca offers some great wake boarding and knee boarding tips that are helpful for beginners, please click here.

To physically prepare for wake boarding season, squats and lunges with weights are key to develop leg muscle strength and to improve balance, all of which are important for wakeboarding.

Tubes & Inflatable Toys

The concept of tying a rope to an inflated truck inner tube and dragging it around behind your boat has evolved into a highly specialized form of recreation. Tubes and related toys come in all shapes, sizes, and colours—and range from the mild kiddy ride to the adrenaline rush of a waterbourne roller coaster. Some of these toys can seat up to five people (more or less, depending on the size of the people).

Tubing is definitely less physically demanding than wakeboarding. It may be a good idea to work on your core and arms as you will need them to help you pull the rope to get back onto your boat. Try doing sit-ups and push-ups at least three times a week to prepare for this water sport.

Lazy River

For those who prefer a low-key approach to a day on the lake, we suggest taking a close look at the various floats, recliners, and water lounges on the market. Lazing about has undergone its own evolution to the point that one doesn’t even need to go back to the boat to retrieve refreshments—simply reach over to your floating cooler for another beverage—and wonder how the other half lives.

It isn’t called “lazing” for nothing – this isn’t physically demanding at all. But it does enable you to clear your mind, leaving your stresses behind and enjoying the lake and the scenery around you. To prepare for lazing, turn off your television, shut out the sounds of traffic, lie down and imagine you are on the lake with soothing sounds around you. Check out this music list on Discoverboating.ca, prepare your summer boating soundtrack now and get ready for activities that’ll make memories on the water. Isn’t it great?