Aquatics and Swimming

Life should be lived to be enjoyed, and we should all aim to have fun and be happy in our
day-to-day activities. Having the ability to swim opens an opportunity for more aquatic activities
for you to enjoy. It also allows us to access peace and tranquility amidst our busy and often
stressful working lives. It is an outlet that enhances our physical and mental health. Swimming is
not only a fun, healthy activity, but an important life skill for all ages. This is just one of the lists
of basic life skills that we must instinctively learn to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy
around the water.

Learning to swim is a journey that takes dedication, hard work and commitment. The
skills and experience this affords you can be utilized in all areas of your life. If you are thinking
about learning to swim, jump in! It will dramatically improve your life in ways you wouldn’t
have imagined. Enjoying life, and seeking out the tools to make the most of it, is the most
important goal we can set for ourselves.

The term “Aquatic Activities” is a very broad term which includes all activities that are
done in the water. This can also be defined as motor activities performed in water for purposes
that can be competitive, educational, therapeutic, or recreational. Among the aquatic activities,
swimming is the most common and the simplest. Swimming can be understood simply as
moving in water first, in order to survive, for recreation, or to compete. Swimming, in recreation
and sports, is the propulsion of the body through water by combined arm and leg motions and the
natural flotation of the body.

The term "Dry Land" swimming/training has an interesting connotation. It differs from
Cross Training as the latter refers to something we do instead of swimming for general athletic
conditioning whereas the former is something we do to augment our swim training and
strengthen the swimming specific muscles.

Swimming skills enhance your life in many ways. Once you have them, you can explore
32 other water-based sports such surfing, rowing, kayak etc. On the flip side, swimming is one
of the most beneficial activities you can do all of your life! It is the best cardio/pulmonary and
skeletal friendly exercise. It’s a total body workout, working every muscle group, but with low
impact which is safer compared to other forms of physical activity. Embracing swimming as part
of your exercise regime will help you avoid chronic health issues like obesity, heart problems
and diabetes. From a cosmetic point of view, swimmers rarely look anywhere near their actual
ages. It is the true fountain of youth.

A. Aquatic Activities You Can Try in the Philippines

Philippines geographical location, which is abundant with bodies of water, makes it a perfect
destination for different kinds of aquatic activities. These aquatic activities in the Philippines are
all exciting to try, so let us know the famous water activities that we can do and the best spots
where we can try them.
1. Snorkeling
 Snorkeling is good for those who want a glimpse of the life underwater without having to
worry about diving too deep. It can be done almost anywhere—with a diving mask and a snorkel
—but there are a couple of areas in the Philippines which have abundant marine life.  
Best places to try: Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Dakak, Surigao del Norte

2. Scuba Diving
For those more advanced divers who want to explore the much deeper side of marine life,
scuba diving is the answer. Scuba divers use a specialized piece of equipment called SCUBA
(Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) which allows them to breathe underwater.

Best places to try: Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, and Tubataha Reef

3. Surfing
Surfing is another popular water sport and the Philippines is actually laden with
provinces that are considered surfing spots–where you will be able to catch and ride the best
waves.
Best places to try: La Union, Siargao, Baler, and Zambales

4. Rafting
From one adrenaline-inducing activity to another. Rafting lets you course through the
rough river waters using an inflatable raft. It is an experience that is one for the books!

Best places to try: Cagayan de Oro, Cagayan Valley, and Laguna

5. Canyoneering
If you’re into extreme activities that test one’s endurance, then you should give
canyoneering a try. Canyoneering is done by navigating through a canyon, but aside from hiking,
it requires other physical activities like swimming, rappelling, and sometimes even cliff jumping.
Indeed, the perfect activity for adrenaline junkies!
Best place to try: Cebu

6. Wakeboarding
The concept of wakeboarding is much like skateboarding except you’re riding a board on
the water while being towed behind a motorboat. The water sport is slowly gaining popularity in
the country and can even be tried in areas near Metro Manila.
Best places to try: Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga, and Camarines Sur
7. Waterskiing
Waterskiing, on the other hand, uses a pair of skis to glide through the water instead of a
board. The rider is also pulled by a motorboat, similar to wakeboarding.

Best places to try: Boracay, Cebu, and Camarines Sur

8. Parasailing
Ever wonder how a kite feels up in the sky? Parasailing is similar to kite-flying, the only
difference is that you’re riding the chute which is connected to a motorboat by a rope.
Best places to try: Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, and Puerto Galera

9. Kayaking
If you’re not much into the extremes, but still want to experience a water sport, then give
kayaking a try. Appreciate the beauty of a place by paddling through its waters in a kayak. These
small narrow boats can hold one to four persons, depending on their size.  
Best places to try: Palawan, Cebu, Surigao del Norte, and Caramoan

10. Paddle boarding

Paddle boarding is another relaxing way to explore the waters. You can choose to stand
or sit or even lie down on a paddleboard and use a paddle or your hands to steer.  
Best places to try: Bohol, Siargao, Taal and Palawan

11. Sailing
Sailing is the art of controlling a sailing ship or sailboat while being propelled by winds
across a body of water. Although more and more people are enjoying it as a recreational activity,
it’s also a great workout as it develops muscle endurance, improves agility, and helps in
concentration.

Best place to try: Iloilo