Why Getting Out on the Water Is Good for You (and Not Just Your Mood)
Anyone who’s spent a Saturday morning out on the water already knows the feeling. The moment you leave the jetty behind, something in your shoulders drops. The phone goes quiet. The to-do list stops mattering quite so much.
Turns out, that’s not just a nice feeling. There’s a growing pile of research backing up what boaties have known all along: being on the water is genuinely good for you, in ways that go well beyond just having a good time.
It’s Not Just in Your Head (Well, Sort Of)
There’s a term researchers use for this called “blue health,” which basically describes the wellbeing boost people get from being near, in or on water. One well-known UK study found that people living close to the ocean reported noticeably lower rates of depression and anxiety compared to those living further inland. A separate Canadian study found similar results, with people near water showing a lower overall mortality risk, particularly among older people and women.
Marine biologist Dr Wallace Nichols has spent years studying this effect, and his research points to something fairly simple: just being near water changes our brain chemistry. Cortisol (the stress hormone) drops, while serotonin and other feel-good hormones rise. It’s part of the reason a bad day at work can feel a world away after twenty minutes on the boat.
The Vitamin D Boost You’re Probably Missing Out On
With so many of us stuck indoors under fluorescent lights most of the week, a lot of Australians are running lower on vitamin D than they realise, even living somewhere as sunny as WA. Vitamin D matters for strong bones, muscle function and general immune health, and the best way to top it up naturally is sunlight on skin.
A day out on the boat, sun smart and sunscreen applied of course, is a pretty enjoyable way to fix that. Just remember a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, because too much of a good thing works against you here.
The Digital Detox You Didn’t Know You Needed
Once you’re out past the sandbar, phone reception gets patchy fast, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Research on family boating habits has found that kids and parents alike are far more likely to actually disconnect from screens on a boat trip than on a typical road trip or holiday.
No notifications, no scrolling, just the sound of the water and the hum of the engine. For a lot of families, that’s often the real win of a day out on the boat, even if nobody planned it that way.
Good for the Body Too
It’s easy to think of boating as a pretty relaxed, low-effort activity, and in a lot of ways it is. But there’s more physical benefit happening than people give it credit for. Hauling in a decent fish, hoisting the anchor, balancing on a moving deck, and even just the constant micro-adjustments your body makes to stay steady on the water all add up to genuine, functional exercise. Add in a swim off the back of the boat or a spot of waterskiing and it’s a full body workout without ever feeling like one.
Better for Relationships Too
There’s something about being on a boat together that brings people closer, whether it’s a family outing, a fishing trip with mates, or a quiet afternoon with a partner. Without the usual distractions of home, work and constant notifications, conversations tend to flow more naturally. A lot of our customers tell us their best family memories, and their best conversations, have happened out on the water rather than around the dinner table.
Why WA Is Such a Good Place to Feel the Benefit
We’re lucky here in Perth. Between the river, the coastline and quick access to spots like Rottnest, there’s rarely a bad excuse not to get out on the water. Whether it’s a sunset cruise up the Swan, a fishing trip off Hillarys, or a full day trip across to Rotto, the “blue health” benefits are right on our doorstep.
Time on the Water Is Time Well Spent
At the end of the day, the research just confirms what most boat owners already feel instinctively. Time on the water is rarely wasted time. It’s good for your stress levels, good for your body, good for your relationships, and good for simply switching off from a busy world.
If you don’t already own a boat, or you’re due an upgrade to something that gets you out there more often, our team at Chivers Marine is always happy to chat about what might suit your lifestyle best. No pressure, no jargon, just an honest conversation about getting you and your family out on the water more often.
