Following the ocean currents

(PLVN) - With summer approaching, amidst the sweltering heat and intense sunlight, what could be better than immersing yourself in the cool sea water? Currently, many water sports such as freediving, open water swimming, scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, etc., are being chosen by many water sports enthusiasts.

Enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature.

Water makes up over 70% of the human body, and from birth, it has been an indispensable part of human life. The vast, mysterious expanse of water, with its endless waves, always sparks curiosity, exploration, and a desire to conquer. Therefore, many water sports are currently popular. Open water swimming, for example, is chosen by those with good swimming skills and a passion for long-distance swimming. Other extreme sports like freediving and scuba diving are attracting young people who are investing tens of millions, even hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong, to master the skills. Another, easier-to-do sport is kayaking and paddleboarding, often included in sea tours organized in calm bays and islands with gentle currents and majestic natural scenery.

Nguyen Thu Hang (28 years old, living in Hanoi ) shared that freediving is similar to a form of meditation. When diving, learners need to relax and loosen their entire body to achieve the longest breath-holding time and the deepest depths possible. She said that before going scuba diving, she spent a year studying and practicing in indoor pools. Hang shared some basic skills learners must know, such as ear balance (avoiding ear pain at depths of 5-10 meters), using diving equipment like fins, snorkeling, swimming, and rescue techniques.

Thu Hang said that the underwater world is completely different, where divers are immersed in a vibrant blue landscape, with schools of fish swimming freely and colorful coral reefs: "While in museums we only see specimens, and in aquariums viewers see creatures through glass, when freediving I immerse myself in the sea, returning to my second family. I swim with schools of fish, explore colorful coral reefs, and sway with the currents."

Le Ngoc Anh (29 years old, living in Hanoi) said that she has a special fondness for water sports. She has excellent, systematic swimming skills and can swim continuously for 2-5km without rest after many years of training. Therefore, Ngoc Anh loves swimming in the sea, and every summer she goes to beautiful beaches like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Phu Yen, Cat Ba, and Co To to swim. She shared: “I learned to swim from a young age, and I really enjoy swimming. In the summer, I go to the beach three to four times to swim along routes close to nature, with the salty smell of the sea. In the winter, I wait for holidays to book flights to beaches in the south, or in tropical countries in Southeast Asia, combining relaxation with family and swimming.”

Ngoc Anh really enjoys participating in amateur swimming competitions organized in provinces and localities. She shared: “Usually, on vacation, I swim repeatedly in safe areas marked with ropes at beaches, with lifeguards present. However, the swimming lanes are quite short, only about 1-2km. In contrast, swimming in amateur competitions, with lifeguards, organizers, and professional instructors, I get to swim longer distances, from 5-10km.”

Swimming acts as a full-body workout that helps relax muscles and reduce body aches. It helps relax muscles in the neck or back and relieves other muscle pain. Swimming strengthens the back while simultaneously reducing tension in areas such as the arms, neck, legs, and back.

Numerous scientific studies have shown that water sports offer positive benefits. For example, scuba diving helps improve agility and flexibility in various situations. The continuous underwater movement during scuba diving promotes greater flexibility, stable breathing, and balance. Therefore, those who pursue this sport will find themselves more agile and flexible, not only in action but also in thought and reasoning.

The Copenhagen City Heart Study in Denmark has listed eight exercises that help extend lifespan and indicated one exercise that can increase lifespan by nearly 10 years. The results of the study were also published in the medical journal Sciencedirect. The study was conducted on 8,577 people in Copenhagen, aged 20-93. Researchers analyzed the type and habits of exercise and monitored the health status of the participants over 25 years. The results showed that swimming can help increase lifespan by 3-4 years.

Play sports safely and scientifically.

Although water sports offer many benefits to participants, players need to be careful to ensure their own safety. In fact, there have been unfortunate accidents involving these sports, such as being swept away by currents, drowning, and lack of oxygen.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued a Circular promulgating the National Technical Standard on the safety of equipment used at facilities operating in the sport of scuba diving. The standard stipulates that the scuba diving area is defined as a sea area designated by the administrative authorities in which at least the following factors must be identified: 1) Depth around the operating area; 2) Currents around the operating area; 3) Obstacles around the operating area; 4) Variations in the operating area; 5) Density of vessels circulating on the water surface; 6) Discharge of waste onto the water surface; 7) Distance to shore.

Furthermore, when engaging in freediving or scuba diving, participants need to attend reputable training courses to acquire fundamental knowledge. This includes knowledge of ear balance, using scuba fins, and static (breath-holding training). Similarly, when participating in scuba diving, participants must learn how to use safety equipment safely.

In some countries around the world, such as Thailand, South Korea, and Japan, there are regulations requiring divers to have a diving certificate to participate in this sport, in order to ensure the safety of participants.

For events like long-distance open water swimming, participants are required to carry open water buoys (a type of specialized buoyancy device that ensures swimmer safety). Typically, open water swimming teams are accompanied by support boats, guide ropes, and monitoring buoys. Most amateur competitions in Vietnam, such as Aquaman and Oceanman, currently use these methods to help swimmers safely reach the finish line in the vast open sea and lake environment.

Another popular activity in Vietnam's coastal tourist areas is kayaking. It's relatively easy and safe to learn. However, kayakers need to be mindful of weather conditions and water temperature. Kayaking in rough water or during storms is a serious mistake. Tourists should also wear appropriate clothing to stay warm or protect themselves from the sun, and be wary of strong winds that can make returning to shore difficult. Always follow the area's kayaking regulations. Do not use alcohol or drugs with side effects while kayaking. Never exceed the kayak's load capacity and always check your equipment for wear and tear before paddling. Most importantly, always have adequate protective gear. Coast Guard regulations require all kayaks to have life jackets on board. Wearing a life jacket will help keep your head above water, and the insulation will keep you warmer in cold water.

Anh Nhi

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/xuoi-theo-dong-chay-dai-duong-post545845.html