Silver Surfers Require To The Waves To Make Big Splash
20 September 2011
ByLivvy Barber & Harriet Webb
Big Splash
Swimming has long been viewed as a sport for people of all ages - however with an ageing population seeking new methods of keeping fit and healthy there has actually been a rise in individuals over 50 taking up browsing in Britain.
Think surfing and images of tanned-teens with sun bleached hair spring to mind however visit beaches all over Britain and you may be amazed to see a somewhat more fully grown group of 'boarders' capturing the early morning wave.
By 2012, it is anticipated 41% of the population in Britain will be over 50. According to the Active People Survey 40% of these males and females are physically non-active.
But at groups all over the nation, such as Newcastle's Silver Surfers - a browse club for the over 50s, individuals are enjoying the enjoyable and health benefits water sports can bring.
Like swimming, browsing is an available kind of workout and can be done by anybody no matter their age, weight, background or ability, alone or with their family and friends.
A group of fanatics told the Big Splash how requiring to the water has assisted to keep them young.
RICH EMERSON
Many males and ladies returning from the fronts deal with individual and psychological struggles, however as one British male has actually found, the sea can be a sanctuary.
Rich Emerson, a battle veteran, suffers with PTSD (post distressing tension disorder) and began Surf Action with pal and surf partner Russ Pierre, to assist others like himself.
Surf Action is a social business specialising in browse treatment for hurt or mentally scarred previous servicemen.
Russ explains how surfing takes you away from the barriers of every day life.
He stated: "Surfing is not a remedy but a focus, an enthusiasm and an activity that requires determination, perseverance and above all the goal to succeed.
"However, forgetting all that, it is fun, it makes you smile.
"I believe there are enough opportunities, we're an island, it simply takes a bit of get up and go. We lack a bit of motivation but it's so fulfilling."
CLIFF COX
With extraordinary added advantages for mind and body, Cliff Cox, previous two-times English Masters Champion turned browse trainer, credits his wellness to browsing, enjoying the method it keeps him young at 50.
Cliff explained: "Being out in the ocean maximizes all the feeling, you go home a delighted camper at the end of the day.
"Surfing is incredible both psychologically and physically - being out in the water you do not hesitate, it's an excellent little escapism.
"I absolutely think surfing and swimming work together, it actually assists your swimming capability and self-confidence in the water."
SYDNEY MARKS
Sydney Marks who turns 80 in November is a firm follower that anyone can be included in anything on the water. He shows this theory by still water snowboarding as soon as a week at Action Watersports in Kent.
Sydney stated: "Over the years I have been under a little bit of pressure, however on the water you forget everything.
"We go on the lake for the day with the kids with a little bit of food and let the world pass you by.
"I may have a little less endurance and strength and be a little bit more careful but you do it within your limits."
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www.actionwatersports.co.uk
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