Aquatic Activities

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Water or aqua has a certain unique attraction to people of all ages. Children love to
engage in water to play, while adults alike would get lured to take a dip at the sight of a
pool or the beach. Water, in its most natural form, can be a great venue to relax, to workout,
to have fun, to pump up the adrenaline, and to challenge one’s limits.

The Philippines, having more than 7,000 islands, is abound with natural water
forms which can host numerous aquatic activities. There is surely something to do in the
different waters of our country, which attract not only locals but foreigners as well. Aquatic
activities may be done in water such as swimming and snorkeling, on water (surface water)
such as surfing and whitewater rafting, and under water such as scuba diving.

Water has special characteristics that provide a unique environment for activities
and good workout. These characteristics include buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and
enhanced cooling. Buoyancy is the upward force of the water on an object. This is the
reason why boats and people float on water. It also gives a weightlessness feeling, which
makes it easier to move, lift knees, or even jog in water (for some water activities).
Hydrostatic pressure, on one hand, is the pressure exerted by the water at equilibrium due
to the force of gravity. In other words, it is the weight of the water pressed down on the
object. Hydrostatic pressure is exerted on the body from all sides and this pressure,
combined with buoyancy, helps keep standing balance in the water. Water, therefore, helps
people who have problems with balance and coordination. Lastly, water has enhanced
cooling characteristic that transfers heat away from the body much quickly than air given
in the same temperature. This is the reason we can stay longer and can tolerate longer
workouts without feeling being overheated.

Water has special characteristics that provide a unique environment for activities and good
workout. These characteristics include buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure and enhance
cooling.

Aquatics

It is the upward force of the water on an object. This is the reason why boats and people
float on water. It also gives a weightless feeling, which makes it easier to move, lift knees or
even jog in water.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by the water at equilibrium due to the force of gravity It is the weight
of the water pressed down on the object. Hydrostatic pressure is exerted on the body from
all sides and this pressure, combined with buoyancy, helps keep standing balance in water.

Enhance Cooling

Transfers heat away from the body much quickly than air given in the same temperature.
This is the reason we can stay longer in water and can tolerate longer workouts without
feeling being overheated.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is peeking through life underneath water by swimming with the aid of a snorkel
and mask. Through snorkeling, one can observe the underwater attractions for a longer
period of time, without the need to constantly resurface to gasp for air, and with relatively
lesser effort. Snorkeling helps the overall fitness of a person. It works out the quadriceps,
hamstrings, calves, ankles, hip, flexors, core muscles, and shoulders while swimming.

Canoeing

The word ‘canoe’ originated from the Carib word ‘kenu’ which means dugout. Canoes
were originally made from large tree trunks. The more well – known version of the canoe
was introduced by the North American Indians where the frame was built from wooden
ribs. The oldest known canoe, Pesse Canoe, believed to be constructed between 8200 and
7600 B.C. was found in the Netherlands.
Kayak

Also called qajak, means “man’s boat” or “hunter’s boat” originated from the Inuit and
Aleut tribes of Arctic North America. The early kayaks were very individualized as each
kayak was crafted by the user, basing the measurement to the frame of his body and not on
any standard. The oldest existing kayaks are exhibited in North America Department of the
State Museum of Ethnology Munich.

SCUBA Diving

Scuba is an acronym for Self – Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Scuba diving
is a diving method where a diver uses a regulator as the breathing apparatus and a tank
with compressed air which enables the diver to breathe normally underwater. With this
equipment, a diver can explore the waters for a longer period of time and at greater depths.

This chapter will present different activities that we can do on water. One will learn
the basic skills in snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, and scuba diving. After going through the
lessons, one will be encouraged to live a more active life by trying the aquatic activities.

References :

Book

Aparato, Conrado R. , Brebante , Zyra Ruth Talaroc, Callo, Lualhati Fernando and Dajime,
Peter Fermin. RBS Physical Education and Health (Volume II) 116-123 P. Published,
copyrighted 2017, and distributed by Rex Book Store, Inc. (RBSI) with main office at 856
Nicanor Reyes Sr., Sampaloc, Manila / Tel. Nos.: 735-1364, 736-0567

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