With just under six weeks to go until Christmas, people are starting to think about what they can wrap up for their loved ones that will bring a smile to their face.
If the prospect of dipping into every shop on the high street until you find that perfect gift fills you with dread, why not consider a different approach?
Sailing lessons may not be on their wish list, but read this and you’ll soon realise it’s the gift your loved ones never knew they wanted!
A poll by Which? at the end of last year revealed that taking up or restarting a hobby and learning a new skill were number 4 and 5 on the list of most popular 2013 New Year’s Resolutions, just below doing more exercise, losing weight and eating more healthily.
Help someone tick off one of their resolutions for 2014 with boating lessons. Sailing could turn into a serious pastime or their newfound passion might prompt a career change – you never know where one lesson will lead!
Rather than getting your dad another tie, your husband that aftershave he unwraps every year and your mum a new apron or something equally predictable, show that you’ve gone the extra mile and achieved what everyone struggles to do at Christmas – find a unique gift.
Forget painfully fake smiles and overly raised eyebrows feigning surprise; you’ll know that the smile on their face is real and you’ll get a chance to reintroduce the element of surprise at Christmas.
All sports bring health benefits as well as enjoyment and sailing is no exception. All that time spent outdoors means a healthy dose of fresh air and vitamin D, which is vital for strong bones and teeth and a healthy immune system. Salt water has been shown to rejuvenate the skin, leaving the lucky recipient of sailing courses feeling revitalised and healthy.
Not only that, but essential sailing skills like hoisting up the main sail requires use of arms, legs and core muscles to battle against the wind, building endurance and muscle mass. Sailing often leaves people feeling stronger, more confident and in a healthier frame of mind – which ticks off another popular New Year’s resolution!
In addition to all of the physical health benefits, anyone wanting to learn to sail will feel an immediate and dramatic improvement in their mental health. Sailing is a chance to get away from it all and completely unwind.
If one lesson turns into a regular pursuit, sailing presents the opportunity to enjoy leisure time in a unique way with friends and family. The ocean is a place to escape a technology dominated world and get back in touch with nature, as well as take existing sailing skills from strength to strength.
There’s good news for the buyer as well as the recipient! Sailing courses are not out of reach financially; in fact, they tend to be excellent value taking into account the time spent on the water and the level of guidance, support and instruction given by the experts.
Finally, a unique Christmas present that won’t break the bank! Plus, since lessons can generally be organised online and from the comfort of your home, it’s convenient too.
From becoming a fully qualified instructor to starting their own sailing blog, you never know where that first sailing lesson can take someone. So what are you waiting for – give your loved ones the perfect gift with fantastic boating courses this Christmas!
Comment by Denise on November 14, 2013 at 4:16 pm
We couldn’t agree more! A Sailing course really would make a perfect Christmas present…..especially if it’s a course in the warm, blue waters of Antigua!