With summer around the corner, everyone will be heading to the lake. And, as it turns out, life on the water is better for you.
BY PAMELA PALONGUE
According to the“ Blue Mind Theory,” coined by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, spending time near, in, under or on the water enhances your well-being.
Who knew that being around water could improve your mood, and even stimulate your creative side? Probably just about everyone who’ s ever heard the waves lapping against the shoreline or felt the warm breezes coming off of Lake Erie. It also provides plenty of visual delights, like when the afternoon sun hits the water just right and the lake sparkles like a field of diamonds.
Of course, if you want to spend time on the water, there are the popular activities of swimming and fishing, but if you’ re a person who doesn’ t know how to bait a hook and you don’ t really like getting wet, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the water.
Sailing is a wonderful way to be on the water without having to get soaked— except for an occasional spray of water. Sailing can be exciting and invigorating, or calming and peaceful, depending on the company and the weather.
In North East, sailing season lasts from about mid-April to mid-October. Lake Erie is especially ideal for sailing because unlike many Pennsylvania lakes, there are no mountains or large hills blocking the wind.
Did you know that you can sail from Lake Erie to the Atlantic Ocean? The Erie Canal is a popular route to the ocean, although there are alternate routes.
If you don’ t happen to own a sailboat, and you’ re not an experienced sailor, there’ s another option to enjoy sailing. Your Sailing Adventure is a charter sailboat company located in Erie. Captain Scott Hitz is an experienced sailor with a seasoned crew who will make sure you enjoy your day on the water.
With a charter crew, you really won’ t need any prior knowledge of sailing, but you may want to learn a little about it to enjoy the experience more. The American Sailing Association offers online courses, and also has a search engine for finding in-person classes. You will get a certificate for any courses you complete, but more important, you may discover a passion for the sport!
To get more“ up close and personal” with the water, try a ride on a jet ski.
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