Time near water significantly enhances your connection to nature

Water-based activities increase one’s connection to nature and the environment. 

The B Corp brand Red Equipment has released the results of its new 18-month citizen science study investigating blue health. Blue health is the idea that being near a body of water can positively impact one’s mental and physical well-being. The study found that water-based activities increase one’s connection to nature and the environment. 

The study, conducted in partnership with Blue Health Coach Lizzi Larbalestier at Going Coastal Blue, researched the experiences and attitudes of members of the Red community and outdoor enthusiasts over a year and a half. Over 400 individual data sets and over 150 people participated in the research.  

The participants are all paddleboarders, with over 50% being described as ‘intermediate’ with over three years of experience. 36.1% of the participants are cold-water swimmers, while 16.6% kayak. A further 9.5% enjoy surfing or hand-planing, and 7.7% sail or windsurf. 5.3% of the study’s participants either scuba dive or free-dive. 

Connection to nature
The study showed that 74% of respondents had an increased connection to nature, with no one reporting a decrease. This highlights how spending time near water can foster a deeper connection with nature, inspiring a greater commitment to protecting it. Of the 26% of respondents who said their connection to nature remained the same, over half described themselves as already highly connected to nature. 

55% of those surveyed reported that one of the main reasons they decided to try water-based activities was to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Red Equipment found that the presence of wildlife had a positive impact on the study’s participants’ experiences. Respondents shared that outdoor pursuits had given them the opportunity to see a range of wildlife, from seals, dolphins, and whales to estuary birds.

Seeing wildlife and natural scenery can inspire a sense of awe, which has been proven to trigger the release of oxytocin, a mood-boosting hormone that may also promote pro-social behaviours like cooperation and showing care to others. 

Litter & pollution 
Litter and pollution significantly impacted the experiences of those surveyed, with 76% of the survey’s participants saying seeing household litter made their experience near water worse. However, 67% did not notice any fishing-related litter. Red Equipment found that many respondents said they picked up litter while participating in water-based activities. 

The research also found that spending time near water also made people feel happier, which may also have health benefits by reducing stress levels. The study also found that water-based activities had several physical health and fitness benefits, including improved sleep. More than 70% of participants said these outdoor pursuits improved their core strength, balance and physical stamina.

Robyn Dawson, Marketing and Communications Manager at Red Equipment, comments:
“This research really shows how life’s better by the water in a number of ways. We found that spending time in or on the water made people happier and more mindful, improved their health and fitness, and made them feel more connected to nature. Whether you paddleboard, swim, or simply spend more time along the shoreline, there are so many beautiful places around the UK where you can go to enjoy all these benefits.”