Watersports as team building: off on an adventure in a wetsuit

Water sports offer a dynamic and effective way to strengthen teamwork, communication and trust through team building during activities. Wetsuit activities in particular are ideal as they often involve adventurous and challenging conditions. Here are some benefits and examples of water sports team building activities as well as practical tips on how to carry them out.

Advantages of water sports for team building

1. Promoting communication and cooperation: Many water sports require close cooperation and clear communication between participants. Whether it’s kayaking, stand up paddling (SUP) or windsurfing, you and your team members need to coordinate and make decisions together to be successful(teambuilding.com)(The Muse).
2. Confidence building: Activities such as wakeboarding or water skiing, where one member steers the boat and the other pulls behind, build trust. Everyone must be able to rely on each other in order to operate safely and effectively.
3. Strengthening team dynamics: Challenges in the water can help to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of team members and improve team dynamics. For example, a joint sailing trip promotes role allocation and mutual understanding within the team.

Popular water sports activities for team building

1. Dragon boat racing: Dragon boating is an exciting and energetic activity in which teams compete against each other in a large, dragon-shaped boat. Each team member has a clear role and success depends on synchronized paddling and teamwork(teambuilding.com).
2. Sailing regattas: When sailing, participants have to take on various tasks, from steering the boat to handling the sails. This requires not only physical exertion, but also strategic cooperation to master the changing wind and water conditions(asana).
3. Stand Up Paddling (SUP): SUP is a more relaxed, yet effective team building activity. It strengthens the sense of balance and coordination while providing a great opportunity to communicate and get to know each other(The Muse).
4. Canoeing and kayaking: These activities are ideal for smaller teams and promote cooperation and coordination. They also offer the opportunity to relax in nature while overcoming challenges together(asana).

Wetsuit: Essential for water sports

A wetsuit is an essential piece of equipment for many water sports, especially when the water is cold. It keeps the body warm and provides additional buoyancy. For activities such as surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, a wetsuit is almost essential. Here are some practical tips on how to put on a wetsuit correctly and which aids can be useful:

1. Putting on a wetsuit: Putting on a wetsuit can be a challenge, especially if the suit fits tightly. A helpful aid is the FlipSoc, a special donning aid that makes donning much easier. The FlipSoc ensures that the suit can be put on more quickly and easily without damaging it(SessionLab).
2. Dressing tips:
   • Use a plastic bag or the FlipSoc to push your feet and hands through the openings.
   • Pull the suit up slowly and evenly to avoid tears.
   • Make sure the suit fits properly and does not wrinkle to ensure maximum comfort and freedom of movement.

Practical tips for successful water sports team building activities

1. Safety first: Safety should always come first. Make sure that all participants receive the necessary safety instructions and wear the right equipment. Life jackets and wetsuits are often essential.
2. Set clear goals: Define clear goals for the activity. Whether it’s to improve team communication, increase trust or simply to have fun – clear goals help to maintain focus and measure success.
3. Debriefing: After the activity, it is helpful to conduct a debriefing. This gives team members the opportunity to share their experiences, talk about challenges and reflect on what they have learned(The Muse)(SnackNation).

Conclusion

Water sports as a team building activity offers numerous benefits. It not only strengthens physical fitness, but also cooperation and trust within the team. Whether it’s dragon boat racing, sailing or stand up paddling, the shared experience of being in the water can help build a stronger, more effective and harmonious team.

For more ideas and detailed instructions on team building activities in water sports, visit websites like SessionLab and teambuilding.com(SessionLab)(teambuilding.com)(The Muse).

Picture from: Raftingcamp