Finding calm on the water: How our boating community unwinds

This summer, we’ve had numerous fantastic conversations about the relaxing experiences our boaters have enjoyed, and it struck a chord with us, so we wanted to pass them on. We get that boating isn’t just about speed, power, or distance. Sometimes the greatest joy comes from slowing down, unwinding, and letting the water do the heavy lifting.

Here’s a reminder of why slowing down on the water is a joy in itself, along with a round-up of some of the relaxing rituals our boating community has enjoyed over the summer.

How being on the water helps manage stress

These days, for most of us who lead busy lives, stress is a constant companion. Juggling work, family commitments, social events, and the everyday mental load means we carry more stress than we realise.

Here, at Val Wyatt, we’ve long been advocates of the restorative power of being on the water, and we know just how relaxing a few hours out on a boat can be. In a previous blog post, we discussed the stress-relieving benefits of being on the water. We explored how our blue spaces (lakes, rivers and seas) contribute to psychological wellbeing, promote mindfulness, reduce anxiety, and help break the grip of the daily grind.

When you are out on a boat, you are removed (at least a little) from the constant stimulation of traffic noise, screens, notifications, and endless tasks and errands. The gentle motion of the boat should also not be underestimated. Being out in nature, seeing the horizon (if at sea), and watching the light shift has an incredibly calming and soothing effect. It is often in these moments that we not only feel rested but also find clarity for the things that are gnawing at us.

Slowing down is a joy in itself

One of the things our community members emphasised is this: boating doesn’t have to be about covering miles, visiting the most landmarks, or rushing on the water. Some of the richest moments, according to our boaters, come from simply drifting, anchoring in a quiet spot, or coasting along in no particular hurry to get anywhere.

Ole Petter Anfinsen and his partner, owners of a Corsiva 650 Tender (a spacious and comfortable boat they purchased through Val Wyatt), shared how in their first season they’d take evening cruises with friends, pour a glass of champagne, play some soothing jazz music, and watch the light shift over the water. That sense of ‘just being’ is a big part of what makes boating a wonderful refuge from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

And one of our Interboat 19 owners, Charlie and his family, frequently head out for the day with a picnic, let their kids swim off the side, and later visit riverside restaurants, letting the day unfold at its own pace.

These stories are great reminders that the water invites us to slow down, and in doing so, we can lose the daily ‘noise’ and hear ourselves again.

9 simple rituals for relaxing on a boat

Here are some great ideas, tried by our boating friends, for creating relaxing rituals aboard your own vessel. These don’t involve grand plans or fancy gear, but are simple, accessible activities that anyone can do. All you need is an openness to pause and enjoy the moment.

1. Setting the mood with music

Many boats now come equipped with sound systems, or it’s easy to bring along a portable Bluetooth speaker. Listening to music helps set the mood and create a relaxing and leisurely atmosphere. One boat owner commented that they would lean into balmy summer evenings by pouring a glass of wine and listening to a mellow soundtrack, saying it was the best way to unwind while tuning into the gentle rocking of the river.

2. Painting and sketching

You don’t need to be a professional artist to try your hand at painting and drawing. Watercolours, sketching with a pencil, or even just doodling in a notepad can be an incredibly relaxing experience and help to slow the mind. Set aside 15 or 20 minutes and try to capture the light on reeds, reflections on ripples in the water, or the silhouette of overhanging branches. There are lots of studies that show cortisol levels (the stress hormone) are lowered during the process of creative arts.

3. Journalling

Have you heard of Julia Cameron’s morning pages from her book The Artist’s Way? It’s a practice of filling three sides of paper with a stream of consciousness daily, ideally first thing in the morning, but it can be just as beneficial at any time of the day. The concept is to get the thoughts out of your head. They are not to be read and then reflected upon later. It’s just a process. Some people describe it as a way to ‘clear out the mental clutter.’

Another alternative, if that doesn’t appeal to you, is to write a gratitude journal (point number one to be hugely grateful for is, obviously, boating). Or you can write your impressions of the day, what you’ve observed, meaningful moments, your moods, or insights. Over time, your journal can become a treasure trove of memories to look back on.

4. Meditation, stretching, or yoga

If space allows, some gentle stretching or yoga poses, or a seated meditation on the deck, is a wonderful way to relax and deepen your sense of calm. It’s actually an ideal setting because the steady motion of the water becomes a rhythmic companion to your breath. There are many apps with free guided audio meditations (try Insight Timer).

5. Mindfully sipping herbal tea

Mindfulness practice is renowned for reducing stress and improving emotional regulation. There’s also something very soothing about a warm drink. So, why not combine the two! Try chamomile, mint or rooibos tea (or your favourite non-caffeinated brew). Sip slowly and use the pause to enjoy the tea’s aroma and savour the peace. Notice the water lapping and the sounds of the birds. Slowing down like this is pure bliss.

6. Winding down with a glass of wine

Many in our boating community report that their most relaxing experiences come to them when they embrace the tradition of an evening drink aboard. There’s a ritual-like aspect to it. Though, as we’ve mentioned in our blog on stress-relief, alcohol can have complex effects on mood and should be consumed in balance. A non-alcoholic drink can be just as satisfying. Sitting down, clinking glasses and watching the sun go down often matters more than the drink itself.

7. Picnics on the river

Boats with small fridges or even cool boxes make picnics a simple delight. Pack a basket, drop the anchor, and bring lunch to the bank, or stay aboard. Charlie’s family does precisely this: swim stops, picnic lunches, and gentle drifting make up some of their most beloved days.

8. Time with family and friends

For many of us, relaxation is enhanced when we spend time with loved ones. One Val Wyatt boat owner shared how boating with grandchildren becomes a magical experience, whether that is exploring the bank, fishing together, spotting dragonflies, or taking a nap in the sunlit cabin. The gentle environment and being out in nature help even the youngest boaters relax, unplug, and enjoy the simplest pleasures.

9. Photography

Being out on the water provides boaters with a completely different perspective on the world. It makes perfect sense to capture it. You don’t need a top-tier camera. Modern smartphones are more than capable. Capture sunlit reeds, reflections, sunsets, water insects or candid smiles. Even the act of taking the time to frame a shot quietens the mind. Photographing your summer adventures can become a visual journey of calm to look back on during the colder months.

Your rituals, your joy

As we wrap up this relaxing read, we’d like to remind you that there is no one “right” way to relax on a boat. It all comes down to personal preference. Some will find solace in silence, others in music, some in stillness, some in gentle exploration of the waterways. What matters most is discovering that small set of rituals that bring you joy.

Try not to get too stuck in your ways. Trying something new once in a while might bring you some surprising ways to unwind. Remember, the water is always there, forever patient, holding space for whatever your mind and your heart need.

If our community stories inspire you and you’re looking for advice on boat layouts geared towards relaxation, we’re here to help. From selecting the right boat to transforming it into your floating sanctuary, the Val Wyatt team loves nothing more than assisting people to find peace on the water.

Come and talk to us in person at Willow Marina in Wargrave, or at Chichester Marina. Alternatively, you can contact us by email or phone.