Imagination Waffle

The Philippines is loved by a lot of tourists from all around the world because of its natural beauty and wonderful beaches. The country is an archipelago that is composed of over 7,000+ islands and if you love beaches, you will surely love it here. For those who loves to swim, there are a lot of islands to choose from. Better get those swim caps, goggles and snorkels ready as you will surely enjoy your stay in the Philippines.

If you want to know more, see the list below:

Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is a beautiful beach which can be found in the city of Batangas. To get here, you would have to ride a boat from Manila to Puerto Galera. Travel time is approximately one hour and you will surely enjoy the boat ride as you will pass by beautiful islands as well. Puerto Galera is one of the most famous beaches in the Philippines. There are a lot of activities that you can do here and they are the following: scuba diving, jetski, snorkeling, banana boat and many more.

Baler

Baler is a place in the northern part of the Philippines. It is a very serene and secluded place where you can enjoy lots of activities like surfing. It is often tagged as the “surfing capital of the Philippines” and you can even enroll in a surfing class for you to be more skilled. There is also this famous Balete tree that everyone loves to climb. Try visiting the place for you to know why people love it there.

Zambales

Zambales is one of the places where people go to after getting a heartbreak. Yes, this has become “one” of those places where people search their lost hearts and souls. Zambales is composed of different beaches and one of the most famous is the Anawangin Cove which is truly mesmerizing and you would feel like you are in Korea.

Anilao

Another gem in Batangas is Anilao. Anilao can be found on the other side of the city, opposite from Puerto Galera. Anilao has been everyone’s favorite as there are a lot of activities that you can do here. Aside from that, there are also great souvenir shops that sells cheap and quality stuff. Anilao is a wonderful beach that you should not ignore and take for granted.

Subic

People often have this impression that if you visit Subic, you would have to shed out a lot of money just to keep up with the prices there but the truth is there are cheaper options that you could take. If you are looking for a western type of place then Subic is the location you should go to. There are also yacht rides that you can take to roam around the beautiful island.

Palawan

Palawan, often called as the last frontier, is a one beautiful place composed of beautiful beaches and islands that will surely take your breath away. For those on a budget, it would be better if you stay in Puerto Prinsesa and do island hopping there. But if you have enough money to shed, try going to El Nido and enjoy their luxury resorts.

Author Bio: Mark Aldrin Hipolito is a daytime writer for Swim Print, one of UK’s top provider of swimming caps and many more equipment. Mark is very passionate in writing tips and advices to people regarding the swimming industry.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term “persons with disabilities”? You might probably think of someone who travels via wheelchair or a visually impaired individual who walks with a cane.

Are PWDs different from the rest of the population? Yes. Do they have physical limitations? Yes. However, these things don’t mean they can’t do great things, like sports. In fact, a great number of disabled athletes wowed the world after competing in the paralympic games. And if there’s one sport that welcomes them with open arms, it would be swimming.

With no trauma of weight-bearing joints to worry about, swimming is definitely the perfect activity for disabled peeps. In addition, the water allows them to move without assistance – and this discovery and experience could mean a lot to anyone with restricted mobility. Most people also agree that it’s often easier to engage in the water than on dry land because of the freedom of movement provided buoyancy.

If you know someone who’s dealing with disability (or if you’re impaired or injured yourself), then ahead are some of the physical and mental benefits of swimming worth remembering.

1. Swimming takes you to a different world

Okay, this may sound cheesy but it’s true.

Disability doesn’t just wreak havoc with your mobility but with your outlook as well. You may grow the tendency to shy away from the world, envy “able-bodied” people, and succumb to self-loathing and jealousy. But never forget that your disability may numb your limbs, vision, and other senses but never should you allow your condition to damage even your self-worth. Swimming helps you move forward.

“Swimming returned a freeness which I thought I had lost,” says a former runner who was diagnosed with arthritis yet found hope with swimming. Immersing in the water indeed frees you and lets you discover more about yourself. When you swim, your mobility issues are often hugely reduced. In some cases, eradicated.

2. Swimming elicits positive behavior

It’s not just about the skill. Oftentimes, it’s about the encouraging environment where the skill is honed.

When you learn to swim in an all-encompassing facility, you’ll surely meet good people. You’ll swim with fellow differently-abled folks and supportive coaches who won’t treat you less of an individual. Swimming with other people enhances community and competitive spirit and boosts confidence, independence, and social skills.

3. Swimming breaks sedentary lifestyle

While it’s frustrating to fail at making a hundred percent of your body to function, encouraging disabled people to stay at home and fall into a sedentary lifestyle can be even more fatal. Not only it can hurt one’s self-esteem but it can also lead to serious illnesses.

Swimming breaks the link between “disability” and “sedentary lifestyle.” The low-impact sport makes it possible to exercise and fulfill the need to get your heart racing. The buoyancy removes any strain in the body and supports the weight, joint, muscles, and the spine, providing a whole-body workout to stimulate all body functions.

4. Swimming is good for your heart health

Aside from increased muscle endurance, flexibility, and balance, swimming is also an outstanding exercise for heart health. It helps strengthen the heart muscle and improve circulation and breathing.

5. Swimming serves as a therapeutic exercise

Let’s be clear once and for all – swimming is not a guaranteed cure. However, it can help many people if facilitated well. People suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back problems, for instance, can swim to work their affected joints without making the symptoms worse. Immersing in the water itself can make you feel revitalized afterward.

6. Swimming is a feel-good activity

Who doesn’t love being around the water?

Swimming evokes a natural, positive response as soon as the water touches your skin. Scientifically speaking, swimming releases endorphins or the hormones responsible for making us feel good, relaxed, and rejuvenated. Such good vibes can help combat stress, fear, depression, and anxiety, which are detrimental to one’s mental health.

Christian evangelist, motivational speaker, and author of “Life without limbs” Nick Vujicic once said, “fear is the biggest disability of all – and it will paralyze you more than you being in a wheelchair.” At first, controlling the position in the water with impaired limbs or blurred vision is a heck of a challenge. But once the swimmer gets the hang of it using various floatation devices, swimming aids, and professional instruction, he or she can be unstoppable.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is one of the writers for Swimprint, a go-to shop for swimming enthusiasts, specializing in swim caps in the UK. While she’s fascinated in writing articles focused on sport fashion, health, and wellness, she swears to never give up pizza.

Related Post:

Five Reasons Why Swimming Is Good For Your Well-Being

Six Of The Best Beaches To Swim In America

3 Smart Ways To Reduce Chlorine Levels In Your Pool For A Safer And Healthier Swim

7 Ways To Enjoy Swimming Without Damaging Your Hair

America has a lot of beautiful tourist spots and it is also a place known for having different kinds of beaches that everyone loves. For those who loves to swim in the ocean, America is probably the best place to visit because they have so many great beaches to go to and some even offers different kinds of activities like jet ski, snorkeling, scuba diving and many many more.

If you wanna know more, see the list below:

Hanauma Bay Beach Park
Hanauma Bay Beach Park has been voted as the number one beach in America that is why you should definitely go to this wonderful place. Hanauma Bay Beach Park is located right at the heart of the Oahu islands in Honolulu, Hawaii. If you are visiting Hawaii, Hanauma Bay Beach Park is the place to be!

Siesta Beach
If you ever happen to be in Florida, Siesta Beach is the place to be. This is one of the most famous beaches in Florida, USA. Siesta Beach is very known for its quartz-sized white sand. You will surely enjoy swimming in this gorgeous beach!

Kapalua Bay Beach
Kapalua Bay Beach is also popular to tourists and a lot of people are going here to snorkel, swim, scuba dive, do picnics and many more. Kapalua Bay Beach is located in Maui and according to residents and tourist, Kapalua Bay Beach is the best island in Maui in Hawaii.

Coast Guard Beach
Do you have a planned trip in Massachusetts? If so, swing by to Coast Guard Beach because you will be able to see what everyone is talking about. Coast Guard Beach is perfect for those who just wants to have a relaxing vacation. Swimming is fun in this place.

Grayton Beach State Park
Another gem in Florida is the Grayton Beach State Park. Grayton Beach State Park can be located in Walton County, Florida and it has a wonderful view because you will get that countryside feeling when you enter the park. Grayton Beach Park should really be part of your bucketlist!

Coronado Beach
Last but not the least, Coronado Beach! If you are heading to San Diego, you should definitely try the best water activities in Coronado Beach beause you will surely enjoy. Coronado Beach is a wide beach that is set at the back of the Hotel del Coronado. This is a place worthy of visiting!

Swimming in beaches is really fun especially in America. You just have to know that there are different gears that you must wear in order to be safe. You should definitely visit the six best beaches in America!

Author Bio: Mark Aldrin Hipolito is a daytime writer for Swim Print, one of UK’s top provider of swimming caps and many more equipment. Mark is very passionate in writing tips and advices to people regarding the swimming industry.

Swimming, rain or shine, will always be a great option. But before plunging into the water, for sure there are a few commonly repeated myths that keep on playing in your head, from folktales meant to mislead children to inaccurate “facts” you’re fond of hearing.

Now, let’s debunk some of the swimming misconceptions before they bring you harm or spoil the fun during your beach or pool resort getaway. Listed here are six common myths about swimming and the truths behind them which will encourage you to either plunge into the water or just stay on land.

1. “It’s okay to pee in a chlorinated pool. Chlorine will disinfect it.”

No, it’s never acceptable. Chlorine does a pretty good job in keeping the pool safe and clean by disinfecting it. However, chlorine doesn’t play nice with urine. The presence of urine and other human wastes not just destroy the functioning of chlorine but also result in chloramine, the chemical compound responsible for swimming-induced infection of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

Another myth to back up another myth is the stronger the smell of the chlorine, the cleaner and safer the swimming pool is. Wrong! The truth is, as chlorine levels go higher, the pool water becomes more toxic to humans. Pools that have a heavy chemical odor are often the result of over-chlorination or a negative chemical reaction (chloramine), which leaves you infected rather than protected.

2. “Your red eyes are caused by high chlorine levels”

While it’s true that over-chlorinating can cause irritation, the cause of your bloodshot eyes may be more disgusting. The sillier fact is it rhymes with chlorine. Yes, it’s urine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that the real reason your eyes go red and itchy after swimming is not chlorine but urine. The human wastes in the pool, including urine bind with chlorine, creating a more dangerous chemical compound that causes the eyes to sting. You can avoid getting infected by wearing goggles and by showering thoroughly before and after you hit the pool.

3. “You have to wait 30 minutes to one hour after eating to swim”

As a child, have you been told that you can have cramps, or worse, drown if you swim right after eating? Sorry to all the parents who have been using this warning as a way of keeping the kids’ feet off the pool but this statement is a hoax.

Evidently, there’s no scientific research to back it up. The myth probably stems from the fact that your stomach pushes on your diaphragm after eating a large meal and makes you feel like you’re getting less air.

In contrary to the common misconception, you need a solid block of energy for you to have prolonged duration in the water. Swimming on an empty stomach can do more harm than good. In fact, most competitive swimmers eat a large meal right before they hit the pool so they can function well in the water.

4. “You can’t swim while on your period”

Ladies, I won’t really elaborate on this but yes, you can still swim while on your period. Just make sure you wear darker-colored swimsuit and shorts if you’re nervous about the leakage.

5. “You don’t need sunscreen in the water”

In contrary to the misconception, being around the water, whether it’s pool water or salt water, increases your need for protection from the sun. UV-B, which causes sunburns, is absorbed by water. The cooling effect of the water won’t save you from the sun’s harmful rays but otherwise, make you less aware of the heat of the sun.

The water can also magnify the sun’s rays and these rays can reflect off the surface and back onto your face, causing skin damage. You have to swim a few meters deeper for adequate protection. If snorkellers who can swim deeper to the surface can easily burn their backs, just imagine what the sun can do if you’re just swimming in a regular, shallow pool?

Always follow the application and reapplication instructions on your sunscreen when at the pool to avoid getting nasty sunburns.

6. “You must hold your breath underwater”

We all have been there – the silly game wherein we have to hold our breath underwater and the last person to pop his head out of the water shall be declared the winner. However, holding your breath might work against you when it comes to swimming.

Holding your breath underwater results in a buildup of carbon dioxide, promoting a gasping sensation. You should be constantly exhaling a steady stream of bubbles out of your mouth and nose underwater so when you come up to inhale, your lungs can quickly take in as much oxygen.

7. “I can’t swim – I’m a sinker, not a floater.”

Are you a sinker or a floater? Well, it doesn’t matter anyway. The philosophy has been used for a long time as an excuse to avoid swimming and learning to work with water. Anyone can swim with persistence, practice, and positive state of mind.

According to Eric Hansen, the head swimming coach at the University of Wisconsin, most world-class swimmers could fall into the “sinkers” category due to their low body fat percentage. Body fat is rarely an asset in swimming. What you have to work on to achieve added buoyancy is your strength-to-weight ratio, technique, and ability to relax.

Author bio:
Despite her busy daily routine, Carmina Natividad still manages to find time for a little self-pampering. Aside from hitting the pool during the weekends, she also finds interest in writing articles focused on health and wellness. She is now one of the writers for Swimprint, a go-to shop for swimming enthusiasts in the UK.