Sea-change boost for gym goers

MANY have been swapping their dumbbells for paddles and braving Tasmania’s chilly waters in the absence of gyms and swimming pools.

Next Level Kayaking coach Roz Barber said the interest in paddling was “incredible”, with her boss seeking extra mainland supplies to meet demand.

“The amount of people coming who have never done it before is amazing,” she said.

Fitness enthusiasts were looking “outside of what is normal” to stay healthy, with kayaking ticking social distancing boxes.

“You don’t have to worry about anything else when you’re out on the water,” Ms Barber said.

“There’s this unbelievable connection people have with the water that makes them so peaceful.”

But the camaraderie and banter of group sessions as restrictions lifted was welcome.

“It’ll be interesting to see how many people will come along when we offer beginners groups again,” Ms Barber said.

Swimmer Anne Hardy said she was ocean swimming about four days a week since her Tomatoes Swim Club stopped attending Clarence pool.

She and a friend had embraced “meditative” dawn swims in sea temperatures as low as 11C.

“I think we’ve surprised ourselves with how our bodies have adapted to the cold,” she said. “I find it more cathartic than a swimming pool. It touches your soul as well as giving you an endorphin hit.”