Mersea Island’s idyllic location in the Blackwater and Colne estuaries means the water and various marine activities are always within reach. In this blog, we’re exploring the best vitality-boosting experiences in West Mersea, a thriving settlement on this paradisical island in Essex.
Outdoor and Water Activities on Mersea Island
Swimming at West Mersea Beach
On Mersea Island, locals flock to West Mersea Beach to take a dip in the sea. The health benefits of outdoor swimming, from enhanced strength and fitness to improved mood, are widely reported. According to a survey by The Outdoor Swimming Society, around 7.5 million UK residents regularly swim in Britain’s rivers, lakes and seas, with 94% citing ‘joy’ as their main reason for participating in the pastime.
However, it’s important to know the risks associated with open- and cold-water swimming. Average sea temperatures in the UK range from 6-10 °C in the winter to 15-20 °C in the summer, but, of course, can vary depending on the location. When you suddenly immerse yourself in water with a temperature below 15°C, it can have adverse effects on the body, so it’s advisable to educate yourself with relevant safety measures before diving in.
Beachfront Walks and Relaxation
West Mersea beach huts provide the perfect base for days spent relaxing at the seaside. They have indoor kitchen and bathroom facilities, and covered seating for when the British weather turns inclement. These colourful wooden cabins line sections of the beachfront, with some available to hire for the day or longer periods from local businesses such as The Little Beach Hut Company and Sugar Beach Huts.
Regarded for its quirky name and peaceful atmosphere, Monkey Beach in West Mersea is a gem of the island’s coastline. This lesser-known stretch of West Mersea Beach features mudflats moored with weather-beaten boats, causeways among marshland and ‘Monkey Steps’ down to the sandy beach, which boasts expansive views over the Blackwater Estuary and Bradwell-on-Sea beyond. It’s a tranquil spot for low-impact activities like walking, which, for many people, is the most accessible form of exercise and can help boost your immune system.
Mersea Island Fishing and Boat Trips
There are several options when it comes to Mersea Island boat trips. A local institution for 125 years and counting, Mersea Island Yacht Club hosts cruises throughout the sailing season with a strong focus on socialising. Seaskipr also runs river cruises and boat trips, allowing you to explore the waters around Mersea Island.
If you want to take the helm to practise your sailing skills, you can do so at Mersea Boating Lake. This six-acre man-made saltwater lake has no current or tide, and is only 1.5m deep, helping you build your confidence on the water in a controlled outdoor environment.
Looking to go fishing? Sturdy Girl and Essex Sea Fishing, based in Brightlingsea on the mainland coast, are two charters that offer fishing trips in the Thames Estuary and surrounding areas.
Boating, sailing and fishing can all have a positive impact on general wellbeing. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, these activities can be stimulating experiences that can inject your days with a sense of adventure.
Mersea Island Watersports
Mersea Island boasts a selection of activity providers, such as Essex Outdoors Mersea, whose programme includes stand-up paddleboarding and swimming. Mersea Island Watersports, which is the go-to in the community for activities such as windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. In addition to equipment hire, the centre offers introductory lessons, social sessions and classes for children. All the instructors are highly trained and possess a passion for water sports, which they share with everyone who participates in an activity, empowering them with the knowledge they need to be safe and have fun. Due to the water’s buoyancy, water sports like windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding can improve balance and build core strength, whilst working out the entire body.
As with wild swimming, you may spend a considerable amount of time in cold water when undertaking water sports at sea. Therefore, it’s paramount to familiarise yourself with the safety precautions and risks involved, in addition to the plethora of physical and mental health benefits. According to the RNLI, some of these advantages include:
- Enhancing overall fitness levels
- Improving circulation
- Boosting your immune system
- Easing aches and pains
- Reducing stress levels
- Fostering social connections
- Connecting with nature
These are just some of the widely reported benefits of cold water activities, which you can easily enjoy as a Mersea Island resident. Sanderling Reach is a new community of elegantly designed houses less than 500m from West Mersea Beach. Explore homes available to move in now and experience island life in Essex.