It is a new sporting trend: aquawalking or walking in the sea. The trend started almost 20 years ago in France, but for a year now surf and sailing clubs on the Flemish coast have also been offering this form of water gymnastics and with growing success. In Ostend, for example, more than 50 people take to the water every single Sunday.
Aquawalking conquers Flemish coast: dozens walk the sea in Ostend every Sunday
Colin Clapson
Published:
‘Today it is not that difficult because there are few waves,’ says Karen. ‘If there are lots of waves, it becomes really tricky.’ Karen is one of some 50 participants who brave the seawater off the coast of Ostend, our premier seaside resort, each and every Sunday morning to “aqua walk”.
‘It is a sport that originated in Dunkirk, in France 18 years ago,’ explains Benoit Simpelaere of Ostend Sailing. ‘A trainer took his kayakers into the sea as a form of physical training and as part of a rehabilitation. And so aquawalking or, in French, “Longe Côte” was born.’
Every muscle is in motion
‘It is the only sport I practice where every muscle is in motion,’ says participant Alfons. Walking in the sea is always difficult but the participants also do exercises. ‘Sometimes the last participant has to catch up with the first,’ says Karen. ‘And just now we did exercises in pairs: then one person has to hang on to the other.’
Aquawalking is rapidly gaining popularity. At the start in Ostend one year ago, there were about 20 participants, now there are sometimes 170. Meanwhile, several sailing and surf clubs along the coast are also offering this activity.
You don't need much to take part either: a surf suit and water shoes will suffice. ‘When the water is warmer, like now in summer, you can also wear shorts. But then you have to bear in mind that you sometimes feel something slippery sliding down your legs,’ laughs Karen.
‘In winter, I do sometimes have to push myself because it's just too cold,’ explains participant Jeanine. ‘Then I wear a winter suit with a blouse underneath and sometimes another cardigan on top.’
Weevers and jellyfish
Aquawalking is best always done in a group. ‘When you step into the water for the first time, you don't realise that there can be a heavy undertow,’ says Benoit Simpelaere of Ostend Sailing. ‘You also have to watch out for weevers in the sand as well as jellyfish.’