Is Community the Secret to Longevity? A Kitesurfer’s Thoughts.

Now that 2025 is here, many of us are thinking about how to live healthier, happier lives. Usually, that means setting fitness goals, tweaking our diets, or planning more days on the water. But what if the key to living longer and better wasn’t just about what we eat or how active we are? What if it had everything to do with the people around us?

Let’s dive in.

What Blue Zones Teach Us About Connection

In Blue Zones, those fascinating regions where people live the longest and healthiest lives, community is a cornerstone of longevity. These places, like Okinawa in Japan or Sardinia in Italy, thrive on deep social connections. It’s not just about having friends; it’s about having a tribe, a group of people who share experiences, support each other, and give life meaning.

While most of us can’t pack up and move to a Blue Zone, we can build our own version of it right where we are. For kitesurfers and wingfoilers, the beach often becomes this space, a place to share stories, learn from each other, and celebrate small victories, like nailing that first tack or surviving a crazy session.

Community in Watersports

Here at Northern Watersports, we see it all the time. Kitesurfing and wingfoiling might seem like solo sports, but they thrive on community. From swapping tips on the best kite sizes for winter winds, laughing over wipeouts, to meeting up for sunset sessions, it’s the shared moments like these that keep us coming back.               

This is why we’ve poured so much energy into Wallasey Beach Club. Growing from 200 to 900 members in just a year, it’s become more than a place to store gear or grab a pint, it’s a home base for our watersports family. And in 2025, we’re going bigger and better with new facilities, more events, and plenty of opportunities to connect. 

No Local Club? No Problem

Not everyone lives close to the water or has access to a local club, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out, online communities like on Reddit’s r/Kiteboarding and r/Wingfoil subreddit groups and its Discord servers are buzzing with likeminded people. 

These spaces can be a lifeline for those who might feel isolated or need help finding their footing in the sport. Plus, they’re a great way to plan meetups when you finally make it to the water.

How to Build Your Own Tribe in 2025

Want to create your own “Blue Zone” energy this year? Here’s how 

• Get Involved Locally: Join a club like Wallasey Beach Club, or find others who share your passion nearby.
• Engage Online: Join forums, follow social media groups, or hop into a Discord server for kitesurfing or wingfoiling enthusiasts.
• Attend Events: Demo weekends, socials, and competitions are perfect for meeting new people and growing your network.
• Share the Stoke: Offer help to beginners or plan group sessions, a win-win for everyone involved.

Community isn’t just a feel-good addition to your watersports journey, it’s actually a secret weapon for living a longer, more fulfilling life. From catching waves with your crew, sharing stories over a post-session pint, or learning from others online, it’s the connections we make that truly matter.

Ready to connect? Learn more about Wallasey Beach Club and join today.