Living in the Channel Islands can be great fun. There are so many activities to participate in, and the scenery is stunning. However, sometimes the weather can be unpredictable, and that’s when indoor sports come in handy.
In my years of living on the islands, I have tried out a few different indoor sports, and I have to say, they are all great fun. But choosing the right one for you can be tricky, hence this blog post.
I will go through each primary indoor sport on the Channel Islands and tell you a bit about them. Hopefully, by the end of this post, you will better understand which indoor sport is right for you.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Why Are The Channel Islands Perfect For Indoor Sports?
There are a few reasons why the Channel Islands are such a great place for indoor sports. Firstly, as I mentioned, the weather can be unpredictable. This means that outdoor activities are not always possible.
Secondly, the islands are smaller than a mainland country. This means there is not always enough space for traditional outdoor sports such as football or rugby.
Another reason is that the Channel Islands are home to many tourists.
This means that there are often large groups of people who want to take part in activities but don’t necessarily want to do something too strenuous.
Finally, indoor sports tend to be a bit cheaper than outdoor sports. This is because you do not need to buy equipment and do not have to pay for a court or pitch rental.
Now that we know why the Channel Islands are perfect for indoor sports let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones.
Badminton
Badminton is a great indoor sport for all the family. It is relatively simple to pick up and can be played by people of all ages and abilities.
There are many badminton clubs on the Channel Islands, and most have regular social evenings where you can come and play just for fun. Or, if you feel competitive, there are also tournaments you can enter.
Remember, when playing badminton, you need to wear light and comfortable clothing as you will be doing a lot of moving. And, if you are playing in a club, don’t forget to bring your racket.
Good Places To Check Out:
Jersey Badminton Association
Situated in St. Helier, Jersey Badminton Association offers various badminton activities for all ages and abilities. In addition, they have regular social evenings, tournaments, and coaching sessions.
Regularly, you are free to pop in and join sessions like Dave’s Monday Club, Wednesday Adults, and many others.
Guernsey Badminton Association
Guernsey Badminton runs several different tournaments and events throughout the year. They might also offer regular coaching sessions for those who want to improve their game; best to check directly with them.
Table Tennis
Another wonderful indoor sport for the whole family is table tennis. Like badminton, it is relatively easy to pick up and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
Saying this, I cannot stress enough how important it is to warm up before playing table tennis. The last thing you want is to pull a muscle or strain something.
Also, let me say that if you are visiting or intending to live in Guernsey, for example, playing table tennis can be a good idea because the climate can be pretty unpredictable.
To ensure you are fully prepared for your table tennis game, wear comfortable clothing and, if possible, avoid wearing jeans, as they can be pretty restrictive.
Good Places To Check Out:
Guernsey Table Tennis Association
This an excellent place to start if you want more information about table tennis in Guernsey. A lot of table tennis clubs are affiliated with them, so quite frankly, the best way to get started is to give them a call.
Some of the clubs connected with them are the: Alderney Table Tennis Club and the Lions Table Tennis Club.
Bowling
Bowling is another excellent indoor sport that the whole family can enjoy. It is perfect for rainy days, or when the weather is just too cold to be outside.
Others enjoy bowling so much that they make it a regular thing. Even better, you can bring along some friends and make a night of it.
And, if you feel competitive, you can always try to beat your best score or even set up a tournament with your friends.
There are many bowling clubs on the Channel Islands, and most offer discounts if you book in advance. So, if you intend to go bowling with a group of friends, make sure you do your research and find the best deal.
Good Places To Check Out:
Jersey Bowl
Not just a bowling centre but also a family event and function room destination!
Popularly known for its family hour bowling offers plus its Halloween bowling treats, it never fails to impress, as most locals say…
Guernsey Indoor Bowling
It is located in Hougue Du Pommier Vale and offers a stadium for leagues throughout the year.
This club offers a lot of memberships, even temporary or overseas ones.
Interestingly, they have morning and evening leagues, also mentioned a singles club, so there are plenty of options.
Archery
If you are looking for an indoor sport that is a bit more challenging, then why not try archery? Archery is great for improving your hand-eye coordination and concentration levels.
This sport is also perfect for those days you want to stay inside and avoid the cold weather. What is more, is that it can be pretty therapeutic too.
There are many archery clubs on the Channel Islands, and most of them will have all the equipment you need. However, I recommend you call ahead and check before going, as some clubs may have a limited equipment supply.
And, when you are at the club, make sure you listen to the instructors and follow their safety procedures. Archery is a great sport but can be dangerous if not done correctly.
Most of these archery clubs will be able to provide you with all the equipment you need. However, if you intend to buy your equipment, do your research first, as there are much different gear out there, and it cannot be obvious.
Good Places To Check Out:
Bowmen of Guernsey
This might be the best group of people to approach if you are keen on taking up archery as a sport or just for fun. With years of experience, they welcome beginners and experienced archers alike.
I must say, there is not much information about this club, only a Facebook page, so that would be your best bet in contacting them.
Squash
Squash is another excellent indoor sport, perfect for those days when you want to stay inside. It is also a great way to improve your fitness levels, as it is physically demanding.
Even better, squash is a great way to relieve stress. If you have had a tough day at work or school, a squash game can help you release some steam.
This is perfect because you can play squash alone or with a friend. If you are playing with a friend, it can be pretty competitive, which is excellent for adding an extra element of fun.
Good Places To Check Out:
Guernsey Squash
This sports club is the home of squash and racket ball for both competitive and social players, adults and children.
What is also good about this place is that they have a team and individual leagues all year, so ideal for those who want to join in the fun and get fit at the same time.
One more surprise for you: they offer group coaching too!
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is another excellent indoor sport that will help you to stay fit and healthy. It is also a great way to relieve stress as it is physically demanding.
Most importantly, kickboxing is excellent for self-defence. If you live in an area with high crime rates, then learning how to defend yourself can be very important.
And, it is not just about self-defence either. Kickboxing is also a great workout and can help tone your body.
With so many benefits, it is no wonder that kickboxing is becoming increasingly popular. And many different clubs and studios offer this sport.
So, if you are looking for an indoor sport that is both challenging and fun, then kickboxing could be perfect for you.
Good Places To Check Out:
Guernsey Amalgamated Boxing Club
This boxing club is open to everyone regardless of age, gender or ability. They offer classes for both adults and children.
And they also have a fully equipped gym if you want to do some extra training.
This club is said to be a great place to learn self-defence and get fit at the same time.
Samurai Kickboxing
Started in 2017 in Jersey, this is the island’s first kickboxing club of its kind.
Mainly catering to children, an excellent place to develop confidence and dependable life skills.
Swimming
Swimming is a great indoor sport as it is perfect for those days when you want to stay inside and avoid the cold weather. It is also a great way to improve your fitness levels, as it is physically demanding.
Swimming is also a great way to relax and de-stress. It is said to be one of the best exercises for your mind and body.
There are many swimming pools on the islands, so you should have no problem finding one perfect.
Good Places To Check Out:
Aqua Splash
Located in St. Helier, this is a great place to take the kids for a swim. They have several different pools as well as slides and other attractions.
And they also offer swimming lessons for both adults and children.
Le Mourier
They offer parent and child swimming lessons as well as adult-only classes. They also have several different pools that you can use depending on your ability level.
What stands out about this sports club is that they also offer aquatic holiday camps, wouldn’t it be nice to go to one?
In terms of pricing, surprisingly, their membership costs only £17.50 – what a great deal!
Top Tips For Choosing An Indoor Sport In The Channel Islands
Consider your fitness levels
When choosing an indoor sport, it is essential to consider your fitness levels. Some sports are more physically demanding than others. So, if you are not very active, then you might want to choose a sport that is not too strenuous.
Think about what you want to achieve
Do you want to get fit? Improve your self-defence skills or are you just looking for something fun to do?
Think about what you want to achieve before choosing an indoor sport. This will help you to choose the one that is right for you.
Consider the cost
Some indoor sports can be pretty expensive. For example, if you want to join a kickboxing club, you will need to pay for membership and classes.
So, before you commit to anything, make sure you can afford it.
Check out the facilities
When choosing an indoor sport, it is also essential to consider the facilities. Some clubs and studios will have better facilities than others.
So, if you have specific requirements, ensure that the club or studio you choose can accommodate you.
Ask around
Ask them for recommendations if you know someone who participates in an indoor sport. They will be able to tell you which clubs and studios are good and which ones to avoid.
Final Thoughts
Living on the island can be both fun and challenging at the same time. First, however, it is essential to find an indoor sport that is perfect for you.
And, hopefully, this article has given you some ideas of what is available. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!
Enjoy more adventures in the Channel Islands! Do you prefer cycling? Then don’t miss the following article: Hiring a bicycle in the Channel Islands