In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly decided that June 8 would be designated as “World Oceans Day.”
The oceans are essential to food security and the health and survival of all life, power our climate and are a critical part of the biosphere. The official designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.
One of the criteria for deciding whether a concept or a date (an “international day”) is worthy of a theme ride is whether or not there are a lot of songs on that theme that are good for an indoor cycling class.
With that criteria, oceans definitely qualify, especially if you also add the themes of water and beaches, or even just songs that make you feel like you’re sitting on a Mediterranean beach mesmerized by the hypnotic lapping of the waves (an Ibiza chill song comes to mind).
Most people have pleasant memories of going to the ocean, either with family or friends, on an explorative journey, or possibly for a romantic getaway. Sitting in the sun with the toes in the sand is a blissful respite, a haven for the soul, and a feast for the senses. The rhythmic sound of the waves, the salty aroma of the sea, and the gentle breeze create an ethereal atmosphere that transcends time and space, transporting the mind to a realm of tranquility and peace. (Almost sounds like some of our cycling classes, amiright?!)
Some beaches are also known for the nightlife. As the day fades into night, the beach transforms into a kaleidoscope of neon lights and colorful festivities, with DJs and live bands that keep the party going until the early hours of the morning. Ah yes, now we’re talking—time to pull out those Ibiza (or Miami) remixes!
Are you ready to make your flight reservations for your next beach vacation? Why not take your riders with you? While World Oceans Day is a fun excuse for this theme, you can pull it out anytime you are longing for those memories of sun, sand, and surf.
Below you will find three bucket playlists to choose from for your ocean/beach/water theme ride. The Ocean/Sea/Waves playlist has about 135 songs, the Water playlist has almost 90 songs, and the Beach/Playa playlist has 45 songs.
A few of my favorite tracks:
Cake by the Ocean, DNCA, 3:39, 119 bpm
This is one (almost) everyone will recognize. Use it for a slow, hard climb; stand on the chorus.
The Tide is High, Blondie, 4:42, 95 bpm
This can be a warm-up or a gradually increasing effort at 95 rpm.
Across the Seas, Alexa Ray, 4:02, 139 bpm
Here’s an emotional track about rowing across the sea for destiny. Good for an introspective climb.
Seaside, Diane Warren, Rita Ora, 3:20, 93 bpm
This great track can be a warm-up or a recovery, but it also has enough energy for a moderate to hard push at 93 rpm. And it conjures up pleasant images of being seaside.
The Wave, R3Hab, 2:38, 93 bpm
It has a bit of an erratic tempo, so is better as a recovery (it’s nice and short) or cool-down. You can also do some intensity surges on the chorus. But the lyrics are perfect for this theme:
I’m waiting at the shore with my arms wide openWind blowing in my hair, let the sea salt soak inComing at me full force, do this with my eyes closed, yeah.
Across the Sea, Cody Simpson, 3:55, 91 bpm
Here is your cool-down.
Beachin’, Jake Ocean, 3:11, 93 bpm
The quintessential track about sitting in the white sand in the sunshine with a margarita in your hand…you know, “beachin’.” Good pre-class song, recovery, or cool-down.
Saltwater, Chicane, 9:51 131
Ibiza anyone? This house classic will have you dreaming of Mediterranean beaches at sunset, looking for the DJ. There are numerous remixes of all lengths, so if 10 minutes is too long, do a search in Spotify for more options.
World Water Day is March 22. Check out our post for World Water Day with even more song suggestions.
As usual, if you have a great song or two that we might be missing in any of our bucket playlists, let us know in the comments.