5 Adventurous Water Sports You Ought to Explore on Vacation

Friday, March 4, 2022

What do you have planned for your next vacation? Are you headed to an art town to explore the galleries? Or the coast of Florida to get in some beach time?

If you’re headed to a place with a river, lake, or ocean, this could be an opportunity to try some popular water sports that you haven’t done before. Here’s a list of potential options.

1. Paddleboarding

Going out on the water in any manner can be fun. Paddleboarding is one of the best ways to enjoy the water.

Stand-up paddle boards are a unique way to travel over the water. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) gives you the best perspective to experience the surface motion of the water.

It just feels good. The best part is, you don’t need to be a talented or conditioned athlete to paddleboard. You can rent a board locally, get a brief lesson, and head out on the water.

Once you try paddle boarding, you’re apt to get hooked. You can paddle just about anywhere: through rivers, lakes, and even swamps.

If you already know how to surf, you can even try SUP surfing and catch some waves. SUP surfing isn’t for beginners, though.

The perspective when you’re standing is unmatched even by the finest kayaks or canoes. Imagine paddling across the surface, passing under bridges, and enjoying the views in every direction. You may even see some wildlife on the shore, as it watches you float by.

2. Boat tubing

Can’t water ski? Not interested in wakeboarding? Then boat tubing might be perfect for you.

If this sounds like an activity you want to try, but you're not sure if you'll enjoy it, why not look for a river tube rental company in your area to test out the sport before purchasing your own equipment and gear?

When you go tubing, you basically sit on or hang onto a giant donut-shaped inflatable inner tube while being pulled by a boat. You can recline in the middle and get pulled backward, or you could hang on Superman-style and gaze in the direction you’re being pulled.

The person who operates the boat can go as slow or fast as you want, which makes boat tubing perfect for people of all ages, including kids. If you have young children, you could use a tube large enough to accommodate two participants.

Boat tubing is fun no matter how short you make your runs. It’s a quick sport: Once the boat comes around to pick you up, you can expect to enjoy another turn very soon.

3. Kite surfing

Kite surfing is one of the coolest water sports around. You’re basically surfing with a giant kite in the air, and controlling your movements with the wind.

It’s definitely not a beginner’s sport, and you have to be in good physical shape, but it’s exciting and worth trying if you’re up for it. Kite surfers say they feel amazing out on the water, gliding around, surfing waves powered by the wind.

Just being around the ocean is healing for the body, mind, and soul. Being out on the water, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the spray of water on your face is an unbeatable sensation.

Kite surfing offers some benefits, too. For instance, over time you’ll develop improved coordination, better balance, and higher powers of concentration.

You’ll also enhance your core strength, which will improve your daily life in various ways. You might be surprised to know how much easier a strong core makes day-to-day activities.

4. Kayaking

Boating is fun, but if you’ve never gone kayaking, you’ll want to try this sport at least once. It’s an easy, low-impact pursuit that anyone can enjoy.

Kayaks are usually designed for one or two people. They are ideal for calm waters, so they’re excellent for exploring rivers and lakes.

You’ll be doing plenty of paddling in a kayak, so be prepared for a workout. You’ll exercise your arms and your core, and that’s going to increase your body strength overall.

If you enjoy fishing, you can fish from a kayak as long as you obey the local fishing laws. You might be required to get a license to fish, but that depends on where you go because some places have fishing limits and no license requirements.

5. Scuba diving

If snorkeling isn’t enough for you and you’d prefer to swim underwater with the fish, scuba diving is a must. Some classes will be necessary first, but when you head out to the water with an accredited course you’ll be accompanied by experienced scuba divers the entire time.

There are several contraindications for scuba diving, so you should be completely honest when filling out the intake form. For example, if you smoke, you’re considered high risk and likely won’t be allowed to dive. That’s intended for your safety, so it’s essential to be forthright.

What water sport are you most drawn to?

Which water sport do you feel most curious to try? Your vacation will be more memorable if you can get into (or on) the water and experience a new adventure!

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