If you long to be near the water whenever the warmer weather arrives then you’re not alone.
Water sports are incredibly popular but never more so than in the summer months.
The trouble is, which ones should you try? Well, the simple answer is all of them, but to get you started here are 10 popular sports that take place on or in the water for you to have a go at now that temperatures are rising. Visit Outdoorplay for your equipment.
Table of Contents
Canoeing
One of the most accessible of the water sports, canoeing is a great activity to enjoy as a family as children and adults can all give it a go.
You can start slowly on calmer waters and then progress to faster-moving courses when you have more experience behind you.
Surfing
Why not hit the waves and have a go at surfing? Requiring some nerve and a lot of balance, riding a big one and making it back to shore could earn you serious bragging rights.
Sailing
Quite simply, sailing is navigating a boat that uses the wind to propel it along. This water sport has got slightly more that you need to learn, but that doesn’t mean with the right instructor you couldn’t pick up the basics in a few hours.
This is a hobby that could get pricey though, especially if you’d like to purchase your own boat; but at least there is cheap boat parking available if you know where to look.
White-Water Rafting
There are loads of destinations in the US for white-water rafting. The number-one spot is arguably the Grand Canyon for its incredible scenery; but California, Alaska, and many more states also have their own ideal white-water stretches, too.
Rowing
If you want to get fit while having fun, try your hand at a little rowing. You could get competitive and have a go at racing, or take a slower pace and opt for a gentle row on the boating lake.
Waterskiing
If you’re looking for action, waterskiing has it. There is a knack to getting up and staying up but once you have mastered it, it can be lots of fun.
If you master the basics you could even try a waterskiing obstacle course.
Yachting
The pastime of the rich and famous, you might like to take a pleasure cruise on a yacht or step up the action and try racing one instead.
Parasailing
Ever wondered what it feels like to be a kite? Try parasailing. Attached to a motorboat you get to float through the air while being held up by a parachute-like canopy. Even better, you don’t need to go up there alone as up to three people can take a glide at the same time.
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing can offer a thrilling ride if carried out properly so make sure you’ve read all the safety advice before heading out on the water.
Swimming
Of course, no list of water sports to try would be complete without mentioning swimming. The beauty of it being you can do it practically anywhere; sea swimming for those near the coast, or the local pool if you’re further inland. It’s a great form of exercise, an important life skill, and is good fun, too.
