man on wing foil

Water Sports Names You Need To Know (And Try!)

Whether you are an expert or just being adventurous on your vacation, water sports activities are an excellent way of enjoying your outdoors.

man in midair kitesurfing

Swimming, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, and other water activities can have significant mind-body benefits and the calming nature of water bodies is also thought by many to improve mental health.

Swimming, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, and other water activities can have significant mind-body benefits and the calming nature of water bodies is also thought by many to improve mental health.

Below are six water sports activities you should try:

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a common water sport that typically combines the characteristics of surfing and sailing.

wind surfing mid-air

The activity involves balancing yourself on the water while controlling the wind direction. If you haven’t tried it yet, learning to windsurf can be tons of fun. However, you should learn various techniques and maneuvers, such as jumps, tacks, jibs, and starts.

Like any other water sport, you should begin by learning various windsurfing equipment. A windsurfing kit includes a windsurfing board, rig, and windsurfing clothing.



While professional windsurfers don’t rely on weather conditions to enjoy the waters, strong winds are essential for this sport. So, if you are a beginner, you should plan your surfing experience during summer and choose destinations with good wind.

man wind surfing

You should then learn the basics on land before heading to the sea. Due to the steep learning curve, the best and fastest way to learn is by enrolling in a windsurfing school.

You should also check wind direction and speed. Choose places with wind speeds ranging from 7 to 15 knots (1 knot = approximately 1.15 miles per hour).

Some of the best windsurfing spots worldwide include France, the Canary Islands, California, Greece, Hawaii, New Zealand, Egypt, and North Carolina.



Jet Skiing

Jet skiing is another exciting and thrilling way to get into the waters. This high-speed water sport is great for developing balance, coordination skills, and leg muscles.

man on jet ski

Jet skiing is a popular water sport that most people easily pick up and also can be an adrenaline rush as you speed across the water.

Besides being a thrilling sport, jet skiing has several health and fitness benefits, which include:

  • Improves blood circulation – Balancing and coordinating the ski requires you to stabilize your muscles and have a firm grip on the equipment. This increases blood circulation, ensuring oxygen and essential nutrients reach all parts.
  • Burns calories – Outdoor adventures, like hiking and most watersports, are an excellent way of burning calories. Jet skiing is not only fun but also an excellent way of burning 400 calories in an hour.
  •  Strengthens muscles – Skiing regularly helps build body muscles. Balancing jet skiing, especially during strong waves, helps develop abdominal muscles.
  • Reduces stress – Recreational watersports, such as jet skiing, help many people forget their daily stress, which may help improve mental health.

Unlike camping and other outdoor adventures, the best way to get started on jet skiing is by completing a training course. Even if you’ve tried before, a jet ski course equips you with the necessary skills to ride safely. Most launch sites currently demand a certificate for anyone to be allowed into the water.





Wing Foiling

Wing foiling is probably the hottest and most fascinating water sport of recent times.

wing foiling

Since its introduction, more windsurfers and kiters have ditched their favorite water sport for winging for various reasons.

The feeling of drifting over water using wind is incredible and addictive. Wing foiling (or, “winging”) basically involves using foil wings to catch some breeze while standing on a waterboard with an attached hydrofoil.

For starters, wing foiling requires less equipment and is easier to learn. The entire setup is also travel-friendly.


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man wing foiling

Unlike kitesurfing kites, harnesses, cords, and windsurfing boards, you only need a wing and foil to start winging.

You can easily bag and check in your equipment when traveling. Wings and foils are compact enough and can fit your booked apartment or rental car without necessarily installing roof racks.

While this sounds simple and straightforward, there’s a learning curve involved. For instance, managing the wing can prove challenging for beginners. You should also master how to balance the rising foil.




Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is another excellent watersport for any active person. Like other watersports mentioned above, nobody is too young or old to try out kitesurfing.

person kitesurfing

Kiteboarding is practiced on nearly every shore because of the simple equipment requirements. All you need to get started is water, wind, a board, and a kite.

If you are new to the sport, you should consider taking some training classes.


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Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

There’s a lot of confusion between scuba diving and snorkeling. So, let’s clarify the differences…

man scuba diving

Scuba diving is a common water sport that can be done in shallow and deep water and is basically underwater diving, where participants dive using self-contained breathing equipment that doesn’t depend on surface air supply. This enables divers to stay underwater longer.

On the other hand, snorkeling involves swimming at or near the surface a body of water, with your face down, while wearing a diving mask or snorkel, a breathing tube that allows divers to stay underwater for longer than if simply holding your brreath.

woman snorkeling

Snorkeling is best practiced in shallow water and allows participants to observe underwater attractions for some period without much breathing effort. You’ll definitely need some swimming lessons to participate in these sports.

Children are not recommended to try snorkeling due to potential safety hazards.



Kayaking

woman and kid kayaking

Kayaking is one of the most-loved and versatile water sports across the U.S., enjoyed by individuals of all ages.

With a simple kayak, you can enjoy the peaceful nature of calm water, and even fish, away from the hustle and bustle.

It’s also a good water sport of choice for anyone who prefers calm outdoor environments and the waters.

The only challenge is choosing a suitable kayak from the various types, including recreational, touring, and sit-on kayaks.


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Final Thoughts On The Water Sports Names You Need To Know

Water sports are an often less-explored outdoor activity that provide unmatched fun as well as health benefits.

beach water

Your outdoor water activities shouldn’t be limited to wading in the water and collecting seashells. You should take advantage of your access to the oceans, lakes and rivers by engaging in any one or more of the above listed adrenaline-pumping activities.

You should consider the activities mentioned above in your next outdoor adventure!

man floating above fish while spearfishing

Spear Gun Fishing For Beginners (And Mistakes To Avoid)

Humans have been spearfishing for a long time. In fact, spearfishing was initially a survival method to gather food.

In a cave found in southern France, there are paintings that some believe reveal how spearfishing dates back more than 16,000 years.

man standing on beach with speargun

Today, spearfishing is a sport loved and practiced by many people across the globe.

If you’re a passionate swimmer or a diver looking to take part in this sport, there are certain things you need to be familiar with first. After all, spearfishing doesn’t simply entail wearing your diving suit and carrying a spear stick with you!

Read on to learn all there is to know about the exciting sport of spearfishing, as well as mistakes to avoid. With the insights you gain, you’ll perfect your spearfishing skills in no time.

Speargun Fishing Safety Tips

man in water with speargun

You must never forget that a speargun is a dangerous weapon, and can cause serious injury or even death if not handled and operated properly.

  • Respect The Speargun

Although spearfishing is one of the most thrilling watersports, you must not forget that spearguns are dangerous weapons. Therefore, you must never play around with or point one at another individual. When you are using a speargun, always be sure that the speargun is pointed away from areas where people are present, to prevent injuries or accidental discharges.

When a speargun gets discharged, it releases a powerful recoil that could lead to a severe injury to the body or face if discharged accidentally. Even if the safety feature is on, don’t be careless and assume nothing could happen. If you are not about to fire on a fish, keep your finger off the trigger!



  • Start With The Basics

You should know the basics of operating a speargun before you go spear fishing. To do this, take a spearfishing course to equip yourself with knowledge of how to use a speargun safely, even if you’re already an experienced scuba diver or free diver.

This is crucial, because the added complexity of using a speargun, which is a deadly weapon, completely changes the dynamic of scuba diving or free diving.

After taking spearfishing lessons, you’ll be aware of the fundamentals, such as how to take a shot with spearguns, the types of water, ideal spots for spearfishing, and the fish species to hunt. With the guidance of an instructor, you’ll also have extensive and practical knowledge of spearfishing techniques.

  • Maintain Your Speargun

The speargun, like any equipment, requires routine maintenance for it to work effectively.


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Speargun Fishing Equipment Safety Checklist

Regular maintenance is necessary since shooting lines regularly results in wear and tear eventually. So, you need to maintain your speargun often. You can do this by inspecting the shooting line, taking out the shaft, and examining everything, from the shaft’s rear to the lower part of your speargun.

The following are additional steps you can take to maintain your equipment:

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s specs for maintenance of your speargun.
  • Rinse it with fresh water after each dive.
  • Replace the speargun rubber at the end of each season.
  • Diassemble, inspect, and if necessary, replace parts regularly.
  • Dry the speargun properly AWAY from direct sunlight.
  • Be sure parts have no rust and be lubricated per manufacturer’s specs.

Taking these steps will make your speargun last longer and become more effective while you’re out fishing.

man on edge of boat with speargun

Every time you get in the water to go speargun fishing, you should follow some basic rules…



Speargun Safety Reminders

You should always follow some basic rules. The following are basic rules of speargun safety you should keep in mind:

  • Don’t load a speargun out of the water because spearguns require water resistance to work properly. The amount of force the bands have can shoot a spear 20 feet underwater. So, out of the water, these bands can send spears more than 200 feet. You won’t be able to control this kind of shot.
  • Avoid firing a speargun out of the water too, as it can be very dangerous.
  • As mentioned earlier, avoid aiming your speargun at anything you don’t intend to kill, and make sure your finger is kept away from the trigger until you’re prepared to shoot.
  • Be aware of what’s behind your target.



Speargun Fishing Tips

  • Know before you go

It’s easy to get sensory deprived underwater. Therefore, before heading out to go speargun fishing, you should always know things like:

  1. The tide schedule
  2. Surf conditions (Including wave height and surf direction. Swell direction will tell you in which direction you will drift if you’re not paying attention.)
  3. The weather Forecast


  • Start in shallow water

Even when practicing in shallow waters, wear the right attire and gather all the necessary gear, such as wetsuits and rash guards.

Once you’re all set for practice, begin with the ‘stalking’ technique. This technique involves staying above water while hunting fish below the surface. You can either stand on the rocks or in the water, but you’ll need to act fast. Over time, you’ll get better at spearing fish.

  • Practice In Shallow Waters And Master Your Aim

If you’re still working on your spearfishing technique, refine your skills by practicing in shallow waters. This will help protect you from the dangers of underwater diving and speargun use. 

man in shallow water with speargun

It’s a good idea to start practicing with your speargun in shallower water.

In addition to practicing in shallow waters, you need to master your aim. Some have it easy—it’s just a matter of pointing and shooting. Others have their own technique, such as aiming along the side of the gun to have better control over the vertical axis. Find and use a method that you’re comfortable with.



man handling fish from speargun

Aiming for the head is a good rule of thumb. Open the safety lock of your speargun, direct your gun at your target, relax, and then pull the trigger to let go of the spear shaft in an instant. Just remember to get close enough to the fish, so you can have good aim before pulling the trigger. This will make the fish suffer less and keep you from having to puncture it again with your knife.

  • Be patient

While spear fishing, don’t chase the fish and swim with jerky movements. Swimming hastily after fish will only scare them away. Just take your time and relax, so you can get closer for a shot.



  • Keep Your Distance

Another rookie mistake is swimming too close to the ocean floor. You should go as high as your visibility allows and then aim silently at the fish. This way, pressure on the fish is lessened, and gravity helps you get a faster shot.

man with fish spearfishing

To keep from over-pressuring the fish, stay as high above the fish as you can while maintaining visibility.

Moreover, a successful shot from a downward angle can sometimes pin the fish to the bottom, until you’re ready to string it and carry it to the surface.

  • Shoot From The Proper Distance

While you shouldn’t fish too close to the ocean floor, you also shouldn’t shoot too far away either. You need to familiarize yourself with the flight distance of different kinds of fish. For instance, approaching hogfish for a great shot is a breeze. On the other hand, snappers and groupers tend to be wary, so you’ll need to take longer shots. 



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  • Understand How Your Speargun Works

Naturally, you must understand how your speargun works before diving into the water and chasing fish. Spearguns have varying shooting line paths. Variations include the roller, closed, and open muzzles.

Aside from these shooting line paths, you should research the various spearfishing weapons such as pneumatic or band spearguns, Hawaiian slings, and pole spears.

Handling a pole spear is simple, but other weapons are complicated since they involve certain steps to use them safely, like rigging and aiming.



Final Thoughts on Spearfishing

Spearfishing can be an incredibly enjoyable outdoor activity. Just be sure to master the basics and familiarize yourself with general spearfishing mistakes.

We hope you put a hole N1!

fishing kayak in water at sunrise

Kayak Fishing For Beginners | Winning Tips For Your Trip

Kayak fishing has seen a massive surge in popularity in recent years, and the reasons for this explosion in popularity make sense.

So, lets’ take a look at the benefits of fishing from a kayak and tips to help you make the most of your time on the water.

Surge In Kayak Fishing Popularity

One of the main reasons for the surge in anglers fishing from a kayak is affordability.

While top-of-the-line fishing kayaks can cost several thousand dollars, they are still far more affordable than even a small bass boat or multi-species fishing boat.

kayak fishing at dawn

Fishing kayaks can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for top-of-the-line models.

Another reason for this newfound popularity is mobility and accessibility.

Kayaks can be hauled by small trailers, by securing them to the roof of a vehicle, or in the box of a pickup truck. Anglers also do not need a large space to store a kayak compared to larger fishing vessels.

Being light and highly mobile, coupled with the fact that kayaks can go into very shallow water, means that anglers can access waterways that might not be accessible to large boats or do not have public boat ramps.

Kayaks made for fishing are a far cry from traditional kayak designs that most people are familiar with. Most fishing kayaks are built with wider beams, equating to better stability, allowing one to fish while comfortably standing.



Adaptability And Customization

Modern fishing kayaks also allow for high levels of customization, which translates to adaptability. This allows anglers to change their kayak setup based on water body type and target species.

Fishing kayaks allow for mounting GPS fish finders; some even have mounting options for trolling motor setups and battery compartments.

man holding bass in kayak

Kayaks allow for multiple options to fit your fishing situation, including baitwells, rod holders, storage areas, trolling motor mounts, etc.

There are also shallow anchor options similar to those used on bass boats today, consisting of stakes, so that you can anchor your kayak in shallow water environments despite wind and current.

Fishing kayaks also come with small baitwell options, multiple rod holder options, and ample storage to house everything an angler needs.



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Kayak Fishing For Beginners | Tips and Tactics

Now that we have taken a look at the reasons for the surge in popularity among anglers let’s now take a look at some fishing tips and tactics so you can learn how to fish from a kayak!



Pick The Right Days To Fish

Kayaks are light and small, making things difficult on windy days or on bodies of water with heavy currents.

Wind can make fishing very inefficient when done from a kayak, and you will likely struggle to hold a position on fish-holding spots, along with the kayak rotating and making it difficult to maintain position.



High waves due to wind can also be a safety concern, along with making it difficult to do any precision casting.

Try to pick the days you plan to fish by closely monitoring the weather forecast. This will not only allow you to enjoy your time on the water as everything is easier, but it will also help prevent accidents from occurring while kayak fishing.



Lure Selection

Lure selection for kayak fishing should be simple, with highly effective lure choices that combine search baits and finesse baits.

striped bass in kayak

Bring your confidence lures with you on your kayak fishing trip. Focus on lures that will allow you to cover the body of water you are fishing quickly.

Lures like spinnerbaits, topwater, inline spinners, and crankbaits are great for covering water quickly. In addition, lures like jigs, soft plastics, and jerkbaits are great for picking apart an area after you make contact with fish using search baits.

Your storage space in a kayak is a fraction of what it is in a fishing boat, so bring only the essential lures and your confidence lures that you know will work in most fishing conditions.



Pick a Few Rods

Having only one rod might seem like a good idea due to your small vessel, but it’s actually the opposite of a good idea for a one major reason.

Fishing with one rod means you will be tying on different lures while developing a pattern or searching for fish, and tying lures on all the time is much more tedious in a kayak.



Instead of using only one fishing rod, bring 3 to 4 rods with you, and have each one rigged up with a different lure type, such as a topwater, jig, spinnerbait, and crankbait.

Having multiple rods rigged for different conditions will make your time on the water incredibly efficient and allow you to focus more on fishing than tying lures on your line or digging for gear.



How To Land A Fish From A Kayak

Landing fish is quite different when done in a kayak, and you can’t just lean over willy-nilly to grab a fish.

two men fishing from kayak

Being on the water is a great experience, but you probably don’t want to go IN the water when kayak fishing, so use these tips when landing fish from a kayak..

When attempting to land a fish, you should make sure you reel the fish closer to your rod tip than you normally would, with the length of line equivalent to your arm’s length if you intend to hand-land the fish.

For mid-sized fish species like bass, pike, and walleye, a short-handled net might be the best approach, and there are some great nets out there today that cater to kayak fishing enthusiasts out there.

For larger fish like muskies or saltwater species, things can get very interesting when attempting to land the fish, and if a net isn’t possible, consider using a tool like a Boga grip.



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You will also want to have all release tools needed, such as needlenose pliers, jaw spreaders, and hook cutters, within reach at all times to make the release of the fish quick and safe.



Safety First

When fishing from a kayak, a life preserver should be non-negotiable. Life preservers today are far from the bulky and uncomfortable life jackets of decades passed, so wearing one is a non-issue.

It would also be wise to let a friend of family member know where you plan a kayak fishing trip, and when you plan on getting home.

A First aid kit and signaling tool like a flare gun are also good ideas, mainly when fishing far from shore, or when saltwater fishing.

Keep your phone fully charged and in a waterproof case if you need to make an emergency call.


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Final Thoughts On Kayak Fishing For Beginners

Though it will take time to adapt, fishing from a kayak can be very rewarding, and it’s easy to see why many anglers are doing it either on a limited basis, or full-time.

With time on the water, you will find that it is far more productive than you might think and that the pros can definitely outweigh the cons.