Whether you are an expert or just being adventurous on your vacation, water sports activities are an excellent way of enjoying your outdoors.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Wing Foiling
Wing foiling is probably the hottest and most fascinating water sport of recent times.
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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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.
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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.
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.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
There’s a lot of confusion between scuba diving and snorkeling. So, let’s clarify the differences…
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.
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
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.
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!