The coast has a lot to offer, whether it’s the beautiful views, the abundant seafood options or simply spending time enjoying nature by walking along the coastline, there are plenty of reasons why people choose this as their holiday destination. If you’re more of an active type, though, then this kind of destination is even better! There are so many watersports out there that it can be hard to choose which ones to try. The good news is, we’ve done the hard work for you and pinpointed the 6 most exciting water sports to try.
1. Paddle Boarding
Paddleboarding is a great watersport for everyone, it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or more experienced. All you need is a good balance to be able to stand on the board and enjoy the view of the coastline. The equipment required consists of a board, life vest, wetsuit (optional), and impact-resistant sunglasses. There are plenty of cheap paddle boards to choose from nowadays. While price isn’t everything – a lot of them are great, especially if you’re just doing it for fun or are just starting out, there are a few things to look out for. For starters, you want it to be around 10-12′ long, and the width should be at least 30″. It’s also important to check if it has a leash for your ankle. This board can reach speeds of up to 5mph, and because there is only you on the board it will feel like you’re almost flying.
2. Surfing
The second watersport on our list is surfing, which is one that you definitely should try if you’re traveling to a coastal area. No matter if it’s your first time or you’ve tried surfing before, there are many great places for beginner surfers. Looking for beaches that don’t get many large waves is the first thing you want to do. If you’re already experienced, on the other hand, then it’s best to choose a place that has both small and larger waves. Start by choosing the right board. If you’re someone who prefers shorter boards then go for one that’s around 11-12 feet long. If you’re more of an experienced surfer, on the other hand, then something longer might be more appropriate for you.
3. Yachting
Yachting is one of the most popular watersports out there, and it can be enjoyed by all kinds of people. It’s mostly done for recreational purposes, whether you’re alone or with a few friends and family members, and renting a yacht is something many people choose to do. You can rent anything from small boats to luxury yachts if you want to experience the high life! There are so many places where you can rent one, and the prices vary. That said, if you’ve never done it before, you’ll want to make sure you have someone more experienced there with you to help you out.
4. Scuba Diving
Although scuba diving might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of watersports, we consider it one of them because so many people already do it or want to learn! Having equipment such as oxygen tanks and wetsuits is necessary, and of course, you must know how to do it before you can enjoy this watersport. It’s a great way to explore the seafloor while also enjoying the view of its wildlife. Most coastal towns have scuba diving schools, so finding one shouldn’t be a problem. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with underwater wildlife.
5. Freediving
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in swimming underwater than in deep aquatic life, then perhaps freediving is a better option for you. The diving equipment used includes a mask, snorkel, and fins (of course). You’ll also need to know how to hold your breath for 1-2 minutes while descending into the water. You can practice this beforehand by swimming a few meters underwater, holding your breath, and then resurfacing again to take another breath. It’s recommended that you have someone with you who is an experienced freediver just in case something were to happen. If you’re unsure if you’re ready for another dive just yet after you resurface, it’s always better to take a short break first.
6. Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is one of the watersports we listed that you can try on your own, it’s very easy to do and all you need are a few essentials such as a life vest, drysuit (optional), paddle, and kayak. It’s a great way to explore the coast, and you can do it either alone or with a partner/friend. It’s important to note that kayaks come in different types so before choosing one you must consider how many people will be using it at once, the right size for each person, and how you’ll be using it in the water.
Before trying any watersports make sure to check the weather forecast for that day- if there’s a storm coming your way don’t go out onto the sea. Other than that, you should feel free to explore the coast and immerse yourself in one of these 6 watersport ideas. You’ll have the chance to discover amazing places you never knew existed, all while enjoying some fresh air and getting your heart rate up! Have fun with it!
