Summer for a lot of people is their favourite season, and I have to admit that I am partial to a spell of hot sunshine myself.
Summer is ideal as the days are longer, the nights are shorter, the weather’s warmer, and everybody just seems to be a great deal happier and in a much better mood.
As far as popular summer pastimes go, aside from BBQs and sunbathing, you simply can’t beat cooling off in the water and having fun by taking part in a variety of different water sports and activities.
If you enjoy water sports (no giggling, we’re all adults here) there’s likely a few examples of popular activities you’ve never tried before, which is what we’re going to be looking at today.
To help get you in the mood for summer and to enjoy what’s left, here’s a look at se7en of the most exciting water sports to try this summer.
Kayaking
The first water sport activity I have for you today is Kayaking.
Kayaking is one of the most popular water-based activities in the world today and is ideal for those of you who want to enjoy the sunshine and cool down, without taking part in anything too extreme.
The great thing about Kayaking is the fact that you can take part in it virtually anywhere where there is water, though I wouldn’t recommend trying it at home in your bath.
You can kayak on lakes and rivers, or you can head out to the beach and take part in sea kayaking.
Providing you wear the necessary clothing and safety gear, and take your time, kayaking is a very enjoyable activity that also happens to be very safe.
Surfing
Cowabunga, dudes, let’s go surfing!
Apologies, I’ll never say anything like that again.
Next up I present to you, the idea of surfing.
Surfing is perfect for those of you who like to head to the beach and enjoy the sea, as it is a sport which is very much dictated by the weather and by the conditions of the sea itself.
With surfing, the idea is to balance upon your surfboard and basically ride the waves from the sea into the shore and despite sounding simple, in reality, it’s anything but.
Surfing is a sport that requires a lot of patience, great balance, a certain amount of physical fitness, and of course, good swimming ability.
Providing you fit the above criteria and aren’t afraid to fall into the sea and perhaps inhale a lung full of salty seawater, surfing is a whole lot of fun, especially when the waves are particularly gnarly.
Stand up paddling
Stand up paddling, also known as paddle boarding, is another hugely popular water sport that can be enjoyed on a variety of different water-based surfaces.
Stand up paddling is basically like kayaking, except that, instead of sitting in a kayak and rowing, you stand on a paddleboard, or lay flat on the board and paddle either with your hands or with a special oar.
Stand up paddling is a great way to relax on the water and enjoy your surroundings whilst still having a whole lot of fun in the process.
Kitesurfing
If paddleboarding sounds a little too relaxed and conservative for you, why not try kitesurfing?
Kitesurfing is more of a sport for adrenaline junkies, and you will need to be physically fit to take part.
If you’re a fan of surfing, snowboarding, windsurfing, or wakeboarding, you’ll love kitesurfing.
The basic idea behind this awesome water sport is that you use a regular surfboard, except for the fact that you use a kite and grasp onto a bar to help catch air as you surf.
It’s basically a hybrid between surfing and windsurfing and is a whole lot of fun.
Jet skiing
For those of you who consider yourselves speed demons as well as adrenaline junkies, jet skiing is ideal.
It’s an action-packed example of a water sport that doesn’t require any swimming, unless you happen to fall in, of course.
Jet skiing is basically like go-karting, but on the water on a jet ski instead of in a go-kart at a track.
Jet skis come in all shapes, sizes, and powers, and speed and power can vary greatly so choose your jet ski wisely.
As a safety precaution, you should always wear a life jacket just to be on the safe side.
Rafting
Rafting, and indeed, Whitewater rafting, is one of the most enjoyable and popular water sports currently in existence.
Rafting is the perfect way to get on the water and have fun and enjoy yourself, though you will need to have your wits about you in order to be safe.
When rafting, you and a group of others will have to work as a team as you cruise through rapids and attempt to stay on course as the water tosses and bashes you around.
You can go rafting on designated rivers and courses, or you can take part in specially designed manmade rafting courses at various leisure centres and locations around the country.
Just be warned, that due to the extreme nature of rafting, correct safety gear such as a helmet and a life jacket must be worn at all times.
Snorkelling
Finally, last, but by no means least, I present to you, the activity of snorkelling.
Now, to take part in snorkelling, you will need to visit a suitable location, I.E the Caribbean where you can truly appreciate the bounties that the ocean has to offer.
With snorkelling, you’ll kit yourself out with snorkelling gear such as a snorkel, flippers and goggles and will then stick your head under the water, making sure to leave your snorkel pointing up and out of the water so that you can breathe whilst having your head submerged.
Now, you get to enjoy seeing unobstructed views under the water of the various fishes, coral reefs, and other forms of marine life, without having to worry about coming up for air every few seconds.
Get you swimsuit ready and let’s go have some fun! What is your favourite one?
Until next time stay safe, stay curious and don’t stop wandering!
