Top 10 Watersports to Enjoy This Summer

As the weather gets warmer and the sun starts shining brighter, it’s time to start planning your summer activities. And what better way to cool off and have some fun than by participating in watersports? Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adrenaline-filled adventure, there’s a watersport for everyone. In this blog we will discuss some of the top watersports to enjoy this summer.

WAKEBOARDING

Wakeboarding is one of the most popular watersports that includes an exhilarating ride on a board while being towed behind a boat.

The rider stands on a board with foot bindings similar to a snowboard, and holds onto a handle attached to a tow rope that is connected to the boat. The boat driver creates a ramp-like wave behind the boat. The rider can either stay in between the wake or can use the wake as a launch ramp to perform jumps and tricks.

To start wakeboarding, the rider begins in the water holding onto the handle. As the boat begins to move, the rider pulls themselves up out of the water and onto the board. Once standing, the rider uses their body weight and the edges of the board to carve through the water and gain speed.

Wakeboarding requires balance, strength, and agility. Advanced riders can perform tricks such as spins, flips, and grabs while in the air. The sport can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike.

WAKESURFING

Wakesurfing is a watersport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is similar to surfing, but instead of riding waves in the ocean, wakesurfing involves riding behind a boat in the wake that is created by the boat's movement and weight placement. Unlike wakeboarding, which requires a tow rope, wakesurfing involves riding the wake without being towed, making it a more natural and challenging experience.

The sport requires a specialized board that is similar to a surfboard, but smaller and thicker. Wakesurf boards are designed to be more buoyant and have a larger surface area, making it easier for the rider to stay on top of the water. They also have fins on the bottom to help with stability and maneuverability.

To begin wakesurfing, the rider starts in the water behind the boat, holding onto a rope attached to the boat's tower. The boat driver adjusts the speed and direction of the boat to create a wave for the rider to surf on. The rider then uses the rope to pull themselves up onto the board and into the boat's wake.

Once the rider is stable and riding the wake, the rope is typically thrown back into the boat, and the rider surfs the wake without being towed. The rider can use their body weight and the edges of the board to steer and control their speed.

Wakesurfing requires a combination of balance, strength, and control. Advanced riders can perform tricks such as spins, flips, and grabs while riding the wake. The sport is suitable for all ages and skill levels with a little bit of practice!

WATER SKIING

Water skiing is a watersport that involves being pulled behind a boat while standing on skis. It's a classic water sport that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world for over half a century.

To begin water skiing, the rider starts in the water wearing skis and holding onto a tow rope attached to the boat. As the boat begins to move, the rider pulls themselves up out of the water and onto the skis. Once standing, the rider uses their body weight and the edges of the skis to carve through the water and gain speed.

By maneuvering the boat in a specific way, the driver generates a wake which takes the form of a ramp-like wave behind the boat. The rider then uses this wake as a launch ramp to execute tricks and jumps.

Water skis are similar to snow skis, but are shorter and wider, and have bindings that keep the rider's feet securely attached to the skis. They also have fins on the bottom to help with stability and control.

As the rider becomes more experienced, they can start to perform tricks such as jumps, spins, and flips. Water skiing is a challenging sport that requires practice and dedication to master. It is suitable for all ages and skill levels.

FOILBOARDING

Foilboarding is a relatively new watersport that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves riding a board with a hydrofoil attached to the bottom, which lifts the board out of the water as the rider gains speed. This creates a unique and exhilarating sensation of flying over the water.

The hydrofoil consists of a long, thin mast with a small wing attached to the bottom. As the rider gains speed, the wing creates lift, which raises the board out of the water. This reduces drag and allows the rider to glide smoothly over the water's surface with minimal resistance.

This watersport requires balance, control, and a sense of adventure. It's a challenging sport that requires practice to master, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Once a rider becomes proficient at foilboarding, they can perform tricks such as jumps, spins, and even 360-degree flips. It can be done in a variety of water conditions, including flat water, waves, and choppy water. It's a versatile sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

TUBING

Tubing is a fun and exciting watersport that involves riding an inflatable tube behind a motorized watercraft. The tube is designed to skim over the water's surface as it's pulled along by the boat, creating a thrilling ride for the rider.

It is a great activity for people of all ages and skill levels. It's easy to learn, and riders can control the level of intensity by adjusting their position on the tube and the speed of the boat.

There are several different types of tubes available, including single-rider tubes, multi-rider tubes, and deck tubes. Single-rider tubes are designed for one person, while multi-rider tubes can accommodate two or more people.

Tubing can be done in a variety of water conditions, including calm water, waves, and choppy water. It's important to choose the right tube for the water conditions and the number of riders to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. It can also be customized to suit the rider's preferences. For example, riders can choose to sit upright on the tube or lay on their stomach for a more challenging ride. They can also choose to ride facing forward or backward, adding an extra element of excitement to the experience.

KNEEBOARDING

Kneeboarding is a popular watersport that is similar to water skiing and wakeboarding. It involves riding a small, buoyant board while being towed behind a motorized watercraft. Unlike water skiing and wakeboarding, however, the rider kneels on the board instead of standing.

This watersport is a great activity for people of all ages and skill levels. It's a great option for those who may not feel comfortable standing up on a board or who want to try something new. It's also a great activity for those who may have physical limitations that prevent them from standing.

Kneeboards are typically smaller and more buoyant than wakeboards or water skis, and they usually have a strap or hook that attaches to the rider's knee for added stability. The rider can control the direction and speed of the board by shifting their weight and leaning in different directions.

It can be done in a variety of water conditions, from calm lakes to choppy oceans. Riders can also customize their experience by adjusting the speed of the boat or by performing different tricks and maneuvers on the board.

One of the advantages of kneeboarding is that it can be a great way to learn the basics of water sports. Because riders are kneeling on the board, they have a lower center of gravity and may feel more stable and in control. This can be a great way to build confidence and develop skills before moving on to other water sports.

BODYBOARDING

Bodyboarding is a popular watersport that involves riding a small board, known as a bodyboard, while being propelled by the force of waves. Unlike surfing, which requires the rider to stand on a board, bodyboarding is done while lying prone on the board.

The bodyboard itself is typically made of foam and features a slick bottom that helps to reduce friction and increase speed. The rider lies on their stomach on the board, holding onto the front edges of the board with their hands, and kicks their legs to generate speed and maneuver the board.

Bodyboarding can be done in a variety of wave conditions, from small and gentle waves to larger and more powerful waves. It's a great activity for people of all ages and skill levels, as it doesn't require as much strength or balance as traditional surfing.

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING

Stand-up paddleboarding is a popular watersport that involves standing on a large board (often referred to as a SUP) and using a long paddle to propel yourself across the water. It's a great way to explore waterways, from lakes and rivers to the ocean, and offers a low-impact workout that's both fun and challenging.

To get started with stand-up paddleboarding, you'll need a board and a paddle. SUP boards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some designed for specific activities like surfing or racing. For beginners, it's best to choose a wider and more stable board, which will provide more balance and ease of use.

When standing on the board, your feet should be hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent to maintain stability. Hold the paddle with both hands, placing your hands about shoulder-width apart. To propel yourself forward, dip the paddle into the water and pull it towards your body, then lift it out of the water and repeat on the other side.

One advantage of stand-up paddleboarding is that it's relatively easy to learn, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. With a little practice, most people can master the basics of stand-up paddleboarding and start exploring waterways on their own.

KAYAKING

Kayaking is a watersport that involves paddling a small boat, called a kayak, through water using a double-bladed paddle. It's a popular recreational activity that can be enjoyed on a variety of waterways, from calm lakes and rivers to the open ocean.

There are two types of kayaks: sit-in kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks. Sit-in kayaks have a cockpit that the paddler sits inside, while sit-on-top kayaks have an open cockpit where the paddler sits on top of the boat. Both types of kayaks can be used for recreational paddling, although sit-on-top kayaks are typically used for more casual and relaxed paddling, while sit-in kayaks are often used for touring and more serious paddling.

To get started with kayaking, you'll need a kayak, a paddle, and a personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket. Before getting on the water, make sure to familiarize yourself with the kayak and how it handles, as well as the basics of paddling technique.

When paddling, sit up straight with your knees bent and feet positioned against the footrests in the kayak. Hold the paddle with both hands, placing your hands about shoulder-width apart. To move forward, dip one end of the paddle into the water and pull it towards your hip, while pushing the other end away from you.

Kayaking is a great way to get exercise while enjoying the outdoors. It provides a full-body workout that engages your arms, core, and legs, and can be a great way to explore new areas and see wildlife.

CANOEING

Canoeing is a watersport that involves paddling a long, narrow boat called a canoe through water. Canoes can be used for recreational purposes, such as exploring lakes and rivers, as well as for more adventurous pursuits, such as whitewater canoeing.

Canoes typically have an open deck with a bench seat for the paddler or paddlers to sit on. They are propelled forward using single-bladed paddles, with the paddler alternating strokes on each side of the boat.

Canoeing can be enjoyed alone or with a partner or group, making it a great activity for families and friends. It's also a great way to get exercise while enjoying the outdoors, as it engages your arms, core, and legs.

When canoeing, it's important to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket, and to be aware of your surroundings, including other watercraft and changing weather conditions. It's also important to be familiar with the basic paddling strokes, such as the forward stroke, backstroke, and sweep stroke, in order to control the direction and speed of the canoe.

From the adrenaline rush of wakeboarding and wakesurfing, to the more relaxing and meditative experiences of stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the water this summer! Which watersport will you try out?