8 Fun Water Sports You Need to Try

Time spent outdoors can actually reduce your stress levels. If you're trying to be happier and healthier this year, you need to find ways to have more fun in the great outdoors. Why not try some water sports?

Being out in the water is so soothing. The sound of the waves and the feeling of the cool water on your skin is hard to beat. Add some fun to your next trip to the lake, river, or coast with some water activities.

We're here to talk about some of our favorite ways to spend a day in the water that aren't swimming. Read on to learn more.

1. Kayaking

Kayaking is a great introduction to water activities. You can often find kayaks for fairly affordable prices at secondhand shops and you can kayak with a friend as long as you pick a two-person kayak. This makes it more accessible for beginners.

Kayaking involves paddling a small boat, known as a kayak, using a double-bladed paddle. It can be done on lakes, rivers, and even on the coast as long as you're careful (though new kayakers should stick with calm waters).

Kayaking offers a great upper body workout and allows you to explore scenic waterways. It's also just a lot of fun!

2. Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding (sometimes shortened to SUP) involves standing on a large, stable board that's similar to a surfboard and using a paddle to move yourself through the water. 

It provides a full-body workout, improves balance, and is suitable for various water conditions, including lakes, rivers, and oceans. It requires a fair amount of core strength, but you can also work your way up by starting with sitting on the board before you're ready to stand alone.

SUP can be a serene and meditative experience or a thrilling one, depending on the location and your preference.

3. Snorkeling

If you prefer water activities that require very little in the way of extra materials, snorkeling may be a great one for you. You'll need a snorkel mask, but you can find those for fairly affordable prices, so anyone can try this out.

Snorkeling allows you to explore underwater life without the need for extensive scuba diving equipment. You can float on the water's surface and observe marine life, coral reefs, and underwater landscapes with a mask, snorkel, and fins. It's a low-impact activity suitable for all ages.

Many people find that snorkeling leaves them curious about going deeper under the water, and then they take up an interest in scuba diving. 

4. Surfing

Have you ever wanted to try surfing? It looks so cool on television and can be a lot of fun. It's got a steep learning curve, but it's worth it once you figure out how to ride a wave.

Surfing is a super dynamic and fun sport that involves riding ocean waves on a long board called a surfboard. It blends athleticism, balance, and a deep understanding of nature and the ocean.

Surfers paddle out to the waves and (hopefully) ride, embracing the ever-changing conditions of the ocean. Surfing offers an exhilarating thrill, a deep connection with the natural environment, and a unique lifestyle centered around community and exploration. Once you start surfing, you'll always be able to make friends in coastal areas. 

5. Water Skiing

Skiing on a mountain is fun, but what about skiing in the water? Water skiing involves being towed behind a boat while standing on skis. It's a fun and exciting sport requiring strength, balance, and coordination.

Beginners typically start by learning to get up on the skis, while more advanced skiers can perform tricks and jumps. Water skiing can be accessible for people of most ages, but it's essential to wear safety gear, especially when you're first getting started. 

6. Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding (sometimes referred to as kitesurfing) combines elements of wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding. It's not one of the most popular water sports out there, but it's one that's definitely worth trying if there's space for it in the bodies of water near you.

People who kiteboard or kitesurf use a large controllable kite to harness the wind's power and move themselves across the water on a board (that's similar to a surfboard). It's an adrenaline-pumping sport that offers both speed and aerial maneuvers, but it can be tricky to control the board if you're still a beginner. 

7. Jet Skiing

Have you ever wanted to own a jet ski? It's a fast-paced and thrilling activity, allowing riders to zip across the water and perform fun maneuvers. It's similar to riding a motorcycle on land, but you do it in large lakes or in the ocean.

Jet ski activities are great for people who enjoy speed and agility on the water. It can be a bit dangerous, and depending on where you live, you may need a jet ski license. You also need to make sure to keep up with your jet ski maintenance so you can stay safe.

This is one of the most fun water sports, so give it a try (at least as a passenger) if you get the opportunity. 

8. Sailing

Sailing is a water sport with a pretty high barrier to entry, but it's still a lot of fun if you can make it work for you.

Sailing involves navigating a (generally small) boat using the wind as a propellant. Sailing can be a relaxing and scenic water sport on a small dinghy or a larger sailboat. 

Sailing is reserved for the people who can afford boats, but if you're interested, look into local sailing clubs and see if there are rental options available that can make this sport more accessible. 

Try These Fun Water Sports

These water sports can add some fun to your warmer months. Get out on the water and start having fun in nature. Whether you're on a fun jet ski or you're relaxing with a snorkel, you'll be interacting with your environment in a whole new way (and getting a workout while you're at it). 

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