It doesn’t matter what age you are – if you are considering taking up some form of water sport then there are plethora of options available to you which will keep you entertained, fit and wet!
Water sports can be enjoyed in any country, weather and climate which is great considering the weather we are having at the moment!
Here are a few of the more popular water sports which will keep you entertained.
Water Skiing
Being pulled behind a boat at serious speed may sound like a nightmare to some, but for true adrenaline junkies it is sure to give you a fix. You can test your balance on water skis, and ultimately improve your body strength as you hold on (for some, “for dear life”), and move across the surface of the water at breakneck speed! You do need a boat and a fair bit of equipment but there are water skiing schools and clubs all across the UK and abroad where you can rent everything you need. The thrill certainly makes it more than worthwhile.
Windsurfing
Versatility is one word which certainly relates to Windsurfing as it can be enjoyed on the ocean (for the more extreme water sports fanatics out there) and also on gentle, placid lakes for the beginner. A windsurfer is basically a fibreglass board with a sail attached. The rider operates the sail by tilting a handle that goes right around both sides of the sail. Using the power of the wind, a windsurfer can reach a pretty decent speed.
You can then move to stand on the reverse side of the board and sail, change direction and take advantage of wind changes. There is one downside to the sport and that it does rely predominantly on having some wind, and of course your experience will vary massively dependent on the level of wind you have. Saying this however, windsurfing is one of the more popular water sports and winds occur frequent enough for windsurfers to be able to enjoy their sport on a regular basis.
Surfing
Home and Away and Neighbours aren’t really a true testament to Surfing, and these Ozzie Soaps really don’t really show just how “cool” surfing really is. For decades surfers have been trying to conquer waves as big and challenging as nature can throw at them with ever improving designs of surfboards. The downside to surfing is the need for waves, but when the surf’s up, it’s a great buzz.
And for the true adrenaline junkie, here are a couple of the more extreme options available to you;
Extreme Adventure Tubing
Attack the white water in specifically designed ‘tubes’ created from old car or tractor tyres, as you battle the currents down rivers both here and abroad. The tyre will help you stay on top of the water and with extra padding will enable you to take hits from rocks turning the white water into a low-impact dodgem ride.
After a safety briefing and introduction you will have gained the basic skills that will equip you with the ability to run the rapids, surf standing waves and “catch eddies”. Then it’s time to navigate your way down the gorge’s (hopefully) avoiding the rocks and tackling the rapids whilst staying in control.
This is certainly not for the faint hearted and will keep your adrenalin pumping from the beginning to the end of this intense river ride. Calling all hard core river riders; this is the ride for you.
White Water Rafting
You must have seen films with a group of people sitting in a soft sided raft, hurtling down a fast flowing river heading for a waterfall? All exciting stuff! There are no promises of a Hollywood experience with this extreme sport, but it is guaranteed to be a whole lot of fun!
Rafting is a diverse experience where the white water froths with exhilaration. No experience is required and all you need is a sense of adventure and fun! After a short safety brief from a qualified instructor you will be on the water experiencing the thrill and excitement of getting soaking wet!
NB.
Safety is paramount and you should always go to a qualified instructor whatever type of water sport you decide upon.
Make sure that children are always accompanied by a sensible adult and that safety equipment is worn at all times.
Take heed of swimming and tide/strong current notices.
