Are you considering trying something on your next vacation? Water sports are a great way to get your adrenaline racing, get a workout, and to just have a good time. Whether you’re travelling to a beach destination, heading to an outdoor paradise in the mountains, or even going on a city break, you’re never far away from some awesome water sports activities.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the easiest water sports for beginners. All of these are great activities to do as a family, and who knows, it might just be a new hobby for you and or your/kids. Let’s check them out!
Swimming
Before we start looking at water sports that use equipment or truly get the adrenaline flowing, let’s think about one that you should master before trying many of the activities below. Swimming is essential for pretty much any water sport - because if something goes wrong you may end up in the water - which can be scary for children (or adults) in open water.
Thankfully, with swimming skills, this will be less so. The good thing is that if you have a vacation planned for summer and anyone in your family is unable to swim, you have lots of time to take lessons. The younger you start, the quicker you pick it up.
If you do wait until your trip, be sure to choose a quiet swimming spot (if outdoors) and take precautions such as swimming bands, floating aids, and goggles.
Stand up paddleboarding
A super easy sport for beginners, that could be one of the reasons that stand up paddleboarding is taking the world by storm.
Though lessons are a good start for any new start, you can easily pick up the basics of paddleboarding on your own if you choose the right place to do it. You’ll need flat water - such as a crystal-clear lake or a tranquil lagoon by the beach. Once you’ve sorted out how to balance on your paddleboard, you can start your workout.
SUP is a beautiful way to take in new surroundings, and it’s good for your mental health too. If there’s a better all-round water sport to try on your vacation, we’re yet to find it!
Once you’ve got the basics of paddleboarding mastered, you can use your board for surf SUP, SUP yoga, and SUP fishing if you desire!
Kayaking/Canoeing
Another sport that’s popular with families, kayaking and canoeing are extremely accessible water sports where the basics are easy to master. Using these small flat crafts offer health benefits not unlike those of stand up paddleboarding, and are often used on similar flat water surroundings on lakes, rivers, and lagoons.
Kayaks and canoeing are great ways to build up upper body strength, and they have many purposes. A more chilled out family might like to use theirs for leisure, such as paddling across a glassy lake and taking in mountain views. However, if you’re more competitive and sporty, you can enjoy racing - especially in kayaks.
Whitewater Rafting
Want to feel as though you’ve conquered rivers across the globe? Whitewater rafting is for you. If you’ve seen it on TV or social media, you might think it looks hectic and difficult. However, whitewater rafting couldn’t be easier as a beginner.
Because you’re in a group of up to eight people in your boat, often with an instructor, you can take instructions from them and learn on the go - whilst having an amazing time. Whitewater rafting is an amazing activity to do as a family, and parents can pick up the slack where younger children might be finding it more difficult!
Wakeboarding
While parents’ hearts may be in the mouth as their child has a go at wakeboarding, the kids will be having the time of their lives. Wakeboarding is similar to snowboarding, and you’ll be secured to a board by your feet. At the same time, you’ll be pulled along by a boat, which you’re attached to by a rope.
For your first attempts at wakeboarding, try to stay upright and ride in the boat’s wake. Once you get comfortable with this, it’s time to start learning some tricks. These look seriously impressive, but make sure not to try them too soon!
Surfing
Surfing. Looks difficult, doesn’t it?! However, everyone has to start somewhere. And with the right tuition, it really doesn’t take long to get good at this fun and sociable board sport. Your very first lesson will see you learning how to stand up on the board, paddle out into the waves, and you might just catch a couple of smaller waves.
Surfing is a lot of fun to do as a family. Beware, if you’re all starting afresh, your children will probably pick it up quicker than you do!
Canyoning
Last but not least, canyoning is a combination of water, exploration, and adventure sports. It integrates a whole load of aspects including hiking, swimming, abseiling, and rock climbing. There are a lot of jumps in too!
The most basic canyoning trips are huge fun and will usually see you making your way down a canyon or gorge following a water source.
Some of the nooks and crannies are so small that only children will fit through them - and it’s not one if you’re claustrophobic. However, if you’re looking for a family activity to get the heart rate going, give this one a go!
