Make the Most of Your Vacation with Water Sports

As summer gets into full swing, more of us are looking for outdoor activities to fill our days. While you are planning your family’s summer vacation, look into the many water sports that everyone can engage in for some fun this summer. There are so many potential water activities available that everyone will find something to enjoy.

Swimming

Whether you’re swimming at the seaside or in a pool or lake, swimming is a beneficial sport. The act of swimming utilizes many muscles in the body making it a terrific full-body workout. When you enroll your child in early swim classes, they learn safety skills around bodies of water. It has also been shown that swimming lessons help in their cognitive development and muscular coordination. If you are planning a Florida vacation, consider checking out popular water parks in the Orlando area. Water parks, such as Wet ‘n’ Wild provide opportunities for all ages and swimming proficiency. 

Canoeing & Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities for the whole family. It’s a way for a family to enjoy time together in nature. There is also very few skills that are needed to enjoy this type of water sport for an afternoon. There are many lakes throughout the US where you can rent a canoe or a kayak for the day. One idyllic vacation destination is the Buffalo National River, nestled in the Ozarks of Arkansas. The river provides more than 130 miles of canoeing opportunities. The region is appropriate for both beginners and experts, with areas of calm waters, as well as other areas with more active water. 

Snorkeling

Snorkeling gives the whole family the opportunity to explore marine life. It’s also a water sport that anyone can quickly get the hang of. Learning a little about fish and coral in an area can also make your seaside adventure more enjoyable. In areas such as Crystal River, Florida, you may have the opportunity to swim with manatees. These gentle giants inhabit the area in the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge. Guides and tour companies in the area can help make your visit both enjoyable and educational. 

Paddle Boarding

Another suggestion for an enjoyable day at the lake is paddle boarding. While this water sport is easy to do, it does require balance. After a few moments of getting used to it, everyone can easily become proficient. This activity requires standing on a board and paddling through the water. This is a more leisurely water sport that allows you to enjoy the natural beauty around you. One idyllic vacation spot where you can experience paddle boarding is Lake Tahoe, California (and Nevada). This freshwater lake is extremely clear offering views of plants and animal life. The area frequently hosts paddle boarding events for people who enjoy the sport. 

Water Skiing

Water skiing has long been a popular sport. Engaging in this sport does have a learning curve – as we know, you put on skis and get towed behind a motorboat. There are styles of the sport depending on the type of skis used. One popular location for water skiing is Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, with 1,255 miles of shoreline and clear water – easy to understand why the area is popular for water sports. There are four marinas for your boat. Also, if you prefer, boats and skis are available for rent. There is everything you need to enjoy your vacation on the water, including fuel piers and restaurants. 

River Tubing

For a lazy afternoon, consider taking a tubing trip. This involves floating down a river on an inner tube. To experience this peaceful, relaxing water sport, plan your vacation to New Braunfels, Texas. The Comal River holds the title of the world’s shortest river located completely in one city. To complement your vacation plans, Schlitterbahn Water Park is located nearby. As the area is focused on tourism, there are many water activities at hand. (As always before a trip to mingle with other people, it’s best to get a rapid test before you leave so you can show up infection-free.)

Body Boarding

Body boarding is a great way to start learning to surf. In this water sport, you use a half-body board to slide on the waves. It can help you get comfortable using a board without having to stand on it. This is a fun beach activity for everyone in the family. You just need a few waves. While body boarding is popular on both coasts, Lido Beach is well known as one of the best on Long Island. The beach’s proximity to New York City makes it a popular area to vacation in. This will allow you to combine water sports with other vacation activities. 

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is basically surfing on a board that has a sail attached. Being able to try this water sport depends on having enough wind and waves to learn to handle the sail. This sport requires agility and balance so it’s more appropriate for older teens and adults, and best not done alone. One vacation spot where you can get training for this sport is Lake Michigan. While it may seem counterintuitive, you’ll find the wind and water suited for this activity – Lake Michigan experiences the gusty winds needed for this sport (but watch out for the currents). Also, its proximity to Chicago makes it a perfect vacation spot. 

This year when you start planning your vacation, consider the water fun that your family can engage in while you are there. This may involve learning a new sport or enjoying a favorite one. While you may not live near a beach, water is all around us. From pools to water parks, your family can enjoy water activities any time of the year.