Are you looking for some exciting water recreational activities to enjoy this summer? Well, we’ve got you covered! From traditional activities like swimming and boating to newer trends like wingsurfing and electric surfing, there’s something for everyone.
Image by ClarionHotelPost from Pixabay
No Equipment Needed
Swimming
One of the original forms of recreation. You can do it for free. You don’t need any equipment. Almost anyone of any ability, of any age can do it.
Stats from the U.S. Census Bureau say swimming is the fourth most popular sport or recreational activity in the United States.
Swimming is a great form of exercise. When you swim, you use many different muscles in your body, which can help improve your strength, flexibility, and overall fitness. It’s also a low-impact exercise, which means it’s easier on your joints than other types of exercise like running or jumping.
Swimming is also a great way to cool off on a hot day! When you’re swimming, you’re surrounded by water, which can help regulate your body temperature and keep you from getting too hot. Plus, it’s a great way to have fun and relax with your family.
You can make swimming as fun as you want to. You can work on different strokes, practice holding your breath, and even learn some new tricks like diving or flipping.
Swimming is a great way to spend time with your family. When you’re swimming together, you’re creating memories and having fun together. You can play games like Marco Polo or water volleyball, or just relax and float around together.
Body Surfing
Body surfing is a fun and exciting activity that families can enjoy together. It involves swimming in the ocean and riding on waves without using any surfboards or other equipment. Instead, you use your own body to catch and ride the waves!
One of the reasons body surfing is so great for families is that it’s relatively easy to learn. All you need is a good swimming ability and some practice. Once you get the hang of it, you can ride the waves for long distances and even do some tricks!
Another great thing about body surfing is that it’s very affordable. You don’t need to buy any expensive equipment like surfboards or wetsuits. All you need is a swimsuit and some sunscreen, and you’re good to go!
Body surfing is also a great way to bond with your family. You can all take turns catching waves and cheering each other on. It’s a great way to build teamwork and communication skills.
But perhaps the best thing about body surfing is the feeling of being out in the ocean and riding the waves. It’s a thrilling and exhilarating experience that you won’t forget anytime soon. And when you’re doing it with your family, it makes the experience even more special.
Board Sports
Image by Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay
Stand-up Paddle-Boarding
You might be surprised to learn that stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world. In the past few years it has exploded in popularity, especially with the development of inexpensive, portable, inflatable paddle-boards.
Stand-up paddle-boarding is a fun and exciting way for families to enjoy the water together. With SUP, you stand on a large, stable board and use a long paddle to propel yourself forward. Here are some reasons why stand-up paddle-boarding is a great activity for families:
First of all, it’s easy to learn. Kids as young as five years old can learn to SUP with a little help and practice. The boards are wide and stable, so even if you wobble a bit, it’s unlikely you’ll fall off. Plus, there are plenty of instructors and tutorials available to help you get started.
SUP is a great workout for the whole family. It’s a low-impact exercise that works your core, arms, and legs. Plus, you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery while you paddle, which makes the time fly by.
Thirdly, it’s a great way to explore new places. You can paddle on lakes, rivers, and even the ocean. You’ll see wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and maybe even some interesting boats or buildings.
Finally, it’s a great bonding activity for families. Paddling together gives you time to talk and have fun. You can race each other, play games, or just enjoy the peacefulness of the water.
Surfing
Surfing is a fun and exciting recreational activity that families can enjoy together. It involves riding waves on a surfboard and can be done in the ocean or in a wave pool.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the number of surfers in the U.S. has increased by more than 35% in less than a decade. There are surfers in every State in the U.S. even in landlocked states that are far from the oceans.
Surfing is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. It requires a lot of physical activity, such as paddling and balancing on the board, which can help build strength and endurance. Surfing also takes place in beautiful settings, such as beaches, where families can enjoy the sun, sand, and ocean views.
Surfing is a social activity that can bring families closer together. When surfing, families can encourage and support each other, and share in the excitement of catching a wave. Surfing can also be a great way to meet other families who share the same interests and hobbies.
Surfing can teach families important life skills. It requires patience, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges. Surfing can also teach families about ocean safety, such as how to read the waves and currents, and how to stay safe in the water.
Electric surfing is a newer trend that’s becoming more popular. It’s like regular surfing, but you’re propelled by an electric motor instead of paddling with your arms. It’s a great way to catch some waves and experience the thrill of surfing without all the paddling.
So, grab a board and hit the waves with your family today!
Photo by Serg Alesenko via Pexels
Wing Surfing
Wingsurfing is a super fun water sport that can be enjoyed by families. It combines elements of windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddle-boarding to create a thrilling experience.
It looks hard, but it’s actually relatively easy to learn. With a bit of practice and guidance from an experienced instructor, even beginners can quickly get the hang of it. It’s a great activity for families to learn together, and there are plenty of schools and rental shops that offer lessons and equipment.
Wingsurfing is a great workout. It’s a full-body exercise that improves balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health. Plus, it’s a low-impact sport, so it’s easy on the joints and muscles.
It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore new places. Families can wingsurf on lakes, rivers, and oceans, and discover new beaches and waterways. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with nature and observe marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles.
Wingsurfing is a thrilling experience that can create lasting memories for families. There’s nothing quite like gliding across the water, feeling the wind in your hair, and experiencing the rush of adrenaline as you catch a wave.
Overall, wingsurfing is a fantastic recreational activity for families to enjoy together. It’s easy to learn, provides a great workout, allows families to explore the outdoors, and creates unforgettable memories.
Human-Powered Boating
Kayaking
If you thought stand-up paddle-boarding was popular, it’s still playing catch-up with kayaking. Recreational kayaking is more popular than stand-up paddle-boarding, canoeing, or any other kind of self-propelled boating. And during the pandemic it became a perfect social-distancing sport, getting more popular than ever before.
Kayaking is a fun and exciting recreational activity that families can enjoy together! Kayaking is great for families because it’s a low-impact exercise that can be done by people of all ages and skill levels. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while exploring the outdoors.
Even six-year-old or younger children can learn to kayak, especially if the water is not moving or choppy. That’s because you can get started even if you’re not athletic or if you don’t have good balance.
Kayaking is a fun way to share experiences and bond with your family. You can work together to paddle and steer the kayak, which can help build teamwork and communication skills. It’s also a great opportunity to enjoy nature and spend quality time together.
There are many different types of kayaking that families can try, from calm lakes and rivers to more challenging rapids. You can rent kayaks at just about any body of water where boating is allowed, or even bring your own if you have one.
Buying your own entry-level kayak is also less expensive than most canoes or stand-up paddle-boards.
While kayaking, it’s important to always wear a life jacket and follow safety guidelines. You should also be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards in the water.
Safety First
Recreational water sports can be super fun for families, but it’s important to stay safe while participating in these activities. Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe:
- Always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when in the water. Even if you’re a good swimmer, unexpected things can happen in the water, and a life jacket can help keep you afloat.
2. Learn how to swim! Swimming is a great skill to have, and it’s important to know how to swim before participating in water sports.
3. Know your limits. Don’t try to do something that is beyond your abilities. Stick to activities that you are comfortable with and that you know you can do safely.
4. Be aware of your surroundings. Before you go into the water, check for any hazards or dangers, such as rocks, currents, or other swimmers.
5. Always go with a buddy. It’s important to never go into the water alone. Make sure you have someone with you who can help if something goes wrong.
6. Follow the rules. Always obey any posted signs or rules at the beach or pool.
7. Stay hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water before and during your time in the water.
By following these tips, you and your family can have a safe and enjoyable time even with the newest and most trending recreational water sports!
Feature Image, Kayak Fishing At Sunset: Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash
