Getting Started With Water Sports 101

Looking for a new challenge or a more extreme sport? Why not take to the water? Watersports bring you onto completely new terrain and demand more of you physically. When you’re out on the water, there’s nothing else like it. Interested in finding something that will really challenge you? Here’s a guide on how to get started with water sports.

Physical Requirements

No need to attend try-outs, and no one can tell you that you can’t do watersports, despite their physical demands. Because of its risks in the water, make sure you have the endurance to tread water when necessary to minimize the risk of drowning.

Trust us, after a long day of watersports, you’re going to feel the exhaustion in your muscles and bones, but it’ll be satisfying exhaustion as long as you’re safe and capable of handling the physical demands. Water sports, from swimming to freediving to kitesurfing and wingfoiling, are all fantastic forms of exercise and great for getting into shape while having the time of your life.

Choosing a Water Sport

The term “water sports” refers to a variety of activities to choose from. Such a selection can seem overwhelming, and you may not know which sport is right for you. To help you choose, let’s go over a few of the most popular water sports.

Surfing

Practically the poster child for water sports, surfing is by far the most popular. With a long and rich history, surfing has developed an entire culture renowned for being laid back. Surfing is a fantastic sport for relieving stress, improving your balance, and getting involved with a greater community that shares a passion for the sport. Surfing also has the lowest bar of entry in terms of necessary gear and equipment, making it an easier choice for many people to try. The community surrounding it is also a great source of advice and help, making this sport very beginner friendly.

Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is the water-based equivalent of skateboarding or snowboarding. Fast-paced, high octane, and perfect in all instances, whether you enjoy slaloming, wake surfing, or freestyling off the wake of the boat towing you. Learning the fundamentals of wakeboarding can be challenging, even to experienced skateboarders or snowboarders. Once you’ve gotten comfortable, though, you’ll have an amazing sense of freedom and exhilaration as you ramp off the wake.

Kite Surfing

Rather than relying on catching waves for a temporary thrill, kite surfing lets you catch the endless waves with the wind. This sport works by using a range of kites and boards to propel you forward with the wind. Beware of the addicting feeling of catching the wind and riding off waves for massive air.

Wingfoiling

A hybrid between kite surfing and windsurfing, wingfoiling uses a handheld wing as a means of propulsion. This is preferable to some, as it feels less cumbersome than trying to control a kitesurfing kite. Wingfoiling comes with the added benefit of a hydrofoil on the bottom of your board. This foil makes you seem like you’re hovering above the water and works to reduce drag while maximizing your speed. Speed demons will absolutely love this sport, as they’ll have greater control and propulsion without having to depend on boats or be left at the mercy of the waves.

Kayaking

Simultaneously relaxed and a great source of aerobic exercise, kayaking is a popular sport for immersing yourself in nature and often best experienced with friends. This combination of leisure, socialization, and exercise can be a major stress reliever and help you improve your mood by awarding you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Kayaking is also very versatile in that you can enjoy it in nearly any body of water at any skill level.

Equipment and Gear

To finish this guide on getting started with water sports, we’ll cover the water sports equipment you will need for each sport. The most basic equipment you need on hand for all water sports—especially as a beginner—is a life jacket (or PFD), high hook vest, or impact vest. These jackets have saved countless lives and drastically reduced drownings, ensuring you’re able to stay above water while building up your stamina.

Surfing, as we mentioned, is the lowest bar of entry in terms of equipment. You just need to find yourself a good surfboard with an accompanying ankle leash. The last thing you want is to wipe out and spend more time chasing down your board than actually surfing! You may need some wax or a traction pad, and you’re ready to hit the water.

Wakeboarding itself only requires, well, the wakeboard or wakesurf board. You also need a boat and a towline to get that wake going, so you may want to investigate if there’s anywhere you can rent a boat in your area before committing to wakeboarding.

For kitesurfing, pick up a kite and bar, board and bindings, as well as a harness. Make sure you find the right kite size that you’ll be comfortable controlling—a second opinion from a local retailer is helpful for finding the right kite! Wingfoiling is the similar when it comes to choosing gear. You’ll need to pick out a wing, hydrofoil board, and foil.

White water rafting requires the most preparation and equipment to ensure you remain safe. Life jackets, helmets, water shoes, gloves, sunglasses, dry fit shorts and shirts, dry floating bags, and safety knives are only a few of the most important things you need to have while rafting. You must be prepared for any situation because the risk of capsizing is always prevalent while rafting.

For all your equipment needs, you can turn to Adventure Sports. We provide a wide range of equipment and services that will help ensure you’re ready to tackle any and all water sports effectively and safely. Give us a call today if you need help learning about our equipment! We’ll be thrilled to help introduce newcomers to water sports and help them find the best equipment for their needs.