Love the Sea but Hate Sunbathing? Get into Watersports

Do you love the sea but hate sunbathing? Well, fear not because there are a host of water sports for you to get into and learn. Leave the sun loungers to others and get out and enjoy the surf. Here’s a number of water sports you can try on your next holiday.  

Sea Canoeing

Sea canoeing is a great way of seeing the coastline from a different perspective. In a kayak or canoe you can explore hard to reach inlets and sea caves that would otherwise be out of your reach.  It’s also good exercise for the arms and legs. The sea off the beaches at Stackpole on the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales are renowned for being great for sea canoeing. Also try Kynance Cove near Lizard Point in Cornwall and the stunning Studland Beach near Swanage in Dorset.

Sailing & Windsurfing

If you want to give sailing or windsurfing a try then sheltered areas like Poole Harbour in Dorset and the Fal estuary in Cornwall are the best places to learn. Pool Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in Europe and home to a number of sailing and windsurfing schools. A good place to start is with a sailing dinghy – a fun-sized vessel that children and adults alike can learn the basics of boatmanship on. Dinghy sailing and windsurfing tuition can also be found off the coast of Kent near Dover.

Surfing

Cornwall is blessed with a vast number of top surfing spots – the powerful Atlantic waves rolling into golden beaches overlooked by rugged cliffs and rock faces.  If surfing is something you want to give a go then try Newquay - home to a number of surfing schools that will teach you the basics before letting you loose in the surf. For those who are concerned their balance might let them down, you can always try boogie boarding – which involves lying across a smaller board that allows the less athletic and children to enjoy the thrill of catching a wave.   

Sea-Swimming

The craze for sea swimming or wild swimming as it is also now called has got bigger in recent years but there have always been people around who love to take a dip in the surf. Of course, you can swim in any stretch of sea you come across but the spiritual home of sea swimming has to be Brighton, where Britain’s oldest swimming club – formed 1860 – is located. There are a number of open swimming events held each year in the town including a 1.25km swim around the iconic West Pier. Or just turn up by yourself for a dip in the English Channel as part of a holiday in Sussex.

Power Boating

If you like speed and surf then power boating might be the activity for you. To find out if it is for you Colwyn Bay Watersports on the north coast of Wales are one company that run taster sessions to allow people to get a feel for the sport. Those who like what they see can sign up to a two-day course to obtain the skills and knowledge to pilot one of these exciting machines.