[credit – sergi1o]

If you have never experienced the thrill of watersports, then – apologies – you haven’t lived. There is a huge range of activities that you absolutely must try before die.

Many people are put off by watersports, but most of them are easy to get the hang of once you have the basics in place. The trick is to put aside some time and money and have a few lessons first.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some amazing watersports. Even if you prefer a more sedate lifestyle, we are pretty sure there is something here for you.

Open Swimming

Open swimming is a wonderful experience that has really taken off in the past few years. There is no better way of getting close to nature while exercising. You’ll need a wetsuit – it tends to be much colder in fresh or seawater than it is at your local pool – and also an idea of where it is safe to swim. Look for an open swimming club in your area for more details of how to get involved.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way of spending a day out on the water. You can use them in the sea or for a river trip, and you can even get the kids involved, too. Hiring a kayak is cheap, or you could invest in one if you intend to use it more than once. You don’t have to spend a fortune, either. This website reviews the best inflatable kayaks that are currently on the market, and they are a great choice for beginners on a limited budget.

Jet Skis

Jet skiing is a visceral experience like no other. Who wouldn’t want to skip across the water at high speeds? Although jetskis look very technical, they are very easy to use, and it should only take a lesson to get you up and to run. Make sure you heed all the safety advice, as jet skis are very powerful machines. Perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of speed.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing used to be a very unwieldy experience, and tough to get to grips with. But as boards and sails have become lighter and faster, it’s a sport that anyone should try if given the opportunity. It is the most technical watersport on this list, however, and will require a good deal of tuition. But once you are up and riding the waves and wind across the water, you will be happy you invested your time.

Kite Surfing

Kite surfing is incredibly thrilling, and once you catch the bug we guarantee you will want to come back for more. The feeling of slicing through the waves and then leaping dozens of feet into the air is something that you just can’t get with any other watersport. However, it’s not something we would recommend without taking a few lessons first!

Have you had any watersports experiences you would like to share? Feel free to let us know! We hope this article has given you the confidence to go and check out the thrills available on the water. Happy splashing!