Once we’re in holiday mode, after a few days of doing absolutely nothing, it’s common to get itchy feet. A bit of sport is an excellent remedy, and when the temperature is high – as is the probability that we’re already at the coast – refreshing water sports, especially new or unusual ones, are very appealing.
Some of these sports are a new twist on a sport we’re already familiar with, while some are totally new. Here are 5 of the most interesting.
- Standup paddleboarding
Although it’s super cool at the moment, paddleboarding as we know it has actually been around for more than 20 years and the founding fathers of surf, when they paddled, have actually been doing it since the turn of the century. Worldwide, it’s known as SUP (standup paddleboarding), and it’s one of very few sports that works almost all of your muscles without any impact. When we go paddleboarding, we’re using our aerobic capacity as well as our strength, working the back, triceps, delts, glutes, quads, and the core. Even though it looks like a calm, tranquil activity, it’s actually a great workout.
- Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding is a variation on windsurfing but, instead of a sail, you’re propelled across the water by a kite attached to your body that you control via a harness. It’s not easy, we’re not going to lie, and you’ll need to be pretty advanced before you can do jumps rather than just sailing around. That said, the marriage of the sea and the wind is pretty magical, and we think it’s worth the effort.
Physically, it’s a full-body workout with a particular emphasis on shoulders, forearms, lower back and legs. Get started with a professional because if you kitesurf without the proper technique, it’s a recipe for back and twisting injuries.
- Wakeboarding
Waterskiing has a variant that involves standing firm on a board. That’s wakeboarding, a fast, adrenaline-filled sport that needs quick reflexes that will help work your legs, glutes, core, and arms in the process. It’s also great for improving your balance since wakeboarding requires you to play with your centre of gravity and the weight of your body to stay centered on the board. To improve, you’ll have to be patient as you fall a lot. Consider it a necessary part of learning and having fun.
- Flyboarding
Frenchman Franky Zapata dreamed up Flyboarding in 2012. It involves a self-propelled board that allows you to “fly” above the water or on the surface. To practice the sport, you strap your feet into little boots attached to a board, and you could fly up to 4 metres high! The challenge in this sport is controlling the board and maintaining your balance – once you’ve got the knack, you can try for turns, etc. Flyboarding is suitable for lakes and reservoirs as well as the sea.
- Kayaking
Kayaking, just like paddle surfing, is a low-impact sport that nonetheless gives you a great workout, above all in the upper body. The rowing action tones arms and core, as well as muscles in the legs, back, and shoulders. The regular movement gives your heart and lungs a workout, strengthening both and improving the cardiovascular system. When you give it a try, you’ll see that the technique is relatively easy, so pretty much anyone can do it. Always use a life vest, and make sure you use sun protection and hydrate appropriately when you’re out.
When you’re picking a water sport for your holidays, have a think about what kind of activity appeals – more or less intense, focussed on balance, or something else – as well as your own abilities and the time available to you on the day or days you’re thinking about trying it.
If you’re not already familiar with the sport, we recommend trying it with the help of a professional. They can keep an eye on you the first few times you try and advise you on the correct technique, as well as helping you avoid possible injuries or muscle strain. Go ahead!
