When selecting a warm weather vacation spot, several factors may go into consideration – location, cost, and the answer to the question "what is there to do?" Water sports are a big draw for beach and lake goers, but the choices can be overwhelming for those of us who live more inland. Many sound similar, and how do you know if they will be age-appropriate for your kids? Read on as we explain some of the water sport options you might see on the activities page of your next watery destination.
Paddle Boarding: This water sport requires a paddleboard or surfboard. You'll kneel, sit, stand or lay on the board using your arms or a paddle to steer yourself along. Using the paddle properly takes some practice and standing requires a bit of balance work. Translation: be ready for a great core workout! As long as the water is calm, school-age children should have no problem giving this a try.
Kayaking: Just as you'd imagine, kayaking is the use of a kayak -- a low-to-the-water boat that resembles a canoe. The paddler sits with their legs in front of them and uses a double-bladed paddle to propel himself through the water. Preschool age kids and up will love hanging out in a two-person kayak with mom or dad.
Canoeing: Similar to a kayak, a canoe is a low-to-the-water boat in which the person canoeing sits facing forward on a small bench. Unlike kayaking, a single-bladed paddle is used. Canoeing can be fun for kids of all ages, especially if the water is calm.
Water Skiing: Water skiing involves being pulled behind a boat over the surface of the water on one or two skis. Full body strength and balance, along with a lot of practice, is required to master the skill of skiing, but trying can be half the fun. Younger kids might prefer being pulled by the boat while hanging on to an inflated tube. They'll get much of the same feeling without some of the balance requirement.
Parasailing: Enjoy heights? Parasailing includes being towed behind a boat (or other vehicle) while connected to a canopy wing, also known as a parasail, which resembles a parachute. As the boat accelerates, the parasail, along with the passengers (usually 2, though some can carry 3 people), lift into the air. This recreational activity is recommended for school age children on up.
Windsurfing: Windsurfing is a cross between surfing and sailing. The participant sits on a board that is powered by a sail. Skill is required to properly position the sail in order to steer and accelerate the board. High speeds can be reached depending on the wind conditions. Many resorts have staff available to both explain how to position the sail or to take guests out for a fun ride. We suggest leaving this water sport to the older kids and teens.
Wakeboading: What do you get when you combine skiing and surfing? Wakeboarding! This sport involves balancing on a wakeboard - a small rectangular like board with shoe-like mounts attached to it - while being towed behind a boat. Just like skiing, balance, muscle strength and endurance is required. With practice, wakeboarders may "ride the waves", performing jumps and tricks. We recommend this sport for strong swimmers school age and up.
Rafting and White Water Rafting: This outdoor water sport includes a large inflatable raft, single blade paddles and a team of friends working their way though what can be choppy waters -- usually a river. As it can be very challenging, we recommend leaving this sport to teens and up, unless the waters are expected to be calm, as pictured below.
Surfing: This popular water sport includes riding waves while standing on on a surf board. Many resorts offer the use of surfboards of all sizes for use by resort guests. We recommend this sport for strong swimmers and older kids, but even younger school age kids will enjoy trying to ride shoreline waves.
Flyboarding: If you've never heard of flyboarding, that's because it is just a few years old. It includes the use of a type of jetpack to propel the rider into the air by forcing pressurized water through jet nozzles located underneath special boots worn by the rider. Sound fun? It is! Check out this video of Macaroni Kid, Mason, flyboarding!
Remember to wear a properly-fitted coastguard-approved life vest and plenty of sunblock! Keep in mind these are just guidelines and you should always follow age requirements set by your resort.
