Listly by Joanna James
Going to the beach, for some, is about sun-bathing, lazing around on the beach and keeping it relaxed. For others, it's about being as active as the waves. Try these 10 exciting water sports.
Parasailing essentially means, one is towed behind a motorboat while they are attached to a canopy, similar to a parachute. This sport became popular after the 1960s. You'd feel like a bird soaring across the ocean at a height ranging from 600-1200 feet above sea-level! I assume that this is where R-Kelly got his inspiration for the song "I believe I can fly"!
An old-school water sports that are quite addictive and remains the most popular one to-date. There's a lot of theory behind the sports but once you grasp the basics, try applying it, you will eventually master the sport. It helps to read about it or take up some introductory lessons. Since it is quite popular, finding a surfing centre shouldn't be too hard.
This is another popular sport. There are two types; kneeling paddle boarding and stand up paddle-boarding or SUP. SUP is a variation of surfing, but unlike in surfing, the rider uses a paddle which allows the rider to propel themselves through the water. The advantages of it are that you can see the marine life while doing so. In the Maldives, resorts are known to host a number of water activities for their guests, of which Anantara Kihayah Maldives Villas are quite popular for paddle-boarding among other water-sports, as the waters here are beginner friendly too!
All you need is an oxygen tank, a mouthpiece and a pair of flippers and goggles and you are good to go scuba diving. Contrary to popular belief that this is an activity that is hard to grasp, it is fairly easy to do this. Being able to swim underwater and witness the marine life in their own habitat, is a wonderful experience. Fun fact- Did you know that "scuba" stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus?!
Whether you want to experience some exciting times or have a more chilled out moment, kayaking is your go-to water sport. You can choose to go on some rough waves or simply kayak through calm waters.
A great sport to have fun and improve your balance and coordination skills! It is a great workout too as it involves the use of your core muscles to help maintain your balance. It is very much similar to a motorbike, but instead of revving through the roads, you'll be speeding through the crashing waves and race against them! Do ensure you are wearing your safety gear before you take off.
Different from a jet ski in the sense, water skiing is quite similar to snow skiing. However, in water skiing, you have a cord that is connected to a boat that is used to tow the rider. This sport was discovered by an 18-year-old named Ralph Samuelson, in 1922. He was determined to prove that skiing can be done on the water too.
Swimming tests one's endurance, especially when you swim in the ocean. Every wave is a challenge and it makes the feat even more interesting.
This is a sport reserved for someone who thrives on adrenaline. This is similar to hoverboarding, except you are doing it above water. Jet propulsion is used to lift the rider up the water level and keep them sustained that way. Have yourself a little superhero movement as you are thrust high into the air!
It's not just a hobby for the extremely rich elderly anymore. Many youngsters are getting onboard. It can be a competitive sport or it can just be to sail into the ocean and enjoy a picnic in the sea.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.