TIPS

5 watersports to try this summer

by Daniel Steele

May 12, 2021

With thousands of miles of rivers, canals, and unspoilt coastline, the UK is home to some of the best waters in the world for outdoor activities. And with the end of lockdown restrictions in sight, watersports outlets are looking forward to welcoming back adventure seekers for some long-awaited fun!

A day out on the water can be tranquil or turbulent, restful or rugged! In this article, we’ve listed 5 watersports for you to try this summer. Whether you’re an out-and-out adrenaline junkie or looking to get to know the local waterways, you’re sure to find something on the eola marketplace.

Beach sunset

Wing surfing

Wing surfing is this season's hottest new sport, and it's not hard to see why! The sport makes use of an inflatable ‘wing’ to harness the power of the wind, pulling the surfer along at fantastic speeds. Unlike windsurfing, the wing is not attached to the board, and neither is it suspended in the air by a string, as is kitesurfing. Instead, the wing is handheld, which allows for a more agile approach, and makes for a quick learning experience.

Visit Nomadic Kitesurf in North Devon or Hampshire this summer. Nomadic Kitesurf offers a wide variety of classes and provides all the gear you need to go surfing. They will have you impressing all of your friends and family by controlling the wind while keeping your balance on the board- a challenging new skill that will have people thinking wow!

Canoeing

From ancient Scottish lochs to shimmering Cornish seas, the UK offers an abundance of gorgeous waters to explore by canoe. Chances are, there’s a river, canal, or lake near you just waiting to be explored. A successful canoe trip requires all paddlers to work together in harmony, making it the ideal team-building or family-bonding experience. Just remember - the paddle goes one way, the boat goes the other!

Looking for an amazing Canoeing club? Holme Pierrepont Canoe Club is a friendly and welcoming organization for anyone interested in Canoeing! There will be something for you, whether it is getting started, learning the latest freestyle moves, serious training for competitions, or cruising the waterways in an open canoe.

Stand-up paddleboarding

The last few years have seen a steady growth in the popularity of stand-up paddleboarding, also known as SUP. This tranquil and easily accessible activity is great for your mental health, as it promotes a slow, steady approach to life. SUP is also a great way to explore suburban backwaters and discover those hard-to-reach hidden landscapes. Head out on a dusk or dawn SUP session and you’re sure to discover a little bit of magic in the everyday, and see your local waterway in a whole new light.

Go on an SUP trip or take SUP lessons this summer with Cardiff International White Water. CIWW has lessons for first-timers, free-roaming around the beautiful coast, and race training for some competitive fun between you and your family/friends.

Open water swimming

The popularity of open water or ‘wild’ swimming continues to grow, and it’s hardly surprising. More and more people are discovering the fantastic physical and mental health benefits of going for a swim in nature. Best of all, you don’t have to live in some far-off corner of the world to take part - local swimming clubs often make use of suburban lakes, rivers, parks, and reservoirs to enjoy the sport. Chances are, there’s a group nearby waiting to welcome you with open arms. Jump in!

Try roaming the open water with Sandy Toed Sea Swimmers this summer. Their amazing staff allows your family to explore the calm, relaxing ocean of south London without the fear of being swept out to sea. Your family can choose from a variety of different swim lessons- allowing you to cater your experience to your group's needs.

Open water swimming — Source: Ace Swimming

Surfing

Did you know that in the UK you’re never more than 70 miles from the ocean? And where there’s ocean, there’s surfing to be had! A timeless classic, surfing is a thrilling adrenaline sport and a one-way ticket to a great day out. Being an island, Great Britain is something of a surfing paradise year-round, but especially in the summer. Though the shores of Cornwall are well-known for their epic surf spots, you can enjoy great surfing around the country, from Brighton to Northumberland, and from Pembrokeshire to the rugged Scottish North Coast.

Catch a wave this summer with NE Surf. The amazing waves, beautiful scenery, and uncrowded sea makes Northumberland the best place to try surfing. Your family and friends are sure to miss catching the waves when they aren't out on the open sea after you try surfing this summer.

We in the UK are truly blessed with miles of fantastic waterways to explore. With lockdowns a thing of the past, a day out on the water is a fantastic way to learn a new skill, spend time with loved ones, or just explore your own backyard!

Looking for a booking system to help you run your outdoor activities? eola is dedicated to helping instructors and outdoor activity centres share their passion with more people. We reduce your administrative burdens, so you can have more time to spend doing what you love. Find out more at our watersports page.

If you want to find out more about the watersports on offer near you, take a look at the eola marketplace, and follow eola on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all our latest updates.