Imagine a beach break, the beautiful golden sand, uninterrupted sunshine, and a vast expanse of sea. Maybe you’re picturing sunbathing on your Sandy Footprints Beach Blanket with a good book or paddling along the shore.

But, for the adventurous souls amongst us, a beach holiday conjures up pictures of exciting watersports and the adrenaline rush of a new challenge! So, why not dive into the world of watersports on your next beach vacation? Read on to find out more about the thrilling joy of these ocean sports!

It is important to note that all watersports come with a level of risk. However, don’t let this conception put you off! Watersports are for everyone, not just sports enthusiasts or professionals! Make sure you find a trusted watersports provider near you and get yourself some lessons. There is nothing to stop you from getting involved under the watchful eye of an instructor and lifeguards.

So if you are going on a beach holiday soon or are venturing out to a nearby lake, why not try a variety of activities that you can do both abroad and in the UK?

• Kayaking 

Kayaking is a great activity that all the family can enjoy! For those wanting a less adventurous holiday, kayaking along a river or in the sea is a perfect option. Anyone can enjoy a leisurely paddle in an estuary within the gentle waters. You can even pack a picnic and use it as a great way to explore an island or secluded cove.  

With no noise apart from nature and the occasional lapping of your paddles pushing through the water to steer you forward, you’ll be leaving stress behind you in no time. However, for those seeking more thrill, why not take these out in the rolling waves? Within the lifeguard’s black and white flags, surf the incoming waves and see how far you can go! 

• Snorkelling 

Just below the ocean’s surface lies a whole world waiting to be discovered. Home to brightly coloured coral reefs and the most beautiful creatures, see what you can find beneath the surface. For your adventure, you can either buy or rent a set of flippers, goggles, and a snorkel to go and explore! Don’t forget a wetsuit if the water is cold.

Snorkelling is a great activity you can do together; all the family can get involved. And, it’s a great way to introduce your children to the wonders of the sea. There is no need to go out too deep, either. Even at waist depth over some rock pools, you’ll be surprised at the life you can find. 

• Stand-Up Paddleboarding

A popular watersport to get involved with is Stand-Up Paddleboarding. With proper instruction, anyone at any age or fitness level can learn how to paddleboard with just a few hours of instruction. This watersport is easy to learn as you stand on a relatively stable board, arguably firing than a surfboard, and paddle yourself across the ocean.

Under an instructor’s watchful eye, you can have heaps of fun learning to stand and survive the waves! And, if standing is too ambitious, you can always kneel. If you can already paddleboard, then we recommend you look for paddleboarding tours. Join like-minded people in an active excursion to another beach or hidden cove! 

• Windsurfing 

Locations with steady winds are the best places to learn how to windsurf as a surface watersport. As it’s a combination of surfing and sailing, this sport is a fantastic way to get in shape while also honing your coordination skills.

The wind and waves are constantly shifting and changing, so there is never a dull moment when you windsurf. Windsurfing is surprisingly easy to learn, and you can do it on your own or go in groups. 

• Bodyboarding 

One or everyone! All you need is a bodyboard which can be hired or purchased from the majority of beach shops. When bodyboarding for the first time, get yourself from lessons and supervision from an experienced instructor. Make sure you stay between the correct lifeguarding flags, and you’re good to go! 

Smaller waves are easier to ride, so it’s best to find a sandy beach or beach break as they provide easy access to the waves, whether you are paddling out or exiting the water. 

Bodyboarding allows children and adults alike to have hours of fun at the beach. And by digging your elbows in and leaning side to side, you can ride the wave just like you would if you were standing on a surfboard. 

• Sailing

Sailing can take place on any boat, big or small. With the smaller boats like a dinghy, you can leisurely cruise with the wind in your sails. However, for a stress-free trip where you can take in the beautiful scenery around you, you may want to consider hiring a yacht or small-motored boat.

It isn’t too tricky to find boat rentals on your holiday that accommodate couples and families, but be sure to pack your beach essentials such as sunscreen as the sun’s UV rays are magnified by the water. In addition, we recommend taking a hat to make sure you protect your head from the sun’s rays. Our Trucker Caps are just the thing! With a range of colours and an adjustable strap, they’re handy to keep in your beach bag. 

• Parasailing

This exhilarating activity should be experienced by everyone at least once in their lifetime. Passengers start strapped into a harness attached to the back of a powerful boat by a retractable line. As the boat pulls away, a giant parachute behind you catches the wind and slowly lifts the passenger into the air. Typically passengers will be lifted as high as 500 feet in the air! 

With the rush of wind making you feel like you’re flying through the sky and a whole new view of your surroundings, this is an adventure of a lifetime that you won’t want to miss. Just make sure you’ve got your camera strapped on! 

There are plenty of watersport activities you can choose from when you go on your next beach break; it’s just the case of having the courage to try something new. With so many options available, we’re sure you can find something to dip your toe into the world of watersports!

However, don’t forget to take the essentials, such as suncream and sunglasses, with you. The sun’s rays can reflect off the sea’s surface, so be sure to avoid the risk of sunburn.

At Universal Flip, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience new things and have fun doing so. Our ethically made products can inspire you to build up the courage you need to dive into the unknown. If you would like to browse our range, then please click here.