One of the primary reasons that people are attracted to the water is because of water sports activities. The combination of the sun, water, and social interaction makes water sports desirable for people of all ages. However, some sports are often overlooked. If you are looking for new sports that are associated with the water, check out these top 15 activities involving the water. 

Jet Skiing

One of the most common activities that is done on the water is jet skiing. Jet skiing provides a thrilling ride. The thrill is a result of high speeds, pounding on waves, and the closeness to the water. 

Importantly, you don’t have to own a jet ski. Instead, jet ski rentals are available on almost every body of water. If you’re considering buying one, I suggest renting first to make sure it’s a sport that you want to commit to. 

Snorkeling

One of the best parts about snorkeling is that it can be done from a shoreline or from a boat. I have ventured out from the land to enjoy snorkeling on multiple occasions. 

Rather than purchasing expensive gear as you would with scuba diving, snorkeling gives you an elevated perspective of marine life below. Additionally, snorkeling can be done in fresh and saltwater. 

Tubing 

When it comes to water sports, one of the favorites among boaters is tubing. Tubing is exhilarating because of the uncontrolled feeling you get when you are towed behind a boat. 

Not only do you become airborne on a tube, but you will be sprayed with water as the inflatable cuts through the water. However, remember to always wear a life jacket. It is not uncommon to fall off. 

Fishing

One of my favorite sports having to do with the water is fishing. Fishing is exhilarating both in freshwater and in saltwater. 

Part of the allure of fishing is not knowing when the next bite will come. Additionally, you can scale the size of the gear to the size of the fish you’re targeting. For this reason, a tug of war can be had each and every time you come tight on a fish. 

Paddleboarding

If you’re looking for exercise, one of the best ways to strengthen your core, arms, and legs is paddleboarding. Furthermore, while you’re exercising, you’re immersed in a picturesque setting. 

Again, paddleboarding is suitable in both fresh and saltwater. Additionally, you won’t need to lug around a giant board from the house to the water if you opt for an inflatable board instead. 

Scuba Diving

Having the ability to breathe while deep beneath the surface provides an unparalleled experience. Divers can get up close and personal with marine life. 

Fortunately, you are not required to own a boat or gear in order to enjoy scuba diving. However, you are required to be scuba-certified. 

To get out and enjoy scuba diving, head out on a personally owned boat with gear or book a dive boat. 

Spearfishing

Chasing down fish beneath the surface is certainly an adrenaline rush for divers and snorkelers alike. 

For the most part, spearfishing is done primarily in saltwater and most often offshore on reefs and wrecks. Remember, spear guns are powerful, if you’re in the water with friends or family, you need to remain vigilant. 

At the end of the day, having a stringer full of fresh fish can be a rewarding experience. 

 Water Skiing

One of the more traditional watersports is water skiing. I enjoyed water skiing for many years, especially when I was able to transition from two skis to one. 

Without a doubt, it is challenging to get upright when water skiing because of the leg and arm strength required. However, once you’re standing up, water skiing is incredibly fun because of the side-to-side cutting and jumping. 

Wakeboarding

One of the more modern alternatives to water skiing is wakeboarding. Wakeboarders are able to perform incredible tricks primarily because their feet are secured on one platform versus two. 

I am not a wakeboarder by any means, but instead, I appreciate watching the show they put on from afar. The spins, jumps, and maneuvering provide plenty of entertainment. 

Wakeboarding is enjoyed by everyone, from young kids to grown adults. 

Surfing

Although the conditions are not always conducive to surfing, when they are, it is a thrilling sport. My kids are both surfers and enjoy getting out surfing whenever possible. 

Surfing provides plenty of exercise between paddling out, pulling your body up on the board, and balancing while riding a wave. Additionally, despite cold weather, surfers don’t hesitate to don wetsuits despite the air and water temperatures falling. 

Importantly, you need to make sure that you don’t confuse surfing for skurfing.

Kayaking

One of the biggest advancements in water activities is the evolution of the kayak. Kayaks, at one point, were very basic compared to what they are today. 

Modern kayaks are constructed highly seaworthy, which is why anglers fish open blue water with them. Furthermore, today, kayaks are fitted with all of the bells and whistles, including a depth finder, rod holders, and more. 

Swimming

Obviously, swimming is a given when it comes to water sports. However, there are different types of swimming depending on personal preference. 

For some, swimming is jumping off of the back of the boat and standing along the shore. For others, swimming is an intense exercise, traveling for miles across the surface of the water. No matter what is best for you, swimming is a given when it comes down to spending time on the water. 

Windsurfing

First, if you plan to try out windsurfing, make sure that you have a minimum sustained wind speed of 5 miles per hour. 

Windsurfing requires core strength, so it is not for everyone. However, the thrill of being propelled by the wind and traveling at high rates of speed can be an adrenaline rush for some. With that said, I suggest renting windsurfing gear before you make the investment. 

Canoeing 

One of the more leisurely water activities is canoeing. Canoeing is best on calm bodies of water as compared to areas along the coast. 

Canoes tend to move slowly through the water, so it allows you to take in the scenery or gaze at the water below. 

Countless Water Sports Can Be Enjoyed

Without a doubt, there are more water sports than what is listed here. However, if you’re looking to expand on your arsenal of activities, consider any of these 14 sports associated with the water. I partake in a significant number of these activities but would like to try more.