15 Best Summer Water Sports To Try In 2022

Summer days in Australia are a magical time - the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze blowing by as clear blue skies stretch into the distant horizon. However, things can heat up pretty quickly when it comes to summer sports - unless you're in the water. Water sport activities are the perfect way to stay cool during summer while getting the adrenaline pumping.

From bouncing off the water jet skiing to riding through the barrel of a wave surfing, here are the best summer water sports you have to try in 2022!

Everything You Need To Know About Water Sports

What are water activities?

Water activities are defined as exciting and fun activities that are enjoyed in the water. This can range from a casual swim in the backyard pool and swimming at the beach with the family to extreme water sports such as parasailing and windsurfing.

What is the easiest water sport to learn?

If you're looking to take it easy when out in the water, then the easiest water sport to learn is boogie boarding and kneeboarding. Similar to surfing, both water sports don't require you to stand up and control your balance, making them the easiest water sport to pick up for beginners.

What do you wear to water sports?

Depending on what type of water sport you are doing, the most important factor to consider is protection from the harsh Australian sun. Here's a quick breakdown of appropriate swimwear:

• 100% UV protection sunglasses.
• Protective and comfy footwear such as slides and sandals.
• A legionnaire cap, bucket hat or any hat that will provide protection to your face and back of the neck.
• Swimwear such as a bodysuit or rashie for water activities like surfing, and swim shorts or a bikini for more casual aquatic sports like swimming.

How can water activities improve your well being?

Water activities can offer a great range of health benefits, whether ripping up the surf flyboarding or cruising down the river kayaking. Water sports can help increase bone density and assist people with chronic heart disease and diabetes with keeping their health in check. There are also mental health benefits that can be gained such as improving overall mood, reducing stress and helping with anxiety.

1. Kitesurfing

For one of the best extreme water sports to try out this summer, it's hard to beat kitesurfing. As a favourite amongst adrenaline seekers, kitesurfing involves strapping a large kite to your chest and a large board to your feet. With the kite's handles in each hand, you'll be using the wind to propel you across the water at high speeds. Once you gain more experience and confidence, you can perform jumps, tricks and spins for the ultimate rush on the water. However, if you're new to the world of kitesurfing, it's recommended you take a few beginners lessons before attempting anything crazy.

2. Surfing

As we have some of the best conditions in the world for surfing, you can't discuss fun water activities to do during summer in Australia without mentioning surfing. For a country surrounded by water, this is one of the most popular water sports, whether barrelling down a heart-pounding wave or catching a few small waves early in the morning before work or school. As an incredibly accessible water sport, all you need is a quality surfboard and you can start hitting the waves. As you'll be standing on the board, beginner lessons are recommended if you haven't surfed before.

3. Canoeing

The great thing about canoeing is that it's the perfect water sport for all levels of experience, building and developing endurance and strength. You can choose to drift calmly across the water and take in the beautiful surrounding scenery or test your limits by canoeing in whitewater conditions. Whichever level you are comfortable with, canoeing is a great way to boost your fitness levels, just make sure you have all the canoeing equipment you need before heading out.

4. Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand up paddle boarding, also known as SUP, is another water sport that can be as laid back or as intense as you like it. For beginners, it is best to stick to rivers and lakes that have flat and still waters so you won't be wrestling with choppy waters. Once you've gotten the hang of standing on the board, you can then venture into rougher waters such as beaches for more of a challenge. You can also give stand up paddle board yoga a try if you're wanting to strengthen your core - and your balance. Check out our guide on choosing the right stand up paddle board for helpful info.

5. Wakeboarding

With your feet strapped to the board and your fists gripping onto the rope handle, wakeboarding is an extreme water sport that will have you towed at high speeds by the back of a boat. The thrill of this water sport is obvious - hitting a ramp or wave and being launched into the air performing spins and flips. If the sound of this gets your heart pumping, then wakeboarding is the water activity you absolutely have to try this summer. Don't have your own boat? Not a problem, as there are heaps of wakeboarding parks you find across Australia that will have everything you need from lessons to all the required equipment.

6. Snorkelling

When it comes to the best summer water sports, there's more to enjoy than just skimming along the surface. The awesome water sport of snorkeling will take you beneath the waves to explore the amazing sights of reefs, wrecks and the amazing underwater sea life that lives below the surface. The great appeal of snorkeling is that you don't need any level of experience - just the ability to swim. You can start out with basic snorkel gear and explore the shallows of the beach or take a boat out and take it to the next level: scuba diving.

7. Scuba Diving

If snorkeling has given you a taste for underwater discovery, then scuba diving is the next logical step. You will first need to be certified and possess the required diving equipment such as a scuba tank, diving mask and regulator. Once you've ticked those boxes, the ocean is your playground. Scuba diving is a fantastic water sport activity that allows you to get up close and personal with barrier reefs, sunken wrecks, and of course, an array of sea creatures!

8. Jet Skiing

If you've ever wanted to ride a motorbike on water, jet skiing is the closest you'll get. This fun water sport involves riding a powerful watercraft across lakes and the ocean at top speeds, so it's important to make sure you're wearing your lifejacket. With the wind blowing through your hair and the spray of the water washing over you, jet skiing provides an unforgettable experience for any thrill seeker. Depending on which state you live in, you may need a marine license to ride a jet ski, unless you are going on an organised group tour. Whether carving through the waves or joyriding with the family, jet skiing is one of the most exciting water sports you can do this summer.

9. White Water Rafting

Arguably the most popular water sport activity in Australia, this list wouldn't be complete if we didn't mention white water rafting. The key and attraction to this incredibly fun water sport is the ability to make split decisions quickly and good teamwork. Unlike canoeing where the leader is in control of the direction, white water rafting requires every person in the raft to paddle in unison, all while navigating past rocks, around trees and down the odd waterfall or two. Many white water rafting tours offer routes designed for different skill levels, so pick one best suited to you and get immersed in this incredibly fun water sport.

10. Freediving

The extreme water sport of freediving is definitely not for the faint-hearted, so if the idea of holding your breath and plunging into the deep abyss doesn't tickle your fancy, then it might be best to skip this one. But if you're into pushing your limits and have great mental control, then definitely give freediving a try this summer. Professional freed divers are able to hold their breath for over 10 minutes, so it's best to start out in small steps - seeing how long you can hold your breath for and how deep you can go, then slowly increasing each time. Once you have found a comfortable level, it will offer the most freeing underwater experiences you will ever have.

11. Deep Sea Fishing

Love the open water but don't particularly love being submerged in it? Well, an exciting water sport you can enjoy that doesn't require you to hold your breath for 10 minutes is deep sea fishing. From the comfort of your boat, you can enjoy the heart-pounding, intense action of reeling in a sea creature from the depths that you won't find swimming along coastlines. Depending on what you're fishing for, such as Snapper, Tuna, shark or Mackerel, some battles can last a while, so make sure you've stocked up on all the fishing gear and supplies you'll need before heading out.

12. Yachting

Who said all water sports had to be a blood-pumping, adrenaline-seeking, adventure-filled thrill ride? When it comes to yachting, this water sport is all about enjoying the freedom of the open waters in comfort and style, so if you consider yourself a bit of a 'bon vivant', then yachting is for you. It's perfect for relaxing on the deck and watching the world go by, going for a dip in the crystal clear waters or even for a day of snorkeling.

13. Parasailing

Did you know that you can enjoy one of the funnest water sports from high up in the air? Enter the world of parasailing, an exhilarating water activity that will give you an incredible bird's-eye view as you glide through the sky. Parasailing involves you being comfortably strapped into a harness with an open parachute that is attached to a speed boat. Once the boat takes off, you'll be lifted up into the air to enjoy the most breathtaking views while enjoying the cool sea breeze, and once the trip is over, you'll be gently lowered back down to land.

14. Flyboarding

If you've ever wanted to feel like your favourite superhero as they soar through the sky, then flyboarding gives you that opportunity. First invented in 2012, flyboarding does away with being towed behind a speed boat and instead favours high-powered propulsion - so it might take a few tries until you get the hang of it. It involves standing on a board that is attached to a hose that's connected to a jet ski which thrusts the rider up into the air (up to 22 metres). Once you get used to being launched into the sky, you can start showing off your superhero moves!

15. Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a water sport that is extremely popular on any beach in Australia. Favouring windpower over speed boats and propulsion, windsurfing involves the rider standing on a surfboard that is equipped with a large sail. Once the wind picks up and the conditions are right, you'll be whisked off and gliding along the water of lakes, oceans, rivers and bays. Windsurfing does take a few lessons in order to master the skill of controlling the sail and balancing on the board, but it's totally worth it to feel the wind in your hair as you briskly sail across crystal blue waters.

And there you have it, our top 15 picks for the best water sports you have to try this summer. Whether you are looking to get the blood pumping, a fun day out with the family or a cruisy day out on the water (or in the air), give one of these exciting water sports activities a go! For more helpful tips on how to get the most out of your next adventure on the water, check out our guide to enjoying water sports. Also make sure you have everything you need by exploring our entire range of water sports equipment, gear and supplies at Anaconda.