If you’ve ever watched windsurfers glide across the waves or spotted paddleboarders at dawn and thought, “I’d love to try that,” a watersports holiday could be a great shout for your next big holiday. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have dabbled in sea-based fun, these breaks balance fitness, fresh air and fun with plenty of time to relax afterward. It’s effectively a way of combining relaxing beach holidays with more exciting adventure holidays but some holidays are better suited to watersports enthusiasts than others.
Why Choose a Watersports-Focused Holiday?
Being on, in or around water boosts your mood, sharpens your focus and delivers a low-impact workout that’s kind to joints. You’ll find yourself tackling new challenges (standing up on a board for the first time!), sharing laughs over wipeouts and building confidence as you improve. All that vitamin sea? It’s good for both physical and mental wellbeing.
The Best Destinations for Trying Something New
Look hard enough around any popular beach resort and you’ll discover spots where calm bays, gentle winds and clear water set you up for success. Overseas, consider:
- The Algarve, Portugal: Sheltered coves perfect for paddleboarding and flat-water kayaking.
- Milos, Greece: Tranquil bays with shallow entry points for snorkelling and taster windsurfing.
- Zadar, Croatia: Reliable afternoon breezes that make your first windsurf lesson a breeze.
Closer to home, the UK offers several fantastic options: Cornwall’s sandy estuaries are ideal for beginner-friendly kitesurfing, the Isle of Wight’s sheltered inlets often play host to hundreds of stand-up paddleboarders, and the north Wales coast is a genuine haven for all watersports.
Activities That Are Beginner-Friendly
Start simple:
- Paddleboarding: Balance on a wide board at your own pace, often with guided sessions.
- Kayaking: Sit-on-top or inflatable kayaks require minimal instruction and offer a surprisingly stable ride.
- Snorkelling: Gear and guided reef walks help you focus on colourful marine life, not fiddling around with complicated equipment.
Many resorts include structured “taster” classes so you can sample several sports before choosing your favourite.
Choosing the Right Resort or Setup
Look for on-site watersports centres that provide:
- Qualified instructors who guide you step-by-step.
- All-inclusive hire of boards, kayaks, helmets and buoyancy aids.
- Flexible packages (book five lessons, use them as you like).
Many resorts cater to mixed-ability groups and families, ensuring everyone (from grandkids to grandparents) can join in safely.
Balancing Activity and Downtime
Of course, not every hour of every day needs to be action-packed. A typical day could start with a windsurfing lesson, followed by lunch at a beach café, then a lazy afternoon watching the waves or reading in a hammock. Evening yoga stretches or a sunset paddle, meanwhile, will allow you a totally zen opportunity to wind down and soak up the view.
What to Pack and Prepare For
- Rash vests or quick-dry tops to prevent chafing.
- Water shoes for grip on slippery surfaces.
- Waterproof pouches to keep your phone and keys dry.
- Sunscreen (reef-safe) and a wide-brimmed hat.
Check local weather and sea conditions before you go, and book taster sessions in advance during peak season to secure your spot.