Water sports serve as a great way to keep yourself active and satisfy your competitive edge while on a summer vacation. Don’t get us wrong: there’s nothing wrong with wanting to relax. But unlike lounging on the shore or splashing in the waves, water sports provide you with options for those who prefer athletic activities. So, to keep every person having fun during, you might want to know what water sports equipment to get.
What Counts as a Water Sport?
The phrase “water sport” is a catch-all term for every sporting event that takes place in the water. These sports occur both indoor and outdoor and involve both being in the water or competing on a piece of equipment on the water.
You’ve probably seen many water sports before, both in real life and on television. Here are some of the most popular water sports, including if it’s often performed individually or on a team:
- Swimming – both individual and team
- Diving – both individual and team
- Snorkeling – individual, performed with different kinds of masks
- Surfing – individual and team
- Sailing – individual and team
- Water polo – team
- Canoeing – individual and team
- Wakeboarding – individual
- Rowing – individual and team
- Windsurfing – individual
Must-Have Water Sports Equipment for Your Beach Trip
Goggles
Whether you’re racing a friend to a certain landmark or playing a feisty game of water polo, you’ll want to keep your eyes clear of water. Goggles suction to your eyes, helping you see clearly regardless of the sport you’re playing. So, to keep everything fair, you’ll want to stock up on goggles for everyone on your trip!
Swim Cap
No matter which water sport you choose to take part in, you’ll want to throw a swim cap into your bag. Swim caps keep your hair pressed tight against your head, making you more aerodynamic. As a result, you’ll find it easier to move through the water and compete with the other people on your beach trip.
Water Polo Ball and Set
If you plan on playing a game of water polo or two, you’ll want to come prepared. Invest in a ball that meets official regulations for water polo competitions and buy a set of nets that float in the water. Then, get your team together and get ready to have some fun!
Surf Board
Shredding the waves remains one of the most entertaining and adrenaline-inducing water sports. Even though it might look a bit difficult, nothing quite matches the thrill of hitting a large wave and riding it out. For the best results, you’ll want a surf board with both flexibility and strong structure. The right size makes the difference, too, both in terms of your body size and ability level. In general, larger boards are more difficult to control, but they may suit larger surfers better.
Water Skis
Just because you’re going to the beach doesn’t mean you can’t have fun skiing on the open water! The right water skis help you get on your feet and skim across the surface of the water for as long as you can. The feeling is exhilarating and freeing, whether you’re trying it for the 1st time or the 50th!
Rowing Oars
![Oceansouth Heavy Duty Pair of Oars 78" Long with Oar Locks, Split Shaft](http://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/Oceansouth-Heavy-Duty-Pair-of-Oars-78-Long-with-Oar-Locks-Split-Shaft_18997f71-91f7-45f1-b1a3-a773ab353776.3a44531e92b950907ddbc14c5f72a86d.jpeg?odnHeight=640&odnWidth=640&odnBg=FFFFFF)
Once you start rowing, you’ll find out there’s not a more rewarding exercise out there! Rowing works out every part of your body and focuses especially on your arms and core. You’ll also get a great cardio workout and have fun competing with your friends!
The type of oars you have matters. You’ll want something heavy duty but still easy to manage and travel with.
Inflatable Life Vest
When you think of water sports equipment, you may not always think of life vests. However, it’s always a good idea to bring a couple of life vests with you, especially if some people in your group aren’t strong swimmers. The right life vest enables them to take part in many of the same water sports without worrying about their safety!
Inflatable Kayak
![Solstice Flare 2-Person Inflatable Kayak image number 2](http://www.overtons.com/dw/image/v2/BCJK_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-global-master-catalog/default/dw565aa09b/images/large/753384_3.jpg?sw=800&sh=800)
Kayaking is a fun way to spend time out on the water. Whether you’re relaxing and taking in the warmer weather or challenging your friends to a race, having a kayak or two on hand keeps you active and helps you get the most out of your beach trip.
However, transporting a kayak can prove challenging. So, inflatable kayaks might serve you better. These kayaks can still carry hundreds of pounds and do most of the things other kayaks do.
Canoes
Like rowing and kayaking, canoeing often works out your entire body. You can choose to use your canoes to compete or enjoy the water with your friends and family. So, canoes work great for people who want to be competitive and those in your party who just want to take in the views.
Snorkel Mask and Fins
There’s an entire underwater world waiting to be discovered at the beach, which is why snorkeling remains one of the most popular water sports. With the right snorkel mask and fins, you and your family have the opportunity to explore the world under the sea.
To make sure you have the proper water sports equipment for these activities, you’ll need to take a look at the specifications. A good snorkel mask has shatter-resistant lenses with anti-fog technology. Also, the manufacturers should have taken some measure to ensure you get the most panoramic views possible.
If you want to have a fun day with friends and family, make sure you bring water sports equipment for your beach trip. Additionally, you should also pack the right beachwear to stay comfortable and stylish. We have a list of trendy summer outfits for men as well as a few outfit ideas for your kids too. That way, you’ll be fully prepared for a fun and unforgettable day out on the water!