Devon is the hub of water sports within the UK with so much on offer where do we even start! Did you know Devon is the only English county with two separate coastlines, the South Devon Coast is known for its calmer seas making it ideal for all those water sports adventurers out there. The South Devon stretch of coastline is around 125 miles long.
Whether it’s paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, jet skiing or enjoying a trip on a day cruise, exploring the coastline around South Devon is great way to enjoy new angles and views of the amazing scenery which are not visible from the land. South Devon is home to some great water sport providers who will hire you the equipment, with some instruction, so you can explore at your own pace, or take you on guide tours ensuring you don’t miss any of the hidden gems on your expedition.
There is also so much wildlife to see on the water – look out for pods of dolphins and porpoises, grey or common seals, fish, basking sharks and sometime even turtles and sunfish!
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding is an incredibly easy water sport to learn, you can become an expert paddle boarder in no time. With the option of kneeing or standing it is a very relaxing sport and ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels. Stand up paddle boarding is more commonly known as SUP! This is not also an easy sport to participate in but it offers a fun way to play on the water, with the added benefit of a full-body workout. And, since you stand at full height on your board, it gives you a unique vantage point for viewing what’s down under the water and out on the horizon.
Kayaking
Kayaking is not as hard to learn as you might think! You only need a few basic skills to paddle effectively. You need a good instructor to help you learn how to enter and exit a kayak, how to perform the forward stroke and the sweep stroke for turning the boat, and a few lessons on safety. Recreational kayaking is an easy way for anyone to discover waterways. It offers a tranquil mode of transportation to peruse an inlet and allows the paddler to stop and appreciate a waterscape while exploring a region.
Jet Skiing
One for all you thrill seekers out there! In 1970 Kawasaki introduced the first “Jet Ski”. Those first Jet Skis were only designed for one rider who had to stand up. So quickly the generic term “Jet Ski” caught on is still used to this day. Most modern jet skis run as fast as 70 mph and that means getting injured is quite easy, so learning how to properly ride a jet ski is essential. Ladies remember to tie your hair back!
Rib Riding
Rib Rides is an all thrill seeking all fast-riding adventure! Southwest Rib Rides in Torbay is Torbay’s only speed boat ride, offering a range of trips for the whole family. Explore the beautiful Torbay coastline from the comfort and safety of our fantastic rib ‘Go Ballistic’. Take in sights such as Elberry cove, Paignton Pier & Thatcher’s Rock. They also offer a range of rides from a faster paced 30min trip to a more relaxed one-hour cruise. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience then look no further than Southwest Rib Rides.
https://www.facebook.com/southwestribrides/
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is an underwater swimming activity involving the use of self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). Did you know that scuba diving is one of the fastest growing extreme sports in the world today? Scuba diving is mainly done for the attraction of the unattainable undersea world. Scuba diving gives an opportunity to be in an underwater world. Plymouth Diving Centre is located in Queen Anne’s Battery marina right next to the historic Barbican and Hoe area and no matter what your level of training or which organisation you are certified by, you are welcome to join in with their dives in the beautiful surroundings of Plymouth Sound.
http://plymouthdivingcentre.co.uk/
Water-skiing
Water skiing is both a recreational activity and a competitive sport. The majority of British Water Ski & Wakeboard’s members ski or ride for fun and to keep fit. They may participate by skiing on two skis, one ski, riding a wakeboard or a kneeboard, barefoot, or other means of keeping afloat! The important thing is to let the boat do the work. Trying to stand up too quickly makes things more difficult than they need be. Stay in the crouched position until you’re up on plane, then straighten your legs.
Sailing
Sailing specifically refers to the sport of using wind to power sails and propel the boat forward (rather than engines). It can be a very competitive sport and the South West was the backdrop for the 2012 Olympic Sailing events. Although it can be competitive its can also be very relaxing, taking in the sights from the water and listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the boat. Plymouth is holding the SailGP event for a second year in a row in July and if you are lucky enough to be staying in Elliot Terrace you will be able to witness the whole event from your apartment!
Torbay Sailing: https://rtyc.org/ Plymouth Sailing: https://plymsail.co.uk/
Swimming
Not every sport has to be full of high action! With so many hidden coves, long sandy beaches and calm seas it’s no wonder swimming is a year-round activity in the South West. With the increase of popularity of wild swimming why would you not want to try it. To top off why you should swim in our seas many of our beaches have been awarded with the blue flag award which meets the most stringent environmental measures.
Pedalo’s
Here’s one kids and adults alike! A pedalo is a human-powered watercraft propelled by the turning of a paddle wheel. The wheel is turned by people rotating the pedals of the craft. You won’t be pedalling to the beach, but once on the water, you’ll get decent speed in return for your effort and more than that it’s great fun!
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