Unusual Water Sports to Try

 In Activities & Events

We all know about whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, wakeboarding, rowing, and so on, but there are so many other water sports that are worth checking out too. Some people might call them unusual, others may call them brilliant. Either way, just being in the water when it’s hot out sounds great. These unusual water sports also make for great stories and conversation starters, after all, how many people do you know have participated in a raft rodeo?

Raft Rodeo

Every year, FIBArk sponsors a whitewater festival in Salida, CO in June during the first spring snow runoff. There are many raft rodeos all over the country during this time and what it entails just might be right up your alley. It starts with a small raft with one person standing at the front and holding onto a strap to the raft and two people in the back. Your teammates have to paddle against a rapid consistently so that whoever is standing at the front can “ride” the rapids without falling off for as long as possible. Funny costumes are a plus.

Riverboarding

Riverboarding could be compared to hydro-sledding where the person lies belly-down on a light plastic board equipped with foot fins, wetsuits, lifejacket, helmets, shin guards, kneepads, elbow pads, thigh pads, and gloves. Then they cruise downriver headfirst. You can tap into your inner mermaid as you skate over water and waves, similar to boogie boarding but in a much rockier and faster environment. It is recommended that river boarders be over a certain age and be strong swimmers as you’ll be doing a lot of kicking through rapids.

Whitewater Adventure Races

At the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival, there is a Whitewater Adventure Race, which is a 5k run/obstacle course similar to the Warrior Dash and open to participants ages 12 and up. Though not entirely on water, this land course still celebrates whitewater and the adventure spirit during this exciting festival. Other whitewater rafting regions also celebrate with adventure races during the runoff.

 Surf Kayaking

Surf in Thurso East

Going one step beyond sea kayaking, these kayaks are much shorter and are either sit-in or sit-on kayaks. Paddling into the waves and surfing is a dangerous sport that requires a very good instructor and understanding of how to stay safe. Capsizing attached to a kayak in the ocean is unpredictable so a helmet and lifejacket are of the essence. For those who nail down the techniques, it’s a great ocean alternative to whitewater and easier to catch waves than surfing.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Stand up paddleboarding 2012

While this is not unheard of, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is actually popping up in popularity across the US. Many people love this sport for the relaxing yet full body cross-training benefits. You just need a stand up paddleboard, a paddle, and a life vest. SUP is very versatile as you can do this in the ocean, lakes, and calm rivers. Similar to riding a bike, balance and body tilt will affect the direction and speed that you will go in addition to paddling.

With all of these sports, safety education, the proper clothing, sun protection, hydration, and energy are needed to make sure you have a great time. Also, cut back on the arm power and utilize your core to do most of the work.

Get in touch with your inner adventurer and take a look at the whitewater rafting trip packages that we have available for land, water, and air excursions at Wilderness Aware Rafting.

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