Types of Paddle Sports

While there are many different types of watersports, one type that you might not be as familiar with is the paddling category. Compared to more extreme forms of watersports like water skiing and wakeboarding, paddle sports can be a more relaxing activity that isn’t quite as intense. However, there is a paddle sport to suit every activity and skill level.

Curious to know more? Island Watersports, located in Fenwick Island, is your Delaware paddle sports headquarters. Read on to learn more about the various types of paddle sports you can practice.

1. Canoeing

A canoe, as you well know, is a long and slender boat with raised seats that can be paddled by one or two people. Canoeing can be relaxing, or it can be more intense if you do whitewater or racing canoeing. There isn’t too much skill required, as the paddle simply has one blade, so canoeing is a popular sport for those new to watersports.

2. Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Based on surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) involves using a paddle to propel a flat board. This activity originated in Hawai’i, which already has a long history of surfing, but it’s only become popular globally in more recent times. Stand-up paddleboarding can come in many varieties, including yoga, fitness, touring, surfing, racing and even whitewater SUP. This activity is currently the fastest-growing watersport out there!

3. Kayaking

This ancient activity uses a long and slender boat, but instead of raised seats like a canoe, kayakers sit on the floor of the craft with their legs out in front of them. Popular forms of kayaking include whitewater, recreational, lake, touring and sea kayaking. Many people who kayak wear a sort of watertight “spray skirt” that anchors them into the boat and prevents water from getting in.

4. Rafting

Although some people may not consider whitewater rafting to be a paddle sport, paddles are used to guide the raft through the water, so it definitely counts! Whitewater rafting is joined by river rafting, which is a little more relaxed and not quite so intense. River rafting might be as simple as a day trip for a short ride or a very long excursion involving camping.

We hope this list has helped you to find a new paddle sport to try. Looking to test out some paddleboards or kayaks? Stop by our Fenwick Island, DE, dealership today to try out one of our paddleboards or kayaks before you buy. And if you sign up for a guided tour here at Island Watersports, you’ll receive a free paddleboard lesson from our experts! We can also assist you with financing when you’re ready to make your purchase. Island Watersports proudly serves Ocean City and Salisbury, MD.