6 Thrilling Water Sports To Try in New England

With rivers, lakes, and beaches around every corner, New England isn’t short on splash-worthy spots. Perhaps you’ve taken your fair share of kayaking or canoe trips, but have you ever given wakeboarding a whirl? How about windsurfing? Sure enough, swimming and boating just barely skim the surface of aquatic adventures in New England.

6 Thrilling Water Sports To Try in New England

1. Windsurfing

Try windsurfing to experience the feeling of gliding atop the waves, navigating on the ocean gales using the board’s sizable sail and free-rotating joint. You’ll find many spots to windsurf in New England, particularly on Cape Cod and the islands. Just remember, the wind is your friend — even on a day of gale-force gusts!

2. Wakeboarding

If you’ve ever gone snowboarding, you may find some familiarity in wakeboarding. This water sport involves riding a wakeboard over the surface of the water, normally while being towed behind a speedboat. Beginners can test the waters using a cable system at Brownstone Park in central Connecticut or with a board rental at Parafunalia in Gilford, New Hampshire.

3. Bodyboarding

New to water sports? Bodyboarding is an easy (and inexpensive!) aquatic activity for those who’ve yet to tackle the tides. With no hardcore balancing act required, the learning curve is much quicker than that of surfing; but that doesn’t make the sport any less thrilling. Grab your bodyboarding beginner’s kit and conquer the waves of coastal New England.

4. Jet Skiing

Wherever you find on the shore, be it saltwater or fresh, you're likely to spot a jet skier zipping across the water's surface. While it seems intimidating from the coastline, these watercrafts are relatively easy to control, making jet skiing a popular item on the sea or lakeside travel itinerary. Make some waves on Lake Winnipesaukee with Lakes Region Jet Ski Rentals or off the shores of Rhode Island with a rental from Scooter World in Newport.

5. Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is like nature’s wet roller coaster — it’s a go-to water adventure activity for team outings and family vacations. The thrill of paddling down a crashing waterway brings thrills, spills, and a faceful of water for those brave enough to take on the front row! New England’s rivers have plenty of whitewater sections and rafting tour centers to choose from, such as Berkshire Whitewater in western Massachusetts, and Raft NH, just a half hour outside Jackson.

6. Scuba Diving

After you’ve conquered the water’s surface, why not go under? There’s nothing quite like the weightless feeling of a tour through turquoise waters. Take your first dive (literally and figuratively) in a shallow bay or pool and work your way up to full-scuba status. Learn to dive with some lessons at Divers Cove in coastal Connecticut, Portsmouth Scuba in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, or Blue Harbor Scuba in midcoast Maine.

Whether you’re gliding on ocean waves or paddling past the rapids, you have plenty of ways to make waves (or ride them) in New England. Make a reservation at any of our inns or resorts — we’ll be your resident guides to all of the splashtacular activities and attractions of New England’s coasts and lakes.