Are you big on hurtling down Class III rapids propelled by the force of Mother Nature? Any adventure sports enthusiast would probably know the thrill of whitewater rafting amidst stunning riverside scenery.
If you, like me, adore whitewater rafting, you might also want to get your adrenaline fix in other ways. No worries, we got your back! Here are some other ways we like to have fun!
1. Whitewater Kayaking and Canoeing
While it takes a team of paddlers to navigate a raft through rivers, kayaking, and canoeing can be done solo or in twos.
Whitewater kayaking is done in a smaller-sized kayak than a recreational one. This is because having a smaller kayak with a flatter hull makes it much easier to maneuver around in the water. This is needed when smashing through the crashing whitewater currents.
Whitewater kayaks are usually closed-deck, which means the paddler wears a spray skirt to keep the water from filling the cockpit.
A recreational canoe is also much different from a whitewater canoe; the whitewater canoes are shorter, sturdier, more durable, and often include extra safety features such as a floatation device.
The experience of whitewater rafting is similar to both, your raft will smash through the water, it is thrilling and exhilarating. Whitewater kayaking and canoeing can feel very similar, its just less of a team effort in comparison.
It’s harder to maneuver a canoe or raft as they are bigger and more difficult to turn. Whitewater kayaks are typically used in faster-flowing rivers as they are smaller, lighter, and more capable of handling tight turns and quick reactions.
Another key difference is that if you capsize in turbulent waters, you cannot roll a canoe or raft upright again. You’ll have to stop the boat and climb back in. However, in a kayak, a competent paddler will know how to perform a maneuver called the “Eskimo roll,” which is a way of using the paddle to roll the kayak back up without getting out of it.
So why would some rather paddle a bigger, more cumbersome canoe instead of a kayak? That’s mostly because, for multi-day trips and camping expeditions, a canoe can hold multiple paddlers plus all the gear, while a whitewater kayak is unlikely to allow much storage space.
If you love whitewater rafting you need to give these activities a try! A great place to go is the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC.
2. Riverboarding
Riverboarding is a fun new sport that’s taking North America by storm. First done by the French in the 1970s, it only just started picking up steam in the US in the last decade.
Riverboards are small boards that look similar to bodyboards, except they are designed specifically for whitewater. They are usually made of plastic, foam, or fiberglass.
Like bodyboarders, riverboarders wear fins for more propulsion. Since rivers are usually cold, you’ll also need a wetsuit and definitely wear a helmet. You wouldn’t want to go hurtling head-first into a log or rock! Like many watersports, a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is also mandatory.
If you like the whitewater then riverboarding is the best way to dive in head first, literally!
3. Surf Kayaking
Combine surfing and kayaking, and what do you get? Surf kayaking! Instead of catching a wave while riding a surfboard, you paddle into waves with a kayak that’s usually small, agile, and light, somewhat similar to whitewater kayaks. Surf kayaks usually have three or four fins, flat bottoms, and hard rails.
If you’re new to surf kayaking, it might be better to start with smaller waves. If you catch a wave that’s too big for your experience level, it is highly likely you’ll be dumped, and your kayak will go flying. Always wear a PFD and helmet for protection!
4. Parasailing
Parasailing is a fun, thrilling way of getting a bird’s eye view of your surroundings, which is probably a beach or lake. You’ll be harnessed to a tow line which a boat will pull, and you’ll be lifted into the air as the boat picks up speed. Once you’ve reached a certain height, all you have to do is go with the flow and enjoy the view.
Always go with reputable operators with strict safety standards like regular equipment checks and well-maintained gear.
Read more about parasailing in our related posts:
- Is There a Weight Limit for Parasailing?
- Can You Take Your Phone Parasailing?
- What’s The Best Time of Day to Parasail?
- How Does Parasailing Work? (Parasailing Explained)
5. FlowRider Wave Machine
If you love to surf but don’t live anywhere with a good break, you might want to look for a wave machine. Many water parks have them, so if you can access one, you can surf anytime.
The FlowRider Surf Simulator is the world’s most popular wave machine and is found worldwide in many places like adventure parks, water parks, and surf schools. It creates a continuous wave you can ride with a bodyboard, surfboard, or flowboard.
The FlowRider can suit water lovers of all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers that want to fine-tune their skills.
Want to try a FlowRider? Check out 20 resorts that have a FlowRider Wave Machine here!
6. Flyboard Flying
Hovering in the air pushed up by high-pressure water from your feet? Yes please! A flyboard is a pair of boots or bindings similar to a snowboard. The board is connected by a long hose to some kind of watercraft like a jet ski.
The flyboard uses water pressure through the boots to propel you into the air where you can perform acrobatic maneuvers. You can even point yourself downwards and dive into the water as deep as you want!
You are in full control of the power from the water pressure, and as with all watersports, you should wear a helmet and a PFD.
7. Canyoning
Canyoning is like an Indiana-Jones type of experience and is exploration at its best. You go through canyons or gorges in a series of activities like hiking, scrambling, climbing, and rappelling.
With a combination of experience, gear, and a whole lotta adventurous spirit, you can access remote and usually inaccessible areas that people usually don’t venture to. It is a nice combination of physical challenges and natural beauty that many outdoor enthusiasts appreciate.
If you are going with a tour operator, always pick a tour suited to your experience level. You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew and feel uncomfortable or intimidated instead of enjoying the surroundings.
Beginner-friendly canyons usually have milder descents, while more technical canyons are more suited to the experienced.
8. Wakeboarding, Kneeboarding, or Water Skiing
All three of these intense watersports involve a boat pulling you along. A wakeboard resembles a snowboard, where you stick your feet into boots with bindings and ride a relatively narrow board. One interesting thing is that you need to be able to ride the board both ways – goofy and regular, unlike surfing, where you can ride with your more favorable foot forward.
A kneeboard is a thicker, shorter board that you strap your thighs to and kneel on the board while the boat tows you merrily along. Kneeboards do not have fins, which makes them easily maneuverable in the water so that you can try out spins and other tricks. They also hurt way less when you do the inevitable faceplant since you’re much nearer to the water than, say, when you’re standing up on a wakeboard.
And, of course, water skis are similar to regular skis, and both legs work independently to keep you zooming over the water. If you’re a beginner, keeping them both in a straight line is harder than it looks!
9. Jet Skiing
This one’s for all the speed freaks out there! Jet skiing is one of the faster ways of getting around on the water. Depending on the jet ski, you either sit or stand while operating the motorized vehicle. Whether you want a leisurely cruise or a heart-thumping adventure, you are in full control of the speed.
Jet skis can be taken into rivers with deep enough water to cruise through some whitewater sections, just make sure you know the depth of the water. I love jet skiing in waves in the ocean; it gives you that thrill ride you are looking for! I rented one in the Bahamas and let me tell you it was amazing and exhilarating!
The daredevils can also perform jumps and spins if the waves allow. You can even push the nose forward and duck dive waves! If you don’t know already, hitting the water at speed really hurts, so always wear a PFD and consider wearing a helmet. Always respect the rules of the beach or lake and stay far, FAR away from swimmers and other water crafts.
10. Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing, also called kiteboarding, is kinda like a wakeboard, but instead of a boat, you’ll have a giant kite. You’ll need first to master kite flying, which is no mean feat. After you can reliably control a kite in strong winds, then you can tackle the added element of riding on a board that’s similar to a wakeboard.
Kitesurfing is a fast-paced, thrilling activity that isn’t easy to pick up initially, so you might want to get a few lessons to get you started. If you can’t control the kite and turn yourself around, or if the winds pick up beyond your ability, you might get into trouble and find yourself stuck far away from shore.
Final Thoughts
There ya go! Plenty of thrilling adventures like whitewater rafting that will give you a burst of adrenaline, both in and out of the water. Just be sure to protect yourself with a PFD and a helmet!
Play safe out there and let me know if you have any other activities you recommend in the comments below!
See our lengthy list of 99 Adventurous Things to Do With Your Friends here.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!