It’s a well-known fact that the Caribbean Sports has no shortage of island paradises. The region is full of amazing opportunities for snorkeling and diving, while calm bays are ideal for swimming.
And while white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters are nothing to ignore, the exotic location has much more to offer! Caribbean sports come to mind, sunny islands providing the perfect environment for water activities that you are unlikely to have tried before.
That said, let’s take a look at our top 5 exciting Caribbean sports you have to try this summer!
1. Stand-Up Paddleboarding Caribbean Sports
SUP, as stand-up paddleboarding is most commonly called, is one of the newest and most popular watersports – especially for beginners. Necessary equipment include a paddleboard (similar to a surfboard) and a long paddle. The SUP-er stands and balances on the board, while paddling in the water to propel forward.
Calm, still waters make for excellent and easy paddleboarding, so the best choices are lagoons and bays, especially for novices and first-timers. The gentle waters and amazing views of the Caribbean make it one of the best places to try SUP. Anguilla’s Maundays Bay is especially famous for being one of the best paddleboarding locations in the world.
2. Kayaking Caribbean Sports
Kayaking is an athletic way to get a different perspective on your vacation. Paddling along the shore provides views of the beaches and birds, and the clear waters of the Caribbean allow for fish and other marine life to be easily viewed, especially if using a glass-bottomed kayak.
Whether in the sea, a mangrove, a river, or a lagoon, kayaking is great exercise for all fitness levels. Kayaking is available on all of the Caribbean islands.
3. Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing uses a large power kite, connected by strings (“flying lines”) to a handle (“control bar”) held by the boarder, to propel the boarder across the water on a kiteboard.
Necessary equipment include the large kite, the flying lines, control bar, and the board (similar in size to a wakeboard). A harness can also be used, and a helmet, flotation device, and knife (for cutting tangled flying lines) are recommended.
A kiteboarder harnesses the power of the wind with a large controllable power kite to be propelled across the water on a kiteboard similar to a wakeboard or a small surfboard, with or without foot straps or bindings. Anguilla (especially Cove Bay) and Nevis are two of the most popular locations for kitesurfing.
4. Windsurfing
Windsurfing is a newer sport, combining sailing and surfing (it is also known as boardsailing and sailboarding). More user friendly than kitesurfing, the only equipment necessary is a modified surf-style board, with a sail. The sail rig is connected to the board, and consists of a mast and two sided boom and a freely rotating universal joint which allows for steering.
Nevis is one of the best islands for both new and advanced wind sailors. The waters are much less crowded than on the bigger and more well-known islands. Oualie Beach and Nisbet Plantation are two of the most popular locations on Nevis for windsurfing.
5. Surfing
Surfing continues to grow in popularity, and with good reason. Needing little more than surfboard (and a lot of patience and practice!) means more locations are able to offer rentals and lessons.
The relatively unsurfed island of Anguilla has great waves, but is not on the surfer’s hit list, meaning almost zero competition for waves. It won’t last long before the island is discovered by other surfers.
Which Island Should You Pick?
Truly, each island has something great in store for everyone when talking Caribbean sports. For passionate enthusiasts who are looking to experience the best of the best, we personally recommend either the increasingly popular Anguilla, or the relaxed and tranquil Nevis.
You can arrive to any of Caribbean island destinations comfortably, efficiently and on your own terms by booking your own personal charter flight with us. You can find out more about Caribbean charter flights by downloading our free guide, or you can contact us for a prompt response to any questions or queries.
Image credits: Socali, Skeeze, PDP, AndrewCaribbean Sports
