Best Water Sports to Try This Summer

With the official start of the summer season just around the corner, a major migration toward the coast is underway, complete with boards strapped to roof racks and playlists queued for the drive. By mid-morning, beachside parking lots fill with neoprene-clad paddlers and snorkelers eager to rinse off the taint of a stormy winter and spring.

Nothing matches the buzz of skimming across glassy water, yet the secret to a perfect day is balancing those adrenaline spikes with stretches of effortless downtime. That harmony starts with picking the water activity that fits your vibe, and knowing how to recharge once you step back onto the sand.

Paddle Boarding: A Moving Meditation

Paddle boarding is both a full-body workout and a moving meditation that lets you skim quietly across glassy inlets while herons patrol the shoreline. Each stroke engages your core, shoulders, and back, but the real payoff comes when you pause mid-channel, plant the paddle, and watch sunlight shimmer a few feet below the deck. 

Stable boards make entry-level sessions friendly for first-timers, yet seasoned riders can still chase small swells for an extra adrenaline bump. Safety is simple: wear a leash, check the wind, and keep a phone in a waterproof pouch for that “did-you-see-the-dolphin” photo.

Kayaking: Speed Meets Exploration

Where paddleboards drift, kayaks dart. A low seating position lowers your center of gravity and turns each stroke into a miniature power lift, letting you cut through chop that would scoff at a flat deck. 

Touring models with dry hatches invite longer coastal treks where you might hug rocky cliffs in the morning and nose into marshy estuaries by lunch. Skirted cockpits keep spray where it belongs, but remember to practice a wet exit near shore before you launch into deeper water. Pair that prep with a quick scan of tide charts, and surprise currents become part of the fun rather than a frantic scramble.

Snorkeling: The World Below the Blue

Slip under the surface and a different universe greets you, one where time slows to the rhythm of your breath. Clear masks and a well-fitted snorkel turn pastel reefs into IMAX screens, revealing busy cleaner fish and gliding stingrays that tourists on the sand never witness. 

Even shallow grass beds hide camouflaged seahorses and juvenile turtles, so stay buoyant and move slowly to protect fragile habitats. A long-sleeve UV shirt replaces sunscreen that might wash off and cloud the water, keeping both you and the ecosystem unharmed.

Recharge on Shore

After a haul across sand or a tumble off a rolling wave, nothing beats dropping gear beside a covered outdoor chair and easing sore calves onto a supportive seat. SUNFLOW’s detachable UPF-50 signature sunshade clips easily onto any of our three signature beach chairs - the Shore Thing, High Tide, and Tall Sand Dune chairs - and provides a portable patch of shade that swivels with the shifting light, keeping skin cool for the next session.

The shade’s marine-grade fabric shrugs off salt spray, and rust-resistant hinges ensure these folding beach chairs survive seasons of sunrise setups and sunset pack-downs. The result is a basecamp that feels less like equipment and more like an invitation to linger.

Stay Cool, Stay Out Longer

Hydration can make or break a marathon day on the water. The Chiller Tote slips beneath the chair and opens wide enough for seltzers, fruit, and a stash of cold-brew cans, its insulation locking in frosty temps long after the noon glare peaks. Pulling out an ice-cold drink while spectators cradle lukewarm bottles is a tiny thrill that keeps you grinning through the afternoon lineup.

Sliding wet gear into a mesh side pocket frees up hands for snacks, and the soft-handle design ensures the tote rests comfortably on the shoulder during boardwalk treks back to the car.

Pro Tips For A Seamless Day On The Water

Download a tide-tracking app so you know when sandbars emerge for a mid-paddle picnic, and swap heavy cotton towels for quick-dry microfiber to keep packs light. Reef-safe sunscreen protects both skin and the underwater gardens you’ve come to admire.

The water is the main attraction for any beach trip, but combined with the sun, it can take a lot out of you very quickly. Make sure to take a break at least once per hour, and stay fully hydrated; otherwise, your drive home may get a bit queasy. See you surfside!