When it comes to having fun on the water, getting a boat is only the beginning. Of course, just which boat you do get can influence just how much fun you can have on it, as some are much more suited to watersports activities than others.
Although versatility may be key for many people when selecting a boat, it is important to consider whether you intend to do any tow sports like wakeboarding, water skiing or even tubing behind the boat, as this will influence not only the power you need from boat, but also the standard equipment you may need, as well as what you want the wake of the boat to look like. Many companies like Sea-Doo make boats that are specifically designed for tow sports, so keep that in mind when boat shopping.
Once summer comes and you need to add a bit of fun you your boating, there are numerous options out there.
Family fun
If it’s fun for the whole family you are looking for, tubing is a great option. Although the activity started out with standard tubes, modern tubing uses much more specialised tubes with towing attachments, handles for hanging on to, and modifications to improve the hydrodynamic properties of the tube. The tube itself is also usually covered in a sleeve which helps with the durability of the tube, as well as keeping it from getting pulled out of shape by the boat.
The biggest advantage of tubing from a fun perspective is that it takes very little skill on the part of the tuber and the boater alike, so it is a perfect family activity.
Another water toy that is a perfect family fun solution is a banana boat. Where tubing tends to be limited to one or maybe two participants, a banana boat can house anywhere between three and ten people, depending on the size. Riders sit astride a central main tube, with two smaller tubes, one along each side, providing stability and a convenient footrest. The activity is great for families as it takes virtually no skill apart from sitting upright, so it is accessible to a wide age range.
However, as with tubing, it is vital that all users should wear lifejackets at all times.
Tow sports
There is a great range of tow sports out there, but unlike tubing, these require quite a bit of skill, not only from the participant but also from the boater. The abilities of the boat itself is also very important, as the shape of the wake and the power of the boat can have a great impact on how successful a tow boat it can be.
Water skiing is the original, and most difficult of the sports, requiring quite a bit of practice.
Wakeboarding has grown in popularity quickly, with many finding the bigger, wider board more confidence inspiring than water skis.
Off all the tow sports, kneeboarding is probably the easiest for beginners to get into, as standing on your knees is quite a bit easier than standing upright. The fact that the rider is closer to the water surface also gives beginners a lot more confidence. WH