Watertoys - extra fun for your sailing holiday
14. April, 2020
Blog
Maybe we’re biased, but sailing on the Adriatic is the best way to spend your holiday. And to make your holiday even more exciting, get some water toys to wake your inner child.
There are plenty of water toys to choose from, so we’ll make a quick breakdown of toys you can rent while chartering a yacht. You see, many charter companies have a vast selection for you to choose from.
Here are our top picks of water toys that guarantee an extra good time on the sea!
Jet-ski
Need some speed in your life? Look no further and get a jet ski for your holiday! Sailing is an adventure in itself and with this motorized water toy, your holiday can have a real adventurous feel to it. Cut through the waves, explore bays of the Adriatic – there’s plenty of them and feel the wind in your hair.
Just don’t forget to put on the sunblock, you’ll need it!
Subwing
Explore the underwater life flying with full freedom and great agility. It is probably one of the most popular water toys. So, how does it work? The SUBWING consists of two separate wings connected in a rotatable swivel. By grabbing the grip on each wing, it can easily be controlled in all directions. Manoeuvring is done by tilting the wings at different angles. Tilt both wings downwards to dive, and upwards to resurface. If attempting a roll, simply tilt the wings in the opposite directions. Controlling the SUBWING is easy to learn and comes naturally to many beginners.
We recommend a towing speed of about 2-4 knots. This speed is easily achieved by a boat with a smaller motor and is enough to perform impressive manoeuvres underwater.
Paddleboards
This has got to be one of the most popular, if not the most popular water toy around! It is really easy to handle it and it’s a great core and balance workout. So, fun AND fitness on your sailing vacation? Where do we sign in?
What is important with SUP (stand-up paddle) is the technique and with these tips, you can improve it:
1. Use a leash
Trust us, it is much safer for you and everybody else when you are paddling to have a leash. It’s inevitable that sooner or later you’ll fall down, so to have your SUP tied to you is a lot easier than chasing it around.
2. Don't be afraid to stand up
Of course, kneeling on your paddleboard seems right if you’re a beginner. However, once you try paddling standing up, you’ll never kneel again! The paddles are designed to work more effectively when in the standing position and also results in a smoother paddle stroke and less stress on your shoulders and elbows.
3. Paddling with your core
Please don't use your arms. That’s not a joke! Seriously, paddling is best done by your core. These are the strongest muscles of your body and provide the most effective power for your paddle stroke.
4. Look at the horizon
Admit it, we all look down at the board. It sounds silly but with your head down watching your toes, you are likely to rock back on your heels and then hello water.
However, for the best stability, you want to keep your head up.
5. Stay out of the way
Please, watch out. Be mindful of other people in the sea, those swimming, diving and paddling. Make sure you have plenty of room to practice standing, falling and paddling.
Kayak
Kayaking is an up-and-go activity and it’s great for those who want to compete even on a sailing holiday. First, let’s clear out the difference between canoeing and kayaking. A big distinction between kayaking and canoeing is the paddle. Canoes use single-bladed paddles while kayaks use two-bladed paddles. This can also be very challenging, but the secret is to keep your weight low and centred. Holding a kayak paddle the right way is perhaps the most basic skill that requires mastering before one can pick up the sport. There were many different parts to a kayak paddle and how you hold one could mean sink or swim when you’re out in the open seas.
Here are some tips:
- Learn the correct motion – Push and Pull
- Learn the proper grip for your paddle
- Relax your grip
- Learn how to hold the paddle correctly
- Know the different parts of the kayak paddle
Wakeboard
They exploded in the mid-1990's and are a lot of fun. It’s possible to rent wakeboards for adults and children, so make sure you ask your charter agent about the available options. Wakeboards certainly bring real adrenaline vibe to your sailing vacation.
Basically, you’re towed behind a boat, standing on a board and holding the handle. Seems simple enough, but it can be a challenge for beginners. Just don’t give up, the feeling is worth it, just remember – balance is your friend.
Here are some helpful tips on how to successfully use a wakeboard:
- Use a shorter rope when you first start
- Don't pull on the rope
- Keep the handle low to your hip
- Look straight ahead
And you know what - you will be hucking tricks before you even know it.
Towable toys - Donut
Great for kids and grown-ups alike, towable toys are huge fun and it would be a shame to miss while sailing the Adriatic. Just jump aboard one these toys, strap it to a dinghy and jump over the waves!
RIB
And last but definitely not least - RIB (stands for Rigid Inflatable Boat)! RIB can be quite useful on your sailing vacation. Let's say you've anchored your sailing yacht in a secluded bay and you'll love to check out the beach. Just jump in your speedboat and within a couple of minutes, you're ashore. RIBs are almost made for „bay-hopping“ because it allows you to quickly explore the area. Oh, and if you're set on wakeboards or some towable toys than RIB is a must-have! Trust us on this one.
