When you think of Vancouver what comes to mind? Is it the shining cityscape, the giant snowy mountains? Maybe it’s the shimmering ocean waters…
No matter what you think of Vancouver, one thing is clear: there is always something outdoorsy to do. Finding your next favorite scenic spot of the city, exploring what mother nature has to offer, and discovering a new hobby to last you a lifetime; the opportunity for all of these in Vancouver is endless. But with so many options, you might be left wondering which one is the best? More specifically, which one will provide you with the best Vancouver experience?
You want an activity that is unique to Vancouver and gives an unforgettable perspective of the city, something you can do with friends or by yourself, or maybe you just want to find a new passion.
One of the best ways to tick all of these boxes is to try some of the best water activities in Vancouver! Skimboarding, paddle boarding (also known as SUP), and windsurfing are some of the most accessible watersports in Vancouver that you can do right now.
Still not quite sure if practicing watersports is the best way to experience Vancouver? Let us break down all the benefits.
Views of Vancouver’s Cityscape
Vancouver is beautiful, no doubt about it. The tall buildings look like twinkling giants as their glass reflects the sun's rays during the day. At sunset, the city becomes a beacon of orange light as if the buildings have trapped the warm glow of the sun.
This view is only heightened by viewing it from the sea (preferably on a SUP board), with the water capturing more of the light creating a visual spectacle that cannot be seen anywhere else. Of course, we are not all fortunate enough to glimpse this view from a private boat, but anyone can rent an inflatable paddleboard and get out on the water.
A great route you can do on a SUP board, that I can recommend to you personally, is launching by Locarno Beach and paddling your way up along Jericho Beach towards Kitsilano Beach. With this route, you will get the best possible view of the city. On one side you have beautiful beaches, and on the other, you can see Vancouver cityscape. You can also see the tall trees of Stanley Park towering in the distance which are scenically framed by the peaks of the North Shore mountains.
Getting out on a stand up paddleboard and cruising along with the view of the city is the most accessible way to get the best way to see all the beauty Vancouver has to offer. In fact, seeing great views on a paddleboard is a specific activity Windsure specializes in! We have a sunrise paddle club available for early risers who crave a serenely stunning view first thing in the morning.
Connecting with Nature in Vancouver
Vancouverites are well known for their love of the outdoors. The city hosts many communities of outdoor enthusiasts who seize every opportunity to experience all the beauty British Columbia has to offer.
Thus, watersports are a natural fit for Vancouverites and any person who desires to experience the gorgeous coastal region that is unique to the province of B.C.
If you decide to try out some watersports in Vancouver, and launch from Jericho beach, be prepared to get right up close and personal with nature.
While on a SUP board, paddling not far from the shore, it is common to see a curious seal pop its head up, or swim by with a freshly caught fish in its mouth. On hot days you may get lucky and glimpse some seal pups sunbathing on the local dock… nature doesn’t get much cuter than this!
Getting fit while having fun
Keeping outdoors and active is not only great for your body, but your mind too! One of the best things about Vancouver is that you have the perfect environment to get the most out of your outdoor recreation.
Activities on the water can provide an outlet for exercise to people of varying fitness levels. The best water activities are the ones that are scalable to your fitness level. Paddleboarding for instance is an excellent, low-intensity cardio exercise, while also working your back, shoulder, and leg muscles.
You can paddle for hours at a time and only start to feel once you remember you are actually exercising! But trust me, the day after a good paddling session you will feel as if you just ran a marathon.
If paddle boarding isn’t the kind of intensity you are looking for, and you do not want to go all the way to Tofino for surfing, windsurfing is another great way to workout while having a blast. Windsurfing can be leisurely coasting or fast paced surfing! Balancing on the board as you surf works out your legs and core. This is because you are constantly balancing against the sail to catch the wind and keep your speed.
The best thing about windsurfing and paddleboarding as a fitness activity is that your fun is only limited by your skill. The more your practice, the stronger you get, the more fun you can have. Improvements in your skills are immediately noticeable in your speed and steadiness which can keep you motivated to keep active.
Seeing your hard work pay off after only a short time of practicing feels amazing, and being more healthy and fit because of it feels even better! Plus, there is always
Making friends
In case you didn’t know, paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Everyday more and more people are discovering the wonders of watersports.
If you are looking to branch out, make connections, and form new friendships with fun-loving, active people in Vancouver, getting into watersports is your best bet. Socializing either on a SUP board, paddling with good company, or even surfing along with them when a breeze is blowing on a windsurfer is a great way to bond with new found watersports buddies. Windsure even hosts events such as our Silver SUPers program, as well as monthly socials for this specific purpose!
Head down to the beach with a board and be prepared for people to come up and ask what the watersport is all about. Introducing people to paddleboarding is a great ice-breaker and a natural way to set up plans to go paddling in the future.
Having a beach day, getting people together and going out for a paddle, and having some fun in the sun is the best way to bond with new friends and make unforgettable memories.
Still having doubts about the most Vancouver thing you can do? Hop on a skimboard, SUP board, or windsurfer just once and we guarantee you’ll be hooked.
The unbeatable view, the fresh ocean breeze, being active and having fun making new friends, all while falling in love with an awesome new watersport, This is what watersports in Vancouver are all about. There is no better way to experience the city than to spend your time doing the most Vancouver thing possible!