5 Aquatic sports to practice this September

Water is definitely my element of life. naturaleza Favorite. I'm one of those people who, when I'm at the beach, spends more time in the ocean than out of it. I don't know why, but it's just the way it is. I have a special connection with the ocean: it gives me life. So, if you're lucky enough to have a vacation this September, I recommend you try any of these water sports. You'll have a great time and you'll also stay in shape.

Photo: Javier Medina

SURFING

Of Hawaiian origin, surfing is the quintessential water sport. It involves gliding across the sea on a board, propelled by the waves generated by the ocean. But in reality, those of us who practice it know it's much more than a sport. Of course, we don't quite know how to explain this sensation to people who have never surfed.

In an interview years ago with New Zealand freesurfer Dave Rastovich, I heard the best description of this inability to explain what it feels like to surf. He simply said, "Trying to describe what colors look like to a blind person, and trying to explain what it feels like to surf to someone who's never surfed, is equally difficult." And it is precisely this inability to describe something that makes it wonderful.

Personally, I couldn't agree more. I wouldn't know how to solve this complex equation, but I can highlight some of the variables that are part of it: happiness, adrenaline, adventure, naturalstrength, improvement and freedom.

Everyone surfs for a reason. Some do it to stay fit, others for the adventure of traveling in search of waves, And others simply to be in contact with the ocean. Everyone has their own motivation, but what's clear is that we all do it because surfing has become so deeply addicted to us. Kelly Slater, eleven-time world champion, once said that surfing is like the mafia: once you're in, there's no way out. How right he was!

Furthermore, in Spain we are truly fortunate to have beautiful beaches, perfect for surfing. If I had to highlight a spot, I'd choose San Vicente de la Barquera, Cantabria, ideal for all levels. The best and oldest school in the area is the GOOD COOL SCHOOL It's worth stopping by there, The name of the school couldn't be better chosen, and fun and good vibes are guaranteed thanks to the guys who run it, Arjuna Zapatero and Pablo de la Mora.

Photo: lanoriaoutlet

PADDLE SURF

Also known as stand-up paddle surfing (SUP), this is a less aggressive form of surfing than conventional surfing. It consists of standing on a board that is much longer and wider than a surfboard, and therefore has greater stability and buoyancy, navigating the sea, estuaries, and lakes with the Help A single-bladed paddle. It's ideal for when there isn't enough sea to stir up waves, or simply when you're looking for a more relaxing experience. The truth is that strolling over the water admiring the scenery is synonymous with absolute relaxation. It's worth trying, and you can also do it in the GOOD COOL SCHOOL.

KITE SURF

Contrary to popular belief, strong winds are one of the worst allies for surfing, unless they're blowing from land to sea (offshore). When this isn't the case and the wind is strong, it's time to take a kite to enjoy this extreme sport. The wind propels the traction kite, attached to your body via a harness, allowing you to ride a board over the sea and even perform aerial maneuvers in its more freestyle form. In Spain, more and more people are taking up this sport. We are also fortunate to have as our standard-bearer Gisela Pulido, a ten-time world champion born in Tarifa, Cádiz, a popular destination for this sport.

To learn, I recommend you travel there whenever you can and ask for the OZÚ SCHOOL. Don't worry, you won't be blown away; there are many safety mechanisms in place these days to prevent that from happening. Even so, on the first day they'll teach you how to control the kite from the sand, and then, once you've completed this step, you can go out and fly on your own. Very cool!

Photo: Deepboard Fomentera

DEEPBOARD

If you want to feel like a dolphin for a day, pay attention to this new form of aquatic towing. Set to revolutionize the world of water sports, Deepboarding can be practiced by everyone (from children as young as 5 to the elderly). It's simple to practice and only requires a board you hold onto with your hands, a pair of diving goggles, and a boat to push you along. Once underway, with your body extended, you can observe the entire depths of the sea from the surface. But if you want to see it up close, you can, with a simple twist of the wrist, submerge and move underwater like a dolphin. Amazing! You don't have to be in great shape, but the greater your lung capacity, the longer you can hold on to the surface. Honestly, one of the best experiences of my life. 100% recommended. Of course, to try it, you have to go to Cala Saona in Formentera, the only place in Spain where this activity is offered. The DEEPBOARD FORMENTERA team, led by Álvaro Soriano, will make you have an unforgettable time. They're incredibly friendly and take advantage of being in the water all day to clean the seabed by collecting the trash they find in the Posidonia Meadows, a World Heritage Site.

Photo: Nacho Soriano

FLYBOARD

HE It's only been practiced in Spain for a few years, but its number of followers grows rapidly year after year (especially in calm waters like the Mediterranean). The appeal lies in the sensation of flying that you experience when practicing it, and you can reach heights of up to 15 meters. All this is possible thanks to the high-pressure water jet from a boat or jet ski, which travels through a hose and ends up on the board where your feet are hooked into boots. Can you fly? Yes, but you might get a few biscuits along the way. It's worth it, though. If you'd like to try it, we recommend Bonaire, Mallorca. The guys from FLYBOARD WATERSPORTS, they will welcome you with open arms, led by Nacho Soriano, and they will teach you a few tricks so that learning is quick and you have a good time.

Enjoy them!

Guillermo Milans del Bosch