Top 10 Extreme Aqua Sports

The daring nature of human beings motivates us to seek out thrills. Pushing our bodies to try things outside our normal limits gives us an incomparable sense of satisfaction. Extreme sports are an outlet to charge our bodies and minds with a fresh burst of adrenalin. The Lake of the Ozarks provides thrill seekers with unique opportunities for exhilaration. No matter your skill level or physical ability, there surely is a sport on this list for everyone to try, from traditional favorites to seldom-heard-of diversions.

Towed Hydrofoiling

A hydrofoil, also known as a water kite, is a winged, kitelike tool that sits under the water’s surface. Have you ever been on the Lake and noticed a boat pulling what seems to be a person jumping up and down, while sitting in a chair? That’s called “sit-down” hydrofoiling. The hydrofoil supports the rider, who sits on a board with the feet pointing forward and secured in bindings. The nose of the board should be pointing up out of the water. When the boat starts to pull, the rider leans forward and tries not to let the hydrofoil leave the water. The hardest part is learning to keep your balance on the board. The sport is gaining popularity here at the Lake because of the rough water. Unlike skiing, wakeboarding and similar sports, which require a smooth, glassy surface, hydrofoilers experience a “floating” smooth ride on the air just above the water, unaffected by the choppiness of the wake. After basic balance and skill is achieved, riders can use the energy of the wake to perform jumps, flips and tricks.

Skurfing/Wakesurfing

Who knew you could surf on the Lake? Watersports enthusiasts have started a new trend here. There are two variations of surfing that can be performed on the Lake: skurfing and wakesurfing. Skurfing mixes skiing and surfing. It’s mostly freestyle, and is gaining popularity as a competitive sport. The idea began when California surfers asked to be towed into the open ocean to find bigger waves. This idea moved onto lakes across the country. With no delineated rules, a skurfer uses a towrope to ride the wake behind a boat on a smaller-than-normal surfboard. Because there are no rules, skurfers can create their own style. The other Lake-friendly surfing modification is wakesurfing. It’s similar to surfing because it doesn’t require a towrope. An inboard boat is used to create the wake the surfer rides. A wakesurfer starts in the water with her feet on the board or by lying on the board. Using a towrope, she holds the handle and uses the pressure from the boat to stand up, then drops the rope after finding the zone of the wave.

Wakeskating

Wakeskating is the evolutionary cousin to wakeboarding. It’s very similar, except your feet aren’t attached to the board. Those interested should probably be comfortable wakeboarding first. Wakeskates are similar to wakeboards. While wakeboarders insert their feet into bindings to help stay on the board, wakeskaters use balance and gravity to stay up. A skater usually wears athletic shoes or specific wakeskating shoes for comfort. Generally, the skater starts the ride in deep water, with knees bent and feet pulled to the chest. While leaning back, the skater gradually straightens his knees and, while keeping his center of gravity low on the board, uses the resistance of the board to stand up. Like wakeboarding, wakeskating has become a lifestyle, with competitions and “wakefests” held all over the country.

Rafting/Canoeing

If you want to appreciate some time on the water but don’t have a boat, there are alternatives. Resorts along the spring-fed Niangua River boast campgrounds and canoes or raft rentals. Families and friends can enjoy some time outdoors and even take a float trip for a day or two. There also are faster-paced rafting options around the Lake area for adventure lovers. People can spend an evening camping out, then wake up the next day for a float. Generally, canoes can accommodate two people and inflatable rafts can harbor four to six. River routes vary in challenge and distance, so you can choose the trip that best suits you. Spend the day paddling through mild rapids, swimming and enjoying the solitude nature has to offer!

Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding is becoming one of today’s most prominent water sports. It’s unique in that “kiters” rely on the force of the wind to pull the kite. Different kite and board sizes allow people of any size to try the sport. The first step is learning to operate the kite. While boarding, the kiter is strapped into a harness, which takes most of the strain off the rider’s arms while he holds onto the control bar to steer. The board is similar to a wakeboard and can have boot-style bindings or footpads and straps. The downfall to kiteboarding is that the sport can be extremely dangerous. Don’t let the risks be too discouraging; lessons and proper instruction on safety protocols and equipment usage will keep a potential kiter out of harm’s way.

Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is a combination water sport comprising characteristics from some of the most popular extreme aqua sports. The pastime has quickly become one of the most popular exhibits of athleticism on the water, as well as a sought-after competitive sport. The board looks similar to a snowboard, and the feet are inserted into the bindings in

the same position. The buoyant board is similar to a surfboard, but the shape is different and the technique has several major differences. A wakeboarder starts deep in the water with the knees pulled to the chest and the board waiting vertically about halfway out of the water. As the boat or cable starts to pull, the resistance pulls the wakeboarder up and

the nose of the board is rotated forward toward the boat. Wakeboarding has rapidly become more than a sport, it is a lifestyle. Competitions featuring top-of-the-line boats and equipment are held on lakes all over the world. The only requirement is that the water is smooth.

Parasailing

Recreational parasailing “adventures” are popular all over the world and on certain lakes, such as our Lake of the Ozarks! For people who appreciate the alluring scenery the Lake has to offer, there’s no better way to see it than from the sky. Unlike the other extreme aqua sports on this list, a parasailer doesn’t have to use physical strength. It’s a great opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the view, and maybe even get a tan. Some people are intimidated by parasailing because of the altitude and safety risks; however, advancements in the technology have made the pastime safe and secure. Companies usually allow people to go up in pairs, or in groups of four. To get you up into the air, a boat takes you out into the open water, in an area with open sky away from shoreline.

Parasailers put on harnesses, which are then attached to the sail, and stand on the back platform of the boat. As the boat accelerates, the sails lift into the sky. Some drivers even “dip” riders into the water, which adds a little adrenaline rush to an otherwise tranquil ride.

Tubing

This time-honored family recreational activity can be practiced by people of all ages. It’s easy enough for children, but the speed of the boat and the type of tube can modify the ride to many levels of intensity. When you are being towed behind a fast boat with an entertained driver whose goal is to throw off the tube’s riders, it gets more exciting. Traditionally, the sport consisted of an inflatable rubber inner tube being towed behind a boat. Tubes were usually donut-shaped and could accommodate one or maybe two people (uncomfortably). However, if you are shopping for a tube this summer, you will notice more elaborate options. They come in almost every shape and color, as well as tubes that spin, catch extra air and are large enough to accommodate an entire group of people. Common features of towable tubes are handles to grip and a durable fabric covering. Tubing is undoubtedly a great way to spend a day on the water with friends and family—so grab a tube, a skier’s flag and some sunscreen and enjoy a day on the boat!

Kayaking

Although float trips are always memorable, it has recently become common to see people kayaking in calm coves on the Lake, or on sunny days when boat traffic is low. Kayaks are small boats, similar to canoes, with the major noticeable difference being the sitting position and paddling style. Traditionally, kayaks were built with a cockpit for a single paddler. Today’s kayaks, however, can accommodate up to four people. Kayaking is fairly easy for beginners. Basic paddling skills can be learned quickly, and the smaller boat is easier to balance than a canoe. Kayaks are relatively lightweight and easily lowered from dock to water and back. Kayaking also is a competitive sport, and the Lake is home to several kayak races. The benefits to kayaking are significant in terms of enjoyment, stress reduction, toning of the upper body, fitness and even weight loss.

Waterskiing

Waterskiing is the Lake’s classic sport. Lake regulars have probably been loading up the boat for a day of skiing for as long as we’ve been able to walk. Waterskiing involves skis, a towrope and a boat or cable tow. The skier slides her feet into boots on the skis and holds onto the rope tightly with both hands. While waiting in the water, the skier points the skis upright and uses the force of her body against the force of the boat to push out of the water. The next step is to keep your balance and bend your knees to absorb the shock of the wake. It might take a beginner several tries to stand (and stay) up on skis. After you master the basic skill, you can learn some tricks. Kick off one ski for slalom skiing. A slalom skier should put the stronger foot in the back boot and use the front foot to steer. Keep your arms, legs and core aligned with the ski, and use your muscles to come up out of the water. The hardest part of learning to slalom ski will be achieving balance, as you are using one ski instead of two. An even more complicated variation is barefoot skiing. To do this, use a starter ski and after standing, step off to ski completely barefoot—not for the faint of heart! •

By Kelsey McDaniel – Contributing writer

Tags: Canoeing, Kayaking, Kite Boarding, Parasailing, Rafting, Skurfing, Towed Hydrofoiling, tubing, Wake Boarding, wake skating, Wake Surfing, Water Skiing

Category: Blog, Featured, Sports & Toys