Water Sports Index
Discover the best water sports locations in Britain
From stunning coastlines in Cornwall to serene lakes in Scotland, Britain offers plenty of scenic locations for water sports enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or an avid swimmer, there is a diverse range of activities perfect for outdoor lovers looking to dip their toes into the world of water sports.
GO Outdoors explores some of the best water sports destinations in England, Scotland, and Wales to reveal the top spots for surfing, wild swimming, kayaking, and more. Staying safe is paramount, and throughout the piece RNLI approved safety advice is included for each individual watersport, it is recommended you read each guide before proceeding with your chosen watersport. Health and fitness coach James Cunningham will also provide his important safety tips.
If you like the thrill of an adventure, grab your wetsuit as we take a deep dive into the best locations to enjoy water sports across Britain.
- Best wild swimming locations in Britain
- Best paddleboarding locations in Britain
- Best surfing locations in Britain
- Best kayaking locations in Britain
- The best water sports attractions in Britain
- The UK’s most popular water sports
- The UK’s most popular water sports social media influencers
- Water sports increasing in popularity in the UK
- Methodology
Best wild swimming locations in Britain
- Portland Harbour, England
Wild swimming score out of 10: 9.94
Located in Dorset, Portland Harbour tops the list as the best spot for wild swimming in Britain with an impressive score of 9.94 out of 10. Known for its natural beauty and breathtaking views of the marina, Portland Harbour is a popular destination for open-water swimmers.
You can also expect an average of 1,665 hours of glorious sunshine during the year, as well as excellent water quality (three out of three), offering a refreshing swim in clear waters and a picturesque setting.
- Clacton Beach, England
Wild swimming score out of 10: 9.76
Clacton Beach follows behind, scoring 9.76 out of 10. The well-known beach is situated to the west of Clacton Pier, a popular tourist attraction that is said to be one of Europe’s biggest pleasure piers. Due to its sandy beach and gentle slope into the sea, it is also a great spot for swimmers.
With one of the highest maximum sea temperatures, 22.5°C in July, and an average of 1,611 annual sunshine hours, Clacton Beach offers a more pleasurable wild swimming experience.
- Bracelet Bay, Wales
Wild swimming score out of 10: 9.48
With a score of 9.48 out of 10, Bracelet Bay ranks third for wild swimming. With an excellent rating for bathing waters, Bracelet Bay is a good spot for swimmers. As it is the first small limestone bay after the vast expanse of Swansea Bay, it is advised to be careful of rocks when swimming here. A lifeguard is also always at hand during the peak summer months.
3. Clevedon Beach, England
Wild swimming score out of 10: 9.48
Clevedon Beach is in joint third place, scoring 9.48 out of 10. A popular seaside town situated within North Somerset, it has an average of 1,631 annual sunshine hours and a maximum sea temperature of 21.6°C in July. Clevedon is also home to its iconic pier, which poses a picturesque backdrop for swimmers.
RNLI Wild Swimming Safety Advice:
- Be prepared. Check the weather and tides, choose your spot, go with a buddy, have the right equipment.
- If in doubt, don’t go out. No matter how much preparation you do, or how experienced you are, if a swim doesn’t feel right there is no shame in getting out of the water straight away, or not entering.
- Make sure you acclimatise to avoid cold water shock.
- Be seen. Wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float.
- Stay within your depths.
- Float to live – If you get into the water too quickly or fall in unexpectedly, you may experience cold water shock. If this happens, fight your instinct to swim. Turn onto your back and tilt your head back in the water, submerging your ears.
- Call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard in an emergency.
| Rank | Location | Country | Max sea temperature | Water quality /3 | Average annual sunshine hours | Average annual number of rainy days | Mean wind speed (m/s) per 10m | Total Google searches (Jun 2023-May 2024) | Wild swimming score out of 10 |
| 1 | Portland Harbour | England | 19.4°C | 3 | 1,665 | 167 | 7.52 | 1,130 | 9.94 |
| 2 | Clacton Beach | England | 22.5°C | 2 | 1,611 | 155 | 6.87 | 1,690 | 9.76 |
| 3 | Bracelet Bay | Wales | 20.0°C | 3 | 1,583 | 200 | 6.65 | 490 | 9.48 |
| 3 | Clevedon Beach | England | 21.6°C | 2 | 1,631 | 184 | 6.51 | 220 | 9.48 |
| 5 | Ringstead Bay | England | 19.6°C | 3 | 1,640 | 177 | 7.04 | 0 | 9.39 |
| 6 | Bembridge Beach | England | 21.1°C | 2 | 1,699 | 152 | 6.51 | 0 | 9.14 |
| 7 | Lake Windermere | England | 20.0°C | 3 | 1,580 | 218 | 5.55 | 10,770 | 9.08 |
| 8 | Charmouth Beach | England | 20.1°C | 3 | 1,545 | 176 | 7.22 | 170 | 8.95 |
| 9 | Holywell Bay | England | 18.7°C | 3 | 1,502 | 199 | 7.55 | 1,440 | 8.92 |
| 10 | Penarth Beach | Wales | 21.0°C | 2 | 1,583 | 192 | 6.07 | 670 | 8.68 |
Best paddleboarding locations in Britain
- Silecroft Beach, England
Paddleboarding score out of 10: 9.27
Well-known for offering various water sports activities, Silecroft Beach in Cumbria offers stunning views of the Irish Sea and is backed by the breathtaking Black Combe Fell. With excellent bathing water quality and a relatively high max sea temperature in July (20.2°C), its favourable weather and tidal conditions make it a great spot for paddle boarding.
Silecroft Beach offers free parking close to the beach, making it more convenient to carry your paddleboarding gear. Therefore, it’s no wonder Silecroft Beach grabs first place, scoring 9.27 out of 10.
- Freshwater Bay, England
Paddleboarding score out of 10: 8.99
Ranking in second place is Freshwater Bay, with a score of 8.99 out of 10. It is one of the most charming beaches on the Isle of Wight, surrounded by tall white cliffs and clear waters, an excellent spot for paddleboarding.
Freshwater Bay offers scenic beauty and favourable weather conditions, with sea temperatures reaching as high as 20.9°C in August and an average of 1,699 sunshine hours a year. Parking is also available in this location, with the closest car park costing £3.60 for a two-hour visit.
- Mawddach Estuary, Wales
Paddleboarding score out of 10: 8.51
Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the Mawddach Estuary in Barmouth completes the top three with a score of 8.51 out of 10. From its mountainous backdrop to its tranquil waters, it is a great location for a relaxing paddle.
Surrounded by the hills and forests of Snowdonia, the Mawddach Estuary has excellent-rated bathing waters, sea temperatures reaching 20.5°C in July, and an average of 1,186 sunshine hours. Additionally, parking in one of its closest car parks costs just £2.20 for two hours.
RNLI Paddleboarding Safety Advice:
- Wear a buoyancy aid.
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Don’t leave the house without a mobile phone or communication device. Carry a phone in a waterproof pouch.
- Wear the correct leash.
- If you are launching on a lifeguarded beach, make sure you launch and recover between the black and white chequered flags.
- Avoid offshore winds.
- Have a lesson. Ensure you’re skilled enough to take to the waters.
- Remember ‘Float to Live’. If you end up in the water unexpectedly or are in trouble in the water without your board then float on your back.
| Rank | Location | Country | Max sea temperature | Water quality /3 | Average annual sunshine hours | Average annual number of rainy days | Mean wind speed (m/s) per 10m | Cost of parking in the closest car park | Total Google searches (Jun 2023-May 2024) | Paddleboarding score out of 10 |
| 1 | Silecroft Beach | England | 20.2°C | 3 | 1,580 | 204 | 7.40 | £0.00 | 0 | 9.27 |
| 2 | Freshwater Bay | England | 20.9°C | 3 | 1,699 | 159 | 7.23 | £3.60 | 130 | 8.99 |
| 3 | Mawddach Estuary | Wales | 20.5°C | 3 | 1,186 | 212 | 9.30 | £2.20 | 210 | 8.51 |
| 4 | Cullen Beach | Scotland | 16.6°C | 3 | 1,439 | 215 | 7.54 | £0.00 | 170 | 8.49 |
| 5 | Harlech Beach | Wales | 21.1°C | 3 | 1,186 | 211 | 7.43 | £1.10 | 0 | 8.36 |
| 6 | Troon Beach | Scotland | 18.1°C | 3 | 1,282 | 215 | 7.04 | £0.00 | 70 | 8.14 |
| 7 | Bournemouth Beach | England | 20.3°C | 3 | 1,699 | 162 | 6.28 | £7.00 | 400 | 7.84 |
| 8 | Minehead Beach | England | 20.4°C | 1 | 1,583 | 208 | 6.49 | £3.60 | 110 | 7.76 |
| 9 | Lake Windermere | England | 20.0°C | 3 | 1,580 | 218 | 5.51 | £5.10 | 4,350 | 7.59 |
| 10 | Seamill Beach | Scotland | 17.6°C | 2 | 1,282 | 223 | 7.34 | £0.00 | 0 | 7.46 |
Best surfing locations in Britain
- Barmouth Beach, Wales
Surfing score out of 10: 9.41
Barmouth Beach takes top spot as the best surfing location in Britain, scoring 9.41 out of 10. As southern Snowdonia’s most popular seaside resort, this lovely sandy beach is a magnet for visitors. Though in first place for surfing, there are more watersports activities to explore, from jet-skiing to sailing. With plenty to offer, including shops, restaurants, cafes and mobility accessibility facilities, this is a very inclusive location.
Not only is the water quality rated excellent, but it also has a great wind speed of 9.08 per 10m in height, meaning you can get relatively gentle and consistent waves, making it particularly good for beginners and intermediate surfers. With plenty of available parking, visitors can stay for two hours for as little as £1.10.
- Thurlestone Beach, England
Surfing score out of 10: 8.88
With suitable waves for surfing, Thurlestone Beach is great for various skill levels. Situated on the south coast of Devon, this beach is known for its golden sands and clear waters. The mean wind speed in this location is 9.30 per 10m, and the average annual sunshine hours is 1,735, offering a more pleasant surf experience.
Perfectly set amid outstanding natural beauty, Thurlestone Beach offers many more watersports activities, from windsurfing and diving to snorkelling. Better yet, if you have a four-legged furry friend, you can bring them along for the fun, as it is a dog-friendly beach!
- Aberystwyth North Beach, Wales
Surfing score out of 10: 8.66
Though surfing at Aberystwyth North Beach depends on the right weather conditions for good-quality waves, its pebbly shore and promenade offer a charming urban coastal experience along its beautiful Welsh coastline. With a surf score of 8.66 out of 10, Aberystwyth North Beach offers a good starting point for those learning to surf. This location also has a wind speed of 9.68, and despite having 204 rainy days, it has an average annual sunshine hours of 1,186. For those looking to catch a wave here, parking is available, and its closest location costs £3.80 for two hours.
| Rank | Location | Country | Max sea temperature | Water quality /3 | Average annual sunshine hours | Average annual number of rainy days | Mean wind speed (m/s) per 10m | Cost of parking in the closest car park | Total Google searches (Jun 2023-May 2024) | Surfing score out of 10 |
| 1 | Barmouth Beach | Wales | 20.5°C | 3 | 1,186 | 212 | 9.08 | £1.10 | 1,100 | 9.41 |
| 2 | Thurlestone Beach | England | 18.9°C | 3 | 1,735 | 185 | 9.30 | £3.00 | 250 | 8.88 |
| 3 | Aberystwyth North Beach | Wales | 20.6°C | 2 | 1,186 | 204 | 9.68 | £3.80 | 2,030 | 8.66 |
| 4 | Crackington Haven | England | 19.1°C | 3 | 1,745 | 202 | 8.48 | – | 1,080 | 8.52 |
| 5 | Perranporth | England | 18.6°C | 3 | 1,745 | 202 | 7.06 | £2.00 | 5,400 | 8.30 |
| 6 | Fraserburgh Beach | Scotland | 15.8°C | 2 | 1,439 | 215 | 7.62 | £0.00 | 570 | 8.20 |
| 7 | Sennen | England | 19.4°C | 3 | 1,690 | 209 | 7.06 | £2.60 | 110 | 8.07 |
| 8 | Rhosneigr | Wales | 18.3°C | 3 | 1,186 | 203 | 7.42 | £3.00 | 1,670 | 7.58 |
| 9 | Coldingham Bay | Scotland | 16.5°C | 3 | 1,440 | 186 | 7.23 | £2.00 | 1,020 | 7.48 |
| 10 | Thurso East | Scotland | 14.6°C | 2 | 1,255 | 239 | 7.17 | £0.00 | 1,030 | 7.45 |
- Always surf between the black and white chequered flags
- Surf with a mate
- Tell someone you’re going surfing – Let someone know when and where you are going out and, importantly, when you expect to be back.
- Check weather and tides – Before you set out, check the local forecast for wind, swell and tide.
- Know your limits – It’s easy to be caught out. Don’t challenge yourself too early and know your limits.
- Be aware of rip currents
- Always wear a leash
- Wear the right wetsuit
- Understand surf etiquette and rights of way
Best kayaking locations in Britain
- Borth Beach, Wales
Kayaking score out of 10: 9.76
With a score of 9.76 out of 10, Borth Beach is the top location for kayaking in Britain. This long sandy beach is known for its natural beauty and offers stunning views of Cardigan Bay in a more relaxed atmosphere.
With its sea temperature reaching as high as 20.5°C in July and a mean wind speed of 8.79 per 10m, Borth Beach offers favourable conditions for kayaking. Additionally, the closest car park offers free parking.
- Sennen Cove, England
Kayaking score out of 10: 9.56
Sennen Cove follows behind with a score of 9.56 out of 10. Surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery, clear waters, and sandy beaches, Sennen Cove offers excellent bathing waters, an average of 1,690 sunshine hours, and parking for just £2.60 for two hours.
For those looking to hire kayaking equipment, local shops such as Vertical Blue Adventures and St Ives Watersports provide extensive rental options and guided tours.
- Looe, England
Kayaking score out of 10: 9.40
Located in Cornwall, Looe’s coastal setting makes it suitable for kayaking and provides many scenic opportunities. With relatively calm waters, Looe has good-rated water quality, a maximum sea temperature of 20.1°C in August, and an average annual sunshine of 1,735. The closest parking in this location costs £2.10 for up to two hours, making it easier to transport kayaking gear. Local shops such as Looe Kayak Hire and Pure Adventure are also available for visitors who want to rent kayaking equipment.
- Find a training session at your local canoe club to help you learn. It’s important to learn and practise techniques to get back onboard your kayak, should you capsize.
- Paddle in a group where possible.
- Always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off.
- Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid
- Take a means of calling for help as part of your kayaking kit and keep it on you, within reach, at all times.
| Rank | Location | Country | Max sea temperature | Water quality /3 | Average annual sunshine hours | Average annual number of rainy days | Mean wind speed (m/s) per 10m | Cost of parking in the closest car park | Total Google searches (Jun 2023-May 2024) | Kayaking score out of 10 |
| 1 | Borth Beach | Wales | 20.5°C | 3 | 1,186 | 206 | 8.79 | £0.00 | 0 | 9.76 |
| 2 | Sennen Cove | England | 20.1°C | 3 | 1,690 | 209 | 7.20 | £2.60 | 70 | 9.56 |
| 3 | Looe | England | 20.1°C | 2 | 1,735 | 196 | 6.42 | £2.10 | 610 | 9.40 |
| 4 | Criccieth | Wales | 21.7°C | 1 | 1,186 | 209 | 8.48 | £1.10 | 100 | 9.28 |
| 5 | Hayle Towans | England | 18.5°C | 3 | 1,745 | 208 | 8.61 | £3.00 | 80 | 9.22 |
| 6 | Aberystwyth South Beach | Wales | 20.6°C | 3 | 1,186 | 204 | 9.68 | £3.80 | 220 | 8.73 |
| 7 | Mudeford | England | 20.6°C | 3 | 1,699 | 160 | 6.63 | £4.50 | 410 | 8.65 |
| 8 | Gairloch Beach | Scotland | 15.4°C | 3 | 1,170 | 263 | 7.86 | £0.00 | 240 | 8.59 |
| 9 | Salcombe | England | 18.5°C | 3 | 1,735 | 181 | 6.71 | £2.60 | 1,000 | 8.58 |
| 10 | Compton Bay | England | 20.3°C | 3 | 1,699 | 166 | 7.26 | £4.00 | 0 | 8.43 |
The best water sports attractions in Britain
- Nae Limits Adventure, Scotland
Water sports attraction score out of 10: 9.98
Nae Limits Adventure is Britain’s best water sports attraction, with an impressive score of 9.98 out of 10. Providing award-winning outdoor adventure activities, Nae Limits has over one thousand reviews and an average five-star rating on TripAdvisor, with some visitors deeming their experience as ‘highly enjoyable’ and ‘suitable for those who’ve not done any water sports before.’
- Lee Valley White Water Centre, England
Water sports attraction score out of 10: 9.91
The Lee Valley White Water Centre follows closely behind, scoring 9.91 out of 10. Hosting the 2012 Olympic Games, this renowned location now offers experiences in various water sports activities, from family paddling sessions to canoeing and kayaking. As a five-star rated centre on TripAdvisor, it offers ‘great coaching’ with ‘lots of activities to choose from based on individual abilities’, from white water rafting to paddle boarding.
- Splash White Water Rafting, Scotland
Water sports attraction score out of 10: 9.89
Splash White Water Rafting ranks third with a score of 9.89 out of 10. This water sports attraction offers plenty of activities, including rafting, canyoning, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It also has a significant social media presence on platforms such as Facebook (27,000 followers) and Instagram (5,797 followers).
| Rank | Name | Country | Review rating/5 | Number of reviews | Facebook followers | Instagram followers | Water sports attraction score out of 10 |
| 1 | Nae Limits Adventure | Scotland | 5.0 | 1,046 | 15,000 | 36,300 | 9.98 |
| 2 | Lee Valley White Water Centre | England | 5.0 | 1,938 | 27,000 | 5,797 | 9.91 |
| 3 | Splash White Water Rafting | Scotland | 5.0 | 780 | 29,000 | 13,400 | 9.89 |
| 4 | Newquay Activity Centre | England | 5.0 | 3,045 | 9,200 | 13,200 | 9.77 |
| 5 | Liquid Leisure Windsor | England | 4.5 | 797 | 61,000 | 17,100 | 9.70 |
| 5 | Land & Wave | England | 5.0 | 929 | 12,000 | 6,522 | 9.70 |
| 7 | Cardiff International White Water | Wales | 5.0 | 1,279 | 15,000 | 4,385 | 9.61 |
| 8 | Adventure Parc Snowdonia | Wales | 4.0 | 665 | 87,000 | 39,600 | 9.53 |
| 9 | Bodyboard Holidays | England | 5.0 | 619 | 10,000 | 47,000 | 9.49 |
| 10 | National White Water Centre | Wales | 5.0 | 881 | 12,000 | 4,178 | 9.37 |
The UK’s most popular water sports
- Surfing
Water sports popularity score out of 10: 9.50
Surfing is deemed the UK’s most popular sport, scoring 9.50 out of 10. With over a quarter of a million annual Google searches (296,600) and almost 43,000 hashtags on Instagram, this well-loved water sport has garnered attention over the years, especially as the UK has an extensive and diverse coastline suitable for a range of surf conditions and all skill levels.
- Stand-up paddleboarding
Water sports popularity score out of 10: 9.16
Stand-up paddleboarding is the country’s second most popular water sport, with 9.16 out of 10. As a relatively easy-to-learn water sport, paddleboarding is very accessible to a wide range of people of different ages and skill levels. Additionally, it can be done in various types of water, from lakes to rivers. Hence, it’s no surprise that there are over 300,000 annual searches for the sport in the UK and nearly 54,000 Instagram hashtags.
- Sailing
Water sports popularity score out of 10: 8.83
Sailing completes the top three with a popularity score of 8.83 out of 10. On average, there are 195,500 annual Google searches in the UK for this water sport and over 11,000 Instagram hashtags. The popularity of sailing comes with the country’s numerous inland waters and various coastlines that provide ample opportunities for sailing, from coastal waters to lakes and rivers.
| Rank | Water sport | UK Annual Google searches | YoY change | Instagram hashtag (UK) | No. of Instagram hashtags | Water sports popularity score out of 10 |
| 1 | Surfing | 296,600 | 0% | #surfinguk | 42,930 | 9.50 |
| 2 | Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) | 339,200 | -45% | #paddleboardinguk | 53,947 | 9.16 |
| 3 | Sailing | 195,500 | 0% | #sailinguk | 11,124 | 8.83 |
| 4 | Kayaking | 3,871,000 | 0% | #kayakinguk | 2,851 | 8.50 |
| 5 | Wild Swimming | 96,700 | 0% | #wildswimminguk | 156,999 | 8.33 |
| 6 | Kitesurfing | 124,700 | 0% | #kitesurfinguk | 4,892 | 7.50 |
| 7 | Scuba diving | 192,600 | 0% | #scubadivinguk | 2,649 | 7.33 |
| 7 | Windsurfing | 124,700 | 22% | #windsurfinguk | 1,741 | 7.33 |
| 9 | Wakeboarding | 161,100 | -18% | #wakeboardinguk | 2,919 | 7.16 |
| 10 | Canoeing | 332,400 | -18% | #canoeuk | 504 | 6.67 |
The UK’s most popular water sports social media influencers
- Laura Crane
Instagram account: @lauraloucrane
No. of Instagram followers: 407,000
With 407,000 followers on Instagram, Laura Crane is one of the most popular water sports influencers on social media. Crane gained much recognition as a pro surfer after appearing on the UK’s most popular hit reality show, Love Island, in 2018. Due to her love for surfing, she has competed in several competitions worldwide.
- Louise Minchin
Instagram account: @louiseminchin
No. of Instagram followers: 140,000
As a well-known British journalist and television personality, Louise Minchin ranks second place for her much-loved hobby of swimming. Having participated in numerous swimming events, Minchin particularly enjoys open-water swimming in lakes and has garnered around 140,000 fans who follow her daily outdoor adventures on Instagram.
- Andrew Cotton
Instagram account: @andrew_cotty
No. of Instagram followers: 130,000
Andrew Cotton ranks third among the UK’s most popular water sports influencers, with 130,000 Instagram followers. A renowned British big wave surfer, Cotton has surfed some of the largest waves ever seen, including waves exceeding an impressive 80 feet in height.
| Rank | Name | Water sport profession | Instagram account | No. of Instagram followers |
| 1 | Laura Crane | Professional surfer | @lauraloucrane | 407,000 |
| 2 | Louise Minchin | Swimmer | @louiseminchin | 140,000 |
| 3 | Andrew Cotton | Big wave surfer | @andrew_cotty | 130,000 |
| 4 | Nick Jacobsen | Professional kitesurfer | @nick_jacobsen | 106,000 |
| 5 | Jordan Wylie | Rowing and kayaking | @mrjordanwylie | 102,000 |
| 6 | Sophie Radcliffe | Water sport adventurer | @challengesophie | 49,700 |
| 7 | Calum Maclean | Wild swimmer | @caldamac | 48,900 |
| 8 | Ben Ainslie | Olympic sailor | @benainslie | 48,700 |
| 9 | Nick Hounsfield | Surfer | @wavemakernick | 46,300 |
| 10 | Sophie Hellyer | Surfer and swimmer | @sophiehellyer | 45,300 |
Water sports increasing in popularity in the UK
- Dragon Boat Racing
YoY change: 346.01%
Regarding water sports growing in popularity over the last few years, Dragon Boat Racing tops the list with a whopping 346.01% year-on-year increase compared to 2020.
This unique watersport, which originated in China, is a modern sport that requires up to 20 people in pairs paddling in a canoe-like boat fitted ornately with curved dragon heads and tails to compete in races over distances of around 250m. As no prior experience is needed to participate, it is an accessible sport that includes all ages and skill levels.
- Hydrospeeding
YoY change: 111.95%
Offering a unique and thrilling experience, hydrospeeding has seen a 111.95% rise in popularity over the past few years. Also known as white-water swimming, this adrenaline-fueled sport involves navigating rapids on a hydrospeed board while wearing flippers and a float.
Unlike most other water sports, such as kayaking and whitewater rafting, hydrospeeding requires minimal equipment, making it easier for beginners to participate.
- Kayaking
YoY change: 107.56%
With a 107.56% year-on-year change, kayaking has become increasingly popular in the UK. As a popular water sport, it is no surprise kayaking makes the top three, as it allows nature lovers to experience the natural beauty up close in a calming and tranquil environment.
Kayaking is a relatively easy-to-learn sport that is suitable and accessible for various ages and abilities, meaning more people can take part in this low-impact activity.
| Rank | Water sport | Total searches Jul 2020 – Jun 2021 | Total searches Jul 2023 – Jun 2024 | YoY change |
| 1 | Dragon Boat Racing | 11,390 | 50,800 | 346.01% |
| 2 | Hydrospeeding | 2,930 | 6,210 | 111.95% |
| 3 | Kayaking | 1,865,000 | 3,871,000 | 107.56% |
| 4 | Freediving | 40,500 | 82,500 | 103.70% |
| 5 | Underwater rugby | 3,560 | 6,140 | 72.47% |
| 6 | Snorkelling | 138,500 | 219,100 | 58.19% |
| 7 | Canyoning | 37,500 | 57,200 | 52.53% |
| 8 | Water polo | 75,900 | 113,800 | 49.93% |
| 9 | Parasailing | 102,400 | 135,200 | 32.03% |
| 10 | Scuba diving | 148,900 | 192,600 | 29.35% |
James Cunningham, a health and fitness coach from Total Shape, comments on taking part in water sports:
“I’ve been fortunate enough to spend my career helping people achieve their fitness goals and live healthier lifestyles. But when I’m not in the gym, you can find me out on the water, enjoying a variety of water sports. From surfing to kayaking, paddleboarding to snorkelling, I’ve tried it all! So, let’s dive into the safety and money-saving tips for water sports and why they’re worth every penny!
Staying safe
“Safety is paramount when it comes to any water sport. Before even hitting the water, ensure you’re properly equipped with the right gear. This includes a properly fitting life jacket, a first aid kit, and a whistle or other signalling device in case of emergency. It might seem like a hefty expense initially, but trust me, it’s worth every penny when it comes to safeguarding yourself against potential accidents. Plus, investing in good gear means it’ll last longer, saving you money in the long run as you won’t need to replace it as often.
“Another crucial aspect of staying safe during water sports is knowing your limits and understanding the conditions. Don’t push yourself beyond your skill level, especially in rough waters or adverse weather conditions.
“And, always check the weather and water conditions before heading out, and always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
Saving money
“One great money-saving tip is to join clubs or communities dedicated to water sports. These groups often organise outings, events, and even equipment swaps or rentals among members. By being part of such a community, you not only save on equipment costs but also get to learn from experienced enthusiasts and build a network of like-minded individuals who share your passion.
Benefits of water sports
“Besides the obvious physical benefits like improving cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility, water sports offer a unique mental boost. This is because being out on the water, whether it’s surfing, paddle boarding, or sailing, provides a sense of freedom and tranquillity that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s a fantastic way to de-stress, clear your mind, and connect with nature, which is invaluable in today’s fast-paced world.
“Furthermore, water sports foster a strong sense of camaraderie and community. Whether you’re catching waves with friends or joining a regatta, there’s a shared passion and mutual respect among fellow enthusiasts. You’ll often find yourself forming bonds and friendships that extend beyond the water, creating a support system that encourages growth and adventure.”
Methodology
Water sports centres:
Using Tripadvisor, we sourced a list of nearly 200 water sports attractions, including results for the search terms ‘watersports’ and ‘water sports’, including locations across England, Scotland, and Wales, to ensure a good geographical spread.
We sourced each centre’s review rating out of five and the number of reviews on Tripadvisor, ensuring there were no duplicates. We also noted each water sports attraction’s number of Instagram and Facebook followers. Data collected for this section was completed on 05/07/2024.
The water sports attractions were ranked based on the average Tripadvisor review rating out of five, the number of reviews and the number of Instagram and Facebook followers to reveal Britain’s best water sports attractions.
Water sports popularity:
We compiled a list of 25 of the most popular water sports in the UK and used Google Ads Keyword Planner to source each sport’s annual Google searches and year-on-year increase (July 2023 – June 2024) in Google searches from the UK. We also sourced each sport’s popularity on social media using Instagram, looking at posts using the hashtags #[watersport]UK. Data collected for this section was completed on 05/07/2024.
Using a per cent rank calculator, each water sport was given a normalised score out of 10 for each factor before the average score was calculated for each sport.
Best locations for each water sport:
For each sport, we gathered a list of 10 locations in England and five in Scotland and Wales.
Kayaking
Compiling a list of locations from sources such as Fatyak-Kayaks, National Trust, and Much Better Adventures.
- We gathered the cost of parking for the closest car park using Parkopedia and filtered the results by distance. We then used the official source for each location where possible to gather the cost. Please note that we used the summer costs for the locations with winter and summer costs.
- We sourced the number of Google searches from the UK in the last 12 months for kayaking in each location, using multiple search terms such as “kayaking in [location]” and “[location] kayaking.” For locations with no available data for the number of searches, we noted it as 0.
- We sourced each location’s maximum water temperature in the year using Sea Temperature and the month with the highest temperature.
- To find the locations with the cleanest water for water sports, we sourced the data from the Environment Agency from GovUK, looking at the water quality rating from 0 to 3 stars.
- We sourced the mean wind speed at each location where available using Global Wind Atlas, looking at the average wind speed in metres per second (m/s) based on a 10m height in the centre of each location.
- We used Weather and Climate data to source each location’s average annual sunshine hours and number of rainy days.
- We sourced the number of Instagram posts for each location, looking at posts using the tag #[location] to reveal each location’s scenic beauty.
Using the above factors, we created an index with an overall score of 10. Data collected for this section was completed on 08/07/2024.
Paddleboarding
We compiled a list of locations using Country Living, Countryfile, and Outdoor Master.
- We gathered the cost of parking for the closest car park in each location.
- We included the number of Google searches for paddleboarding in each location.
- We included the maximum water temperature in each location and the month with the highest temperature.
- We included the water quality out of 3 for each location.
- We included the mean wind speed at each location.
- We sourced each location’s average annual sunshine hours and number of rainy days.
Using the above factors, we created an index with an overall score of 10. Data collected for this section was completed on 08/07/2024.
Swimming
We compiled a list of locations using House and Garden and Time Out.
- We included the number of Google searches for swimming in each location.
- We included the maximum water temperature in each location as well as the month with the highest temperature.
- We included the water quality out of 3 for each location.
- We included the mean wind speed at each location.
- We sourced each location’s average annual sunshine hours and number of rainy days.
Using the above factors, we created an index with an overall score of 10. Data collected for this section was completed on 08/07/2024.
Surfing
We compiled a list of locations using Red Bull and The Times.
- We gathered the cost of parking for the closest car park in each location.
- We included the number of Google searches for surfing in each location.
- We included the maximum water temperature in each location as well as the month with the highest temperature.
- We included the water quality out of 3 for each location.
- We included the mean wind speed at each location.
- We sourced each location’s average annual sunshine hours and number of rainy days.
Using the above factors, we created an index with an overall score of 10. Data collected for this section was completed on 08/07/2024.
Water sports influencers:
We compiled a list of over 30 water sports influencers in Britain using Instagram to source each influencer’s number of followers. Data collected for this section was completed on 05/07/2024.
