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THE SUMMER ISSUE
TAKE TO THE SEA !
LOOKS LIKE WE ’ LL BE STAYING FIRMLY PUT THIS SUMMER – STUPID BATS . STILL , LUCKY FOR US AUSSIES , THERE ’ S A TONNE OF ADRENALINE-PUMPING WATERSPORTS ON OFFER TO KEEP OUR SPIRITS UP WHILE THE SUN SHINES . FROM PADDLEBOARDING TO KITESURFING , HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR SPORTS ON OFFER .
STRAP ON AN AQUA JETPACK
It sounds like something Q invented for James Bond circa 1975 , but aqua jetpack flying is a legit watersport here in Australia . After being taken through the basic how to operate and safetyfirst training info , a superheroworthy device is attached to your back thanks to a strap into a five-point safety harness . Once in the water , simply press the buttons on your water propeller and you ’ ll be airborne in seconds . Lap up the adrenaline rush as well as the birds-eye view of your seaside surroundings . Of course that ’ s just until landing time . It ’ s important to fly over deep water and stay well away from the boat while in flight . The boat will slow down when it ’ s time for you to descend , at which point you should glide gently into the water . Just remember , if you do fall a little , it will be a much softer landing than falling on land .
CRACK OUT THE KAYAK For one of your more standard sea sports , you can whip out your kayak at most bodies of water across the country . Of course , it ’ s hard to beat a water-bound adventure across Sydney Harbour , the Hobart Waterfront or Lake Burley Griffin – just three of Australia ’ s most popular kayaking spots . The real beauty of this sea sport ? Its nimble , agile ability to guide you through sun-kissed beaches , winding rivers and open lakes . Remember to keep
yourself safe by dressing for the water , not the weather , and once you ’ re on your way sit tight , sit straight , pace yourself and stay alert .
STAND STRONG WITH PADDLEBOARDING Show off your legwork with one of the world ’ s fastest-growing watersports : stand-up paddleboarding . First thing to learn ? Balance . Like , a lot of balance . For a long time . Or at least for as long as you aim to be out on the water . From there , hold the paddle with one hand on the top of the handle and the other on the shaft . DO NOT hold it like a broomstick – you ’ re not Harry Potter . Try to keep your feet parallel , shoulder width apart , and point those adventure-seeking toes of yours towards the nose of the board . Word on the street is these skills can be mastered in a day and serves up an awesome full-body workout along the way .
TAME THE WAVES WHILE SURFING According to a quick internet search , there are about 2.5 million recreational surfers in Australia . Wowsers . Turns out we really do love to ‘ hang ten ’. Regardless , learning how to tame the waves isn ’ t exactly easy . Luckily , your chances of finding some decent lessons on most Aussie beaches are strong . Once out on the water , remember to keep a low centre of gravity ( as in bend your knees and stay low to increase your stability ), and learn how to pick the right wave by watching for the highest sections when a wave appears on the horizon . If the wave line is levelled , it ’ s closing out . When it comes to paddling , keep those fingers almost closed . It might seem like a minor detail , but paddling for waves calls for some serious strength and lung capacity – paddling with nearly-closed fingers saves energy while boosting paddling power . Winning .
CARRY ON KITESURFING Kitesurfing : equal parts exhilarating and terrifying . This action-packed watersport combines aspects of wakeboarding , snowboarding , windsurfing , surfing , paragliding , skateboarding and sailing into one next-level extreme sport . Safe to say kitesurfing ’ s not for the fainthearted . Essentially a massive parachute-type kite harnesses the power of the wind to propel a rider across the water on a small surfboard . Despite ‘ surfing ’ making an appearance in the name , you don ’ t actually need the waves for this one – pure wind power is the only force needed to
power you along . That ’ s why flat- water locations are the pick of the bunch for this sport .
SPORTS ASIDE Sure , all of the above sounds pretty amazing , but it ’ s damn near impossible to maintain those kinds of energy levels throughout the whole summer .
Adopt a more relaxed vibe on your down days – because everyone needs a breather every now and then . Go on a beach or bush walk , sign up for an outdoor yoga class or grab your best mate and go whale-watching . Watersports undoubtedly get the adrenaline pumping , but that sunset view from your hot-air balloon can pack the same punch for different reasons . So prep a picnic , take your camera , and soak up Mother Nature at her finest .
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