Lake District Sports On Water

Canoeing - The word 'canoeing' is often used to encompass both canoes and kayaks. To avoid confusion, we're talking about proper canoes: the Canadian-style open boats, typically crewed by two or more people usingsingle-bladed paddles. Think 'Last of the Mohicans' style. And now think Cumbria. Get the picture?

Diving - Below the brooding peaks lies an even more mysterious landscape. Murky or clear, tteming with life or keeping dark secrets, the lakes, tarns, rivers, quarries and coastal waters of Cumbria have a powerful fascination for divers.

Jetski - An exhilirating cross between a motorbike and a snowmobile - on the water! Fast, highly manoeuvarable and usually powered by a jet pump powering an "impeller", personal watercraft come in all shapes and sizes (Jet Skis, Seas-Doos and so on are actually trade names). You can slalom, jump and race them, cruise across the sea on them, or even take the family out exploring.

Kayaking - Kayaks are also North American in origin, but this time we mean the Eskimo or Inuit peoples of the extreme North. Kayaks were used for long sea journeys as well as for hunting, leading to the development of highly manoeuverable craft that are also capable of keeping out the waves.

Sailing - From Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons to Donald Campbell's attempts on the world water speed record, Coniston Water and the other lakes have always held a special attraction for anyone seeking boating adventures.

Wake Boarding - Haverigg is a popular location for devotees of this wild and wonderful mix of snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding. Use the wake of the boat to launch yourself up to 15 feet in the air - then move on to purpose built obstacles! It's surprisingly easy to get the hang of if you've ever ridden any kind of board.

Waterskiing - Rumours of Windermere's demise as a waterskiing venue have been somewhat exaggerated. With the speed limit coming into effect on 31st March 2005, the lake has certainly become much more serene for everyday visitors, but the thrills - and the spills - are still there to be had on the water.

Windsurfing - The winds that make for challenging sailing incoastal waters are manna from heaven for windsurfers. A strong sou-wester will see boards out at St. Bees, whilst Allonby Bay provides waves big enough for jumping and Roa Island near Barrow-in-Furness offers a mix of conditions depending on the tide, with flat water for speed sailing and enclosed areas for the less experienced