5 Popular Watersports in Barbados
When you come to Barbados there are lots of things to see and do. With balmy temperatures hovering around 30 degrees year-round and crystal-clear blue waters, this is a great place to try out some fun watersports without having to wear a full wetsuit. If you enjoy sports or even if you are just a little more on the adventurous side, here are 5 popular watersports to check out in Barbados.
Surfing
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- Boy Surfing
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- Surfing Lesson
Barbados is an awesome place to surf. There are many great locations that cater to those who have never even touched a surfboard, to those who have been surfing their whole lives. The south coast of Barbados is a great place to learn to surf at locations like Freights Bay, Drill Hall, and Surfer’s Point. For those who are more experienced, the east coast has a fun wave at locations like Parlor, and Soup Bowl. Do exercise caution, however, because conditions change throughout the year. If you are interested in learning how to surf get in touch with Bodie from Bodie’s School of Surf. Not only can he have you standing up on your first lesson, but he can rent you a board to practice with.
Windsurfing
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- Windsurf Lesson
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- Two People Windsurfing
Windsurfing is another popular water sport in Barbados. Windsurfing harnesses the power of the wind and waves, and it is an awesome way to spend time on the ocean and experience the coast of Barbados. For those with experience, Silver Sands and Sandy Beach are two great locations to check out when conditions allow. If you have never tried windsurfing and want to give it a go, there are several calm locations on the south coast that will give you just enough wind to let you try the sport without overwhelming you. Don’t be discouraged, this is a watersport that takes years to get good at, but even novices can have a great time with the right instructor. If you want to try out windsurfing, Rusty is an excellent instructor, with patience for days, and will give you a solid foundation should you decide to make windsurfing your next hobby.
Kitesurfing
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- Kitesurfing Lesson
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- Kitesurfing
Like windsurfing, kitesurfing is another water sport that uses wind and waves to give you a fun ride. But, instead of a sail, the surfer controls a kite that flies overhead. Barbados has a great kitesurfing community and there are many great places where you can go to try it. Upwind and Endless Kiteboarding both pride themselves on having teams of IKO trained instructors. If you want a more colorful experience and equipment rentals go to Brian Talma, artist and a Barbados windsurfing legend, at deAction Shop. However, it is important to note that equipment rentals are for proficient kite surfers only. This can be a challenging sport at first, but once it all comes together, you’ll be flying over waves in no time.
Wing Foiling
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- Wing Foiling
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- Wind Foiling Lesson
One of the latest inventions in water sports has been the hydrofoil board. The hydrofoil underneath the board produces lift as the board speeds up. Just imagine gliding smoothly over the clear turquoise-blue waters of Barbados with the wind at your back, and the sun sparkling on the water. Wing foiling is when you use a hydrofoil board and a wing (which is essentially a hand-held sail shaped like a bird’s wings) to move forward on the water. Barbados is a great place to learn how to wing foil because of its calm waters. If this is something that you’d like to try, Wing Foil Barbados is the best place to go. Paolo is professional and friendly, but more importantly, he is passionate about wing foiling. He describes it best in one word, “Freedom.”
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
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- Paddleboarding
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- Paddleboarding Lesson
If everything else on this list seems too overwhelming to you, fear not because stand-up paddleboarding might be the watersport for you. SUP is when you stand on a large, stable board, and move forward using a long paddle. This is a great core workout, but also a chill way to hang out on the water and cool off. Carlisle Bay is probably the best spot in Barbados for SUP. You can do a lot on a SUP, from surfing to yoga, or it’s just a great way to relax check out the coast of Barbados. Paddle Barbados does SUP tours and even lessons for beginners who want to give it a try. If you’re confident on a SUP already, they also do rentals. If you’re not a strong swimmer, consider renting a SUP and snorkel and paddle out onto Carlisle Bay to see the shipwrecks.
If none of these watersports appeal to you, here are some other water activities that you can check out!
I grew up in Barbados and now reside in Boston primarily working as a software developer. I'm also a licensed real estate professional so I know what it takes to be a trusted responsive short term rental host. Hopefully i've hired the best on premise staff who have thought of everything, but I myself am always only a phone call away. Being a local (we go back frequently) I know all the things to do, when to do them and I can get you in contact with the right people to facilitate it. My wife, who is russian, and I love nice restaurants and drinks as well so we can point you to our favorite places to go. You can expect a reasonable and timely response from me should you need any assistance. Enjoy your vacation!