Ways to Make a Splash Out on the Water this Summer
by Chantel Baul
Summer is to the year what the weekend is to the week. And at last, like a beloved recurrent dream, it is upon us once again. You know the drill; rising temperatures inspire your escape to a watery haven, and who actually says no to the call of the ocean? Right, no one. Thanks to reliably temperate weather, beach season is pretty much year round on here on Tybee, but the sentiment rings even truer at summertime. Tybee is incontestably the perfect setting for your sizzling summer getaway because there’s no shortage of aquatic fun to be had on the island. Whether you’re pretty much a fish in the sea or a shallow-end adherent, Tybee’s got an oceanic encounter in store that’s just right for you. Here’s a few seaworthy suggestions to help you make a splash to remember this summer on the island.
See the sea from higher vistas.
Contrary to popular belief, you too can walk on water. It’s not just for the pious anymore, and the good people at East Coast Paddleboarding can show you how. SUP, or stand-up paddleboarding has swept the country the last few years, boasting the unique opportunity to stand atop the sea and experience nature from new heights. Stand-up paddleboarding is steeped in Polynesian tradition, and at East Coast Paddleboarding, patrons can taste a piece of the Pacific out here in the Atlantic. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s about time you get onboard . . . literally.
Though it can seem a bit daunting from the sidelines, stand-up paddle boarding is actually really easy, safe and fun. The nationally-certified SUP instructors will equip you with all the tools you need to get up on the water. Once you’re standing tall and paddling along, you’re sure to become a quick convert. SUP allows you to see deeper and farther into the ocean than ever before. You can glide tranquilly across still waters or rock and roll over incoming waves, and you can even bring your canine companion along for the ride! Great for all ages and skill sets, SUP is a fun way to take a stand this summer.
Coast along in a cool canoe.
Kayaking has become a favored water sport across the globe, and with good reason – it’s an eco-tour, a calming therapy and a solid upper body workout all rolled into one. North Island Surf and Kayak is an optimal option for your kayaking adventure on Tybee this season. The family-owned outfit is stocked with sturdy single and two-seater rentals, and the well-trained staff are on deck to help you stay afloat.
The kayaking experience on Tybee is truly unlike any other you may have had. Tybee is literally teeming with marine life. Dolphins, otter, and a menagerie of birds enjoying their summer stay are likely to greet you as you navigate through lush marshes, swelling rivers and the bounty of surrounding barrier islands. You can even rent a kayak for an overnight camp on Little Tybee, a pristine island just a canoe’s drift from the mainland.
Dash and splash at high speeds.
Adrenaline junkies should head to Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports for the rush of the season. Picture yourself zipping quick across the ocean’s surface, an energetic stream of water spraying out behind you. As the wind courses through your hair, you see a friendly pod of dolphins breaking through the surface in the distance, greeting you with their cheerful whistles and thrashing tailfins. And for that moment, it’s just you, the sea and the need for speed. Make this exhilarating fantasy your reality this summer on Tybee.
Jet skiing is an exciting sport for all fun-loving seafarers regardless of age or experience. And at Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports, free instructional training is included with your rental, so nautical novices can rest assured. Their state-of-the-art waverunners are your vehicle to fast fun out on the water. It just might be the ride of your life.
Stay dry and afloat on a boat.
It’s as clear as the ocean skies by now that there’s lots of options for aquatic adventure on the island. And if water immersion doesn’t whet your whistle, you’re in luck. You don’t have to get soaked to make a splash this summer. You can stay cool and dry while sailing with Captain Derek on the Tybee Dolphin Adventure. Dozens of bottle-nosed dolphins happily call Tybee’s waters home. The clever creatures are spotted by beachgoers frequently, but the best way to see the dolphins up close and personal is on the boating tour.
Captain Derek’s vessel is popular among pods for its one-of-a-kind dolphin surfing machine. That’s right, the boat has a high speed, wave-creating machine beckoning dolphins to come and play. You can see dolphins flipping in the distance, or you can snap selfies as they catch waves right alongside the boat. Who doesn’t want a picture with the ocean’s smartest animal?
