Resort Dorset on FacebookResort Dorset on TwitterResort Dorset on Instagram

Water Sports in Dorset

11 February 2018

Water Sports in Dorset

There are many ways to keep active and have fun whilst you are here in Dorset, with the choice of land or sea-based sports offering something for all ages. Of course, water sports are especially appealing to visitors who live inland, and there are numerous ways of getting your toes wet.

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a good place to begin as almost anyone can give it a try. It looks easy but a couple of hours’ tuition with an instructor will give you a head start. Surprisingly, it also gives your body a seriously good workout, as your leg, arm, back and even your toe muscles come into play as you hold your balance. 

Kayaking continues to grow in popularity and, like SUP, can be enjoyed on the sea as well as on some rivers and lakes. There are plenty of outlets that offer kayak hire, or you could opt for an accompanied kayak tour along the shoreline, which offers a different perspective of our stunning Jurassic coastline.

If the wind does get up then trying your hand at sailing, kite or windsurfing might be a more exhilarating alternative. Again, if you are new to the sport then start by booking a lesson with a qualified instructor, who will not only show you the ropes but will also ensure you learn the safety aspects of the sport.

With many shipwrecks lying in the waters around Dorset, it’s not surprising that scuba diving is popular around here: one of the local dive schools can get you started if you are new to the sport. If you are already a qualified diver then why not join a charter boat dive while you are on holiday.

Other Activitites

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground there are plenty of thrilling activities to be enjoyed on land. Quad biking is great fun and suitable for older children as well as adults. Open up the throttle and test your driving skills in these all-terrain vehicles – all safety equipment is provided but do wear sensible shoes, you can’t drive properly in flip-flops!

Try your hand at clay shooting or archery, you may be quick off the mark but can you keep up the concentration required?

Horse riding, coasteering, bowling, fishing, golf – the opportunities to have a go at something new are seemingly endless. And, of course, there are leisure centres with pools and all the latest fitness equipment should you want to burn off those holiday calories.

Your Dorset Activities Checklist...

There are so many activities and water sports opportunities on offer in Dorset, do you have a favourite? Comment below.

Photo (top): Chris Jones

Please share or leave a comment

More Recent Features

19 Apr 2025
Weymouth RNLI Mural Weymouth Harbour - RNLI Tribute Mural Next time you stroll along Weymouth's beautiful old harbour, be sure to look up and see the striking new RNLI mural that's almost complete. Painted on the side of Custom House Cafe, Custom House Quay. After huge efforts from the RNLI fundraising team along with donations from local events such as Summerfest, the RNLI mural is a coming to life. The mural creation is in the safe hands of local visual artist Peter ... Read more...
7 Apr 2025
Easter Events in Dorset Dorset’s Egg-stravaganza of Easter Activities! The Easter holidays are upon us! Whether you’re visiting Dorset for a holiday or live here and want to explore more of your county, there’s never a shortage of places to go and activities for the kids – and big kids! – to get involved in. But what’s on? Dorset is chock full of family-friendly attractions, and many will be hosting Easter Egg Hunts or other fun activities for kids to enjoy over ... Read more...
3 Apr 2025
Stampede by the Sea A Trunkload of Fun! Have you ‘herd’ about the trunkload of fun that's stampeded to West Dorset this spring? To support the brilliant Weldmar Hospicecare, local businesses have kindly sponsored an exciting and eye-catching art sculpture trail of 59 beautifully decorated elephants, individually and uniquely designed by local & national artists. Small and giant elephant sculptures can be found at coastal locations and in historic towns until 27th May in West ... Read more...

More articles available in the features section.

Sign up for Resort Dorset offers, events and news by email
Your data will only be used to send relevant information relating to Resort Dorset magazine and digital platforms. We will not share your data with any third parties, and you can of course unsubscribe at any time. Please see our full privacy policy here.