If you love sun and adventure, then Corpus Christi water sports are an excellent way to spend the weekend. The bay has plenty to offer year-round residents and vacationers alike, no matter your speed. What are the best activities to try during your next visit? Here are the top four recommendations from locals.
What Are the 4 Most Popular Corpus Christi Water Sports?
Water sports is a broad category, as it includes activities that occur on and under the ocean surface. For instance, snorkeling and scuba diving are excellent if you like to explore underwater. At the same time, paddleboarding and wakeboarding are better suited for adventurers who don’t want to spend long periods below the surface.
Of course, even with so many water activities in Corpus Christi, a few stand out. According to the city, these four water sports are some of the most accessible.
1. Kayaking
If you’ve been kayaking in rivers and lakes, you should try it on the bay! Kayaking is one Corpus Christi water sport you can easily do with a group, allowing families, friends, and couples to explore together.
One thing to keep in mind before renting a kayak is that you’ll need to be reasonably fit. Your arms do all the work in these sleek boats, so if you’re not used to the physical exertion, you’ll need to stick closer to the shore. It’s a good idea to go with an experienced partner if this is your first time in a kayak, as you’ll have help if you turn over, drift, or become tired.
On the flip side, kayaking is a great workout. Lovers of fitness and the outdoors can fulfill two of their favorite pastimes while enjoying the bay’s natural beauty. The kayak’s small size is another advantage, as it allows paddlers to chart their own courses without worrying about the bulk of larger vessels.
2. Windsurfing
Windsurfing (also called sailboarding) is one of the flashier water sports in Corpus Christi. Like kayaking, it requires a degree of physical fitness as well as a good sense of balance.
Windsurfing has a lot in common with surfing, another popular Corpus Christi water sport, as both utilize boards and require the user to stand upright. However, sailboarding has one vital addition: its namesake, the sail.
Each sailboard has a rig attached, which consists of the following:
- Boom
- Mast
- Sail
Unlike a sailboat, there aren’t any ropes to worry about. Instead, you control the sail with the boom, which is a large handle you grasp with both hands. You can change the angle and direction of the sail by leaning back and pulling on the boom, allowing you to catch the wind.
If you think this sounds complicated, you’re not alone. Skilled windsurfing requires immense coordination, but with training and practice, you can perform tricks such as jumps and flips. There are plenty of windsurfing schools in Corpus Christi, so you can learn the ropes from experienced professionals before hitting the waves.
3. Boating
If you prefer a more relaxing Corpus Christi water sport, boating may be more your speed. One of the most hands-off ways to go about it is chartering. When you charter a boat, you pay a single fee, and the company provides the following:
- Crew
- Vessel
- Insurance
Chartering allows you to focus on having fun with fellow seafarers, making it a great option for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday parties, and family vacations. Additionally, you can choose the vessel size to accommodate your group and even eat lunch on the bay.
Of course, there’s something enticing about sailing on your own terms. If you have the proper licensing, you can take control of a boat. You can rent one from one of the many companies around the bay or take your own for a spin.
If you own a boat, consider stowing it at a marina between adventures. These private harbors usually have amenities to make your experience as convenient as possible. Members-only marinas also have tight-knit communities where you can meet others who share your love of the bay.
4. Surfing
Surfing is one of the greatest beach pastimes. It’s relatively cheap to get started, and people of all experience levels can enjoy this Corpus Christi water sport. If you’re new to surfing, a day of lessons can give you enough practice to tackle the waves on your own.
Corpus Christi Bay is a great place to surf due to the regular waves and sunny weather. According to enthusiasts, the following are the best places to get your surf on:
- North Padre Seawall
- Bob Hall Pier
- Packery Channel Jetties
What if you want to ride the waves but need an activity that’s a little less intense? Boogie boarding is an excellent alternative to surfing if you have balance issues or are new to Corpus Christi water sports. It’s also suitable for kids who may not yet have the coordination for surfing. Boogie boarding involves lying on the board, decreasing the likelihood of falling.
Can You Swim in the Water at Corpus Christi?
Yes, you can swim in the water at Corpus Christi. However, not every beach is open all the time, as various factors can make swimming dangerous. To keep the public safe, the city has a colored flag system to indicate the condition of the water and whether beach-goers can swim:
- Red: Swimming is not allowed, as the weather is too dangerous.
- Orange: Swimmers can’t enter the water due to poor water or air quality.
- Purple: Swimming isn’t allowed because stingrays, jellyfish, or other marine life are in the area.
- Yellow: Swimmers can enter the water but should do so with caution.
- Green: Conditions are perfect for swimming.
Of course, conditions can change quickly, so it’s essential to listen to all lifeguard instructions and keep an eye on the weather.
Why Should You Get a Marina Membership If You Love Corpus Christi Water Sports?
Some Corpus Christi water sports, such as parasailing and wakeboarding, require a boat. A marina membership provides a safe place to store your vessel between visits. Boat Stop Storage offers storage options for trucks, RVs, ATVs, and boat trailers as well as watercraft. Learn more by calling (361) 937-2423 or checking out the official website.