Vancouver, BC is a city like no other, surrounded by stunning mountain views and the Pacific Ocean. This unique location is a paradise for water adventure enthusiasts. With countless opportunities to explore, Vancouver caters to every skill level and interest. To make your adventure even more accessible, Vancouver boasts numerous rental and lesson providers, conveniently located near the best spots to enjoy your next Vancouver adventure. This guide explores the best water adventures Vancouver has to offer and where you can rent gear or take lessons. Get ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this vibrant city and experience the thrill of its watersports.

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Paddleboarding: A Calm, Scenic Adventure

Paddleboarding is one of Vancouver’s favorite water adventures. It’s easy to learn, making it ideal for beginners. With just a little guidance, you’ll find yourself paddling across the water in no time. It’s a versatile activity that can be as leisurely or as adventurous as you make it.

The activity is also a fantastic activity for families, looking for a fun weekend activity. Families can paddle at their own pace and kids can sit or kneel on the board while parents paddle, while more adventurous children can try paddling on their own.

Not only is it a fantastic way to soak in Vancouver’s natural beauty, but it also doubles as a full-body workout. Balancing on the board engages your core muscles, while paddling strengthens your arms and shoulders. It’s a fun way to stay active while reconnecting with nature.

Where to Rent Gear & Take Lessons:

Windsure Adventure Watersports at Jericho Beach provides beginner paddleboarding lessons designed to teach you basic paddleboarding techniques. At the end of the lesson, you should feel confident renting out equipment and paddleboarding without a guide. 

If you’re already familiar with paddleboarding or just want to enjoy a casual day on the water, you can rent a paddleboard and explore at your own pace. Here’s the best part: Windsure makes it even more affordable with their Midweek Special, available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. With this offer, you can enjoy 50% off rentals of two hours or more.

Deep Cove Kayak, located in Deep Cove, North Vancouver offers paddleboard, kayak and surfski rentals. As you paddle through the Indian Arm inlet, you’ll be surrounded by majestic mountains, lush forests, and a tranquil atmosphere that feels like an escape from the city. It's the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation!

Heading further out of Vancouver? Main Beach Boat Rentals at Cultus Lake is another great spot for paddleboarding. This rental spot offers paddleboard, kayak and peddleboat rentals to help you make the most of your lake adventure. Cultus Lake’s clear waters and sandy shores create a relaxing environment perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a scenic paddleboarding outing. 

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Skimboarding: Ride the Waves  

If you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly activity that lets you interact with the waves in a unique way, skimboarding might be the perfect sport for you. Ideal for sandy beaches with shallow waters, Spanish Banks is the go-to destination for skimboarding in Vancouver. The soft, sandy shoreline and gentle waves provide the perfect conditions to master this exhilarating sport.

Unlike surfing which takes place in the ocean, skimboarding starts right on the beach. Windsure Adventure Watersports offers rentals and lessons to introduce you to the joy of skimboarding. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, skimboarding is a great way to enjoy Vancouver’s beaches and add some excitement to your day by the water. Skimboarding is a fantastic way to stay active, connect with nature, and make the most of Spanish Bank’s stunning coastline. The sport is also amazing for children and teens because it requires minimal equipment. Kayotics offer quality skimboards for less than $200. Skimboards are also lightweight, making it easy for teens to carry their board and head down to the beach. This makes skimboarding a fantastic summer activity, far more enjoyable than spending the whole day playing video games!

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Wing Surfing: Vancouver’s Newest Watersport Adventure

If you’re looking to try an exciting and unique water activity, wing surfing is the way to go! Wing surfing uses a lightweight, inflatable wing to harness the wind, allowing rides to sail over the water.

Once you’ve mastered the basics of wing surfing and are ready to take things to the next level, Squamish is the perfect destination. Squamish offers wing foiling, a thrilling next step in the sport. The increased wind speed in Squamish makes it a great location to try this advanced technique, as you’ll be able to catch more consistent, stronger winds and really feel the difference as you lift off the water.

Where to Rent Gear & Take Lessons:

For those starting out, Windsure Adventure Watersports offers group and private wing surfing lessons at the Jericho Sailing Centre. Beginners can learn of this unique sport including wind theory, steering and tacking. Jericho Beach is an ideal location for beginners looking to get into the sport due to its protected bay, wind conditions and picturesque setting. 

To elevate your wing skills, InFlow Adventures in Squamish is your gateway to the ultimate experience. Nestled along Howe Sound and surrounded by towering mountains, the wind funnels through this area, offering the perfect environment for advanced riders to challenge themselves. InFlow Adventure’s expert staff is dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable adventure on the water.

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Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a unique water sport that combines sailing and surfing to glide across the waters.  It involves using a board equipped with a sail to harness the power of the wind. In Vancouver, Jericho Beach is the perfect spot to start your windsurfing adventure. With the open waters, it’s an ideal location for beginners and experienced windsurfers alike.

Where to Rent Gear & Take Lessons:

Windsure Adventure Watersports offers lessons for all levels, ensuring that you’ll have everything you need to get started, from equipment to expert guidance. As the first and only windsurfing school in Western Canada, Windsure’s instructors are dedicated to providing top-notch training, ensuring that every student feels confident and safe on the water.

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In conclusion, Metro Vancouver is a haven for watersports enthusiasts, offering an incredible variety of activities. From paddleboarding to windsurfing, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or trying a sport for the first time, Vancouver’s beaches and lakes provide the perfect opportunity for adventure and fun. The city’s diverse watersports scene offer endless opportunities to dive in and make unforgettable memories on the water.

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