A Guide to Water Sport Fun
Are you looking for adventure? Some of the world's most exhilarating water sports can be found in the Grand Haven Area. Most days you will see people of all ages enjoying numerous unique activites offered in this region. Whether you wish to participate in experiences such as wakeboarding, surfing, or operating a wave runner, or prefer to cheer on and observe the action from the hot, sizzling beach, these sports are irresistable.
All of these options are available through the Parks and Recreation systems.
Check out the diverse selection of water sports the Grand Haven Area has to offer:
-Skimboarding
-Surfing
-Tubing
-Water Skiing
-Personal Watercraft (PWC)
-Kayaking
-Windsurfing
-Kiteboarding
-Paddleboarding
-Scuba
Click to review watercraft rentals.
Skimboarding
Skimboarding is one of the most popular water sport activities that the Grand Haven Area has to offer. This particular sport is considered a board sport in which a smaller version of a surfboard is used to glide across the surface of the water.
Unlike surfing, skimboarding starts right on the beach and involves the skimboarder running and dropping the board onto the thin wash of previous waves. Momentum is gained and the rider cruises along breaking waves along the shore.
Surfing
Surfing in the Grand Haven Area on the freshwater waves of Lake Michigan was first seen in the 1960s. During the 1970s the sport exploded in the area and since then people cannot seem to get enough of it!
Surfing is considered a water sport in which the rider moves along the face of a breaking wave. As one of the most popular water sports in the world, people often fail to associate the activity with lakes as the host. Surfing on Lake Michigan is an experience that can be just as exhilarating as doing so on an ocean!
Water Skiing
Water skiing is a water sport in which an individual is pulled behind a motorboat on a body of water, skimming the surface. This activity can range from moderate to difficult, depending on the experience of the participant. A summertime activity such as this is very popular and always a memorable experience.
Most people find that the gentle waters of Spring Lake are perfect for water skiing, so grab some friends and head out to enjoy one of the most popular water sports in the area!
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
A personal watercraft (PWC) is a recreational water motorsport that the rider sits or stands on and steers on a body of water. More common names that watercrafts are often referred to as include: Sea-Doo, Jet Ski, Wave Runner. This is one of the most popular water sports that exist. Whether it is just one rider or a group of people, using a personal watercraft is an experience that one will not soon forget!
Kayaking
Kayaking, also known as paddling, is a great activity for people of all ages to participate in. Exploring smaller areas such as Spring Lake or Pigeon Creek allows you to see why this sport is so exciting, fun and easy to get involved in.
Kayaking in the beautiful, warm Michigan sunshine is the perfect excuse to go for a dip to cool off. However, some of the best kayaking done in the Grand Haven Area is during the sunset. So grab your kayak and paddle out to watch the sun go down over the lake for a perfect ending to a great day in West Michigan!
Windsurfing
Windsurfing is a fantastic way to spend a day in the Grand Haven Area. This fun water sport is one that combines the elements of surfing and sailing to create the perfect ride. It consists of a windsurf board powered by the effect of the wind on a sail.
The level of difficulty for this particular sport depends on the weather conditions, the skill of the sailor, and the type of windsurfing being undertaken. This sport is perfect for people seeking a new adventure and craving a unique experience on the waters of beautiful Lake Michigan.
Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding is one of the most popular water sports in the area. It is considered a surface water sport that uses the wind to move the rider across the water on a kiteboard. It is often seen as a combination of wakeboarding and surfing.
This particular sport is one that you don't want to miss out on. The level of difficulty depends on weather conditions and the rider's experience. It is a great way to spend a day cruising on Lake Michigan!
Click here to check out kiteboarding lessons!
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is a fun water sport that is mild enough for almost anyone to participate in. This sport consists of standing on a long board while pushing yourself forward with a long paddle.
This is a relaxing sport that is a great way to work on your balance while enjoying the beautiful Lake Michigan water!
Scuba
Explore the deep waters of Lake Michigan while you are in the Grand Haven Area! Scuba diving is a rather popular water sport in this region and is a great way to spend a day with family and friends.
Scuba is a form of underwater diving in which the participant has his own source of air to rely on while he is observing the water life of Lake Michigan. If you are looking for a different and fun experience while you are in the area, scuba may just be the perfect activity for you!


