| Throughout the centuries, human beings have | | | | Zapcats. Never heard of these? You've been |
| loved the water. Water has fed us, cleaned us, | | | | missing out. Zapcats are small, motor-powered |
| quenched our thirst, and given us a convenient | | | | catamarans that can move at thrilling speeds and |
| highway since long before there were real | | | | turn on a dime. They've got the speed of a |
| highways-indeed, for as long as our species has | | | | powerboat and the flexibility of a jet ski-an |
| been alive. We've built most of our major cities | | | | undeniably exciting combination. Most rentals will |
| near rivers, oceans, or lakes. We compose poetry | | | | usually send an instructor out with you, like they |
| and songs about the ocean, write stories about | | | | will with a powerboat. A zapcat ride is much more |
| adventuring on mighty rivers while floating on | | | | hands-on than the typical powerboat ride, |
| nothing but tiny rafts, and build expensive | | | | however, because both parties are needed to |
| waterfront properties so we can live next to | | | | steer the craft. They're a blast to race in aquatic |
| water year-round. We've devised thousands of | | | | obstacle courses. |
| ways to travel, play, and live off-land. Following | | | | White water rafting. Even if strong currents and |
| are just a few ways we've come up with for | | | | big waves make you nervous, white-water rafting |
| experiencing the thrill and joy of being out on the | | | | is a fun and amazing experience that will give you |
| open water. | | | | confidence on the water. Most white-water rafting |
| Yachts. Nothing compares to the elegance of a | | | | companies will send you out with an experienced |
| yacht. Powered by wind-the ancient engine that | | | | guide and in a durable craft specially designed to |
| Polynesian wayfarers used to populate the | | | | handle the rigors of the rapids-so you're perfectly |
| far-flung islands of the Pacific, Viking explorers | | | | safe. It's a fun and thrilling way to experience the |
| used to discover Greenland, and Magellan used to | | | | power of nature firsthand. Because of the size of |
| circumnavigate the globe-a yacht will take you | | | | the crafts and its accessibility to all levels of ability, |
| where you're going, and make you feel like a king | | | | it's also an ideal way to bring a group together. |
| or queen while you're en route. Lots of yachting | | | | White-water rafting is an ideal activity for an |
| companies offer trips that involve fine wine, | | | | office outing or family trip. |
| gourmet food, and a luxury experience. | | | | Rapid running. You'd think this sport would be |
| Powerboats. Couple the thrill of being out on the | | | | better for people who are more experienced in |
| water with the excitement of high speeds, and | | | | white-water rafting-but actually, it's popular with all |
| you've pretty much summed up a trip on a | | | | ability-levels. With rapid-running, you get your own |
| powerboat. We love skimming across the glassy | | | | inflatable two-person craft, and are sent without a |
| surface of a lake or riding the waves, the wind | | | | guide down a rapids course. You're prepared |
| scraping the hair back from our faces, the sun | | | | beforehand, of course-most companies that offer |
| shining down on the surface of the water. The | | | | rapid-running activities will include a course on how |
| best powerboats are like convertible sports cars | | | | to navigate the rapids safely. It's a lesser-known |
| on water-an unbeatably thrilling experience. | | | | but no-less-fun variety of white-water rafting, |
| Windsurfing. For centuries humans have been | | | | perfect for those who like a little more autonomy |
| harnessing the power of wind to navigate on the | | | | in their boats or who just want to try something |
| water. But windsurfing is a relatively new invention | | | | a little different than the typical white-water |
| that involves balance, strength, and timing. | | | | rafting trip. |
| Windsurfing gives you more range than a | | | | Jet skiing. It's been described as a motorcycle on |
| surfboard-you can traverse wide lakes with no | | | | water. Jet skis are one-person watercraft that |
| waves or perform daredevil stunts in the surf, | | | | accelerates with a throttle in the handle. They're |
| depending on your style and that of your board. | | | | very flexible, with the ability to accelerate quickly |
| It takes practice, but it's a sport that's growing in | | | | and make sharp turns. Jet ski tours of bays, |
| popularity worldwide. | | | | rivers, and otherwise-inaccessible islands are |
| Kitesurfing. Similar to windsurfing, except the "sail" | | | | becoming popular tourist activities in locations near |
| is really a kite-located at the end of a rope | | | | water. |
| instead of attached to your board. Kitesurfing is a | | | | Whether you prefer relaxing yacht cruises, |
| fun and challenging sport that requires some | | | | heart-pounding motorboat rides, the hands-on |
| coordination to do well-you need to be able to | | | | excitement of white water, or the balance and |
| guide both the kite in your hands and the board | | | | skill of wind or kitesurfing, there's sure to be a |
| that's strapped to your feet. The sport has | | | | water activity you'll love. Don't be afraid to get |
| become far safer and more accessible to | | | | out of your comfort zone and try something |
| beginners due to recent advances in kitesurfing | | | | new-you may find more than one activity you'll |
| technology. | | | | enjoy for years to come. |