WIND SURFING
Head to Kahului, Hawai’i, on Maui’s north shore, for steady trade winds, outrageous surf and spectacularly blue water. Rent equipment, take a lesson and get ready to catch some serious air. At the end of the day, fill up on Hawaiian food and learn about the islands’ culture and history at a luau.
The Columbia River Gorge, between Washington and Oregon, is known for its strong winds, but windsurfers of all skill levels will find locations to enjoy and home their skills. Near the river, hike to waterfalls or go rock climbing. Portland’s craft breweries, locally sourced food and lively music scene are just an hour away.
KAYAKING
For a magical experience, go night kayaking on Mosquito Bay (also known as Bioluminescent Bay) on the island of Vieques in Pureto Rico. In the wake of a kayak and with every swirl of a paddle, the water lights up with millions of microscopic organism that glow in the dark. In the daylight, explore a few of the island’s 40 beaches, learn about island history at the ruins of a sugar plantation or attend a festival at La Plaza in Isabel Segunda.
SAILING
Charter a sailboat in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands (rent a bareboat if you have sailing experience, or hire a captain if you don’t) and make a circumnavigation of neighbouring St. John. Spend your days snorkelling or diving and trying to choose a favourite beach. Two-thirds of the island is covered by beaches are postcard-worthy. At the western end is Cruz Bay, a funky island town with boutiques for tax-free shopping and beach bars and restaurants for taming your hunger and thirst.
TUBING
In Guadalupe River State Park in Texas, float on an inner rube among huge bald cypress trees and look for white-tailed deer, bobcat and armadillo as the gentle current carries you along. Pull up to the riverbank to hide a trail or try your hand at geocaching. Just 30 miles to the south, historic San Antonio is home to the Alamo and the popular River Walk, with restaurants, bars, boat tours and loads of shops.
HOUSEBOATING
Lake Powell, a reservoir on the Colorado River along the border between Utah and Arizona, is popular among houseboaters for its spectacular, rocky landscapes and numerous tributaries. Fish or several species of bass or paddle a kayak in narrow canyons with multi-coloured walls towering hundreds of feet above. Utah’s five famous national parks – Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion – make for unparalleled hiking and mountain biking.
SPORTFISHING
Located in the Florida Keys, Islamorada is known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World”. Head offshore to catch swordfish, sailfish, snapper and grouper; then over to Florida Bay, into what’s known as the backcountry, to catch bonefish, redfish, snook and tarpon. After spending a great day on the turquoise water, chances are you’ll bring home something to throw on the grill for dinner. Once you’ve had your fill of fishing, drive to Key West, at the end of the island chain, for lively nightlife and famous bars and restaurants.