1. Flyboarding
Invented by French jet ski champion Frank Zapata in 2012, Flyboard is the original hydroflyer. Taking water sports to new heights, the futuristic device is strapped to the user’s feet and connected to a jet ski by a hose. The power of the jet ski propels water through the hose, which then shoots out beneath the Flyboard, levitating daredevils up to 15 metres above the water. Flyboard Club Barcelona promises to have 95 percent of its clients flying within the first five minutes and, for maximum stunt double credentials, they’ll even teach you to do backflips.
2. Paddle surfing
For a calmer aquatic experience, paddle surfing is the perfect option. Originating in Hawaii as an alternative way to surf when there was little swell, stand up paddle surfing has numerous health benefits and is relatively easy for anyone to do. Moloka’i Sup Center offers private lessons (starting at €60) and group lessons (starting at €30 per person) as well as hourly rentals. Its qualified instructors insist that the smooth seas of the Mediterranean make Barcelona the ideal spot to practise the sport.
3. Kayaking
Created thousands of years ago by the Inuit people of the Arctic, kayaks were originally used for hunting on the inland rivers and coastal waters of the region. While modern kayaks differ from their ancient counterparts in almost every way, they continue to be a great means of travelling by water. Excursions Barcelona offers a family-friendly day trip to the Costa Brava, where participants of all skill levels can kayak by the rugged cliffs and coves of the area, and even have the opportunity to snorkel. A good mix of adventure and relaxation, the tour includes transportation, a professional guide and snacks on the beach for €70 per person.
4. Sailing
Perhaps the best way to admire Barcelona’s coastline is from a boat. Sailing—while exhilarating, fun and a great workout—is not always as glamorous as you’d imagine. Learning to man a sailboat is hard work, and can get rough and smelly at times. Business Yachtclub Barcelona offers private sailing classes with expert skippers that show you the real deal, from setting sail and maneuvering in tight areas to anchoring, heaving to, sailing without a rudder and man overboard recovery. Classes can be adjusted to your schedule, but typically a course lasts two days, from 10.30am to 5.30pm, and costs €490.
5. Open water swimming
Dating back to 1810, when the British poet and politician Lord Byron swam several miles across the strait between Asia and Europe, open water swimming encompasses any form of swimming done in, you guessed it, open water. Vies Braves is a public network of ‘sea tracks’—each between 500 metres and two kilometres long—which provide a safe way for swimmers to explore the busy seas. So far there are 25 routes buoyed off from boats, from Sitges to Portbou on the French border.