If idleness and the choice to do nothing at all remain an acceptable and accepted activity on board a boat, some people have ants in their feet as soon as they are at anchor so as not to get bored. This is a good thing, as it allows those who want to rest on board to do so in peace and quiet while the sportsmen and women have a great time. Here are some ideas to practice.
The foil bike, an "IMOCA with pedals
Let's start with the editor's favorite, this bike mounted on wings. We already knew the water bike, we also knew the foils. It took the meeting between the world of the small queen (soon the Tour de France!) and the world of the ultra fast nautical race to propose this hybrid whose price will make it accessible only to those who really want to have fun (6590 euros all the same...).
The Manta xe-1 is given to reach 22 km/h (11/12 N), this bike has an electric assistance to the pedaling. Sporty, yes, but on vacation!
Comfortable platform
At anchor, to bury yourself away from the screaming children on board, to rest, read or relax, a dinghy platform is the ideal accessory. And the one we have chosen here is not just a platform, it is really an extension of your boat, with comfort and luxury superior to some units!
Ballasted to remain as stable as possible, the Allegra Champagne Mat platform adds 8 m2 to your boat and has numerous handles - cleats allowing simultaneously an easy boarding and the connection of several platforms between them to extend the surface (price on quotation).
For videos of the ocean floor without getting your toes wet
As a child, did you admire the videos of the commander in the red hat? Would you also like to remake Silent World, but without leaving the comfort of your cabin?
The underwater drone represents a satisfactory solution. The BW Space Pro 4K comes with a 100 meter control cable and can operate at a depth of up to 100 meters. Very practical, the immediate video feedback on your cell phone allows you not to miss the right image or always adopt the right angle. Available from 720 euros.
The electric paddle: the sport, but not too much
Like its distant cousin the scooter, the paddle has also become motorized. Objective: to conquer a whole category of urban people, sportsmen just the time to ride their steed. They will get the same sensations of speed and freedom on the water while discovering the management of balance in paddle.
The BlueWay Allround stand-up paddle can carry up to 3 people for up to 7 hours. It reaches a top speed of 7 km/h (about 4 knots) and carries a cargo net for accessories and other waterproof bags. Starting at 5830 euros.
The towed buoy, guaranteed fun
Let's move on to the inevitable towed buoy. This time, you will have to accept - it is almost inevitable - to fall into the water, pushed by another passenger or "accidentally", for the pleasure of swimming.
There are as many models of towed buoys as there are desires, some are simply floating and equipped with handles while others offer backrests and cup holders for calmer sailing. Spinera Lounger towed buoy for 3 people from 400 euros.
Water skiing and wakesurfing, sports on the water
Of the towed activities, skiing and wakeboarding are certainly the queens. In principle, one is practiced on 2 skis and uses the speed of the boat to float. The start is done in semi-immersion or from a pontoon for the best. Wakesurfing is practiced on the wave of the boat. It is necessary that the practitioner remains further away from the boat so that this wave has time to form and that he can surf.
Both practices are sporty and require a minimum of training and practice. As far as equipment is concerned, the budgets are relatively modest for skiing (200 euros), a little more consequent for wakeboarding (600 euros). Beware, speed sports, they require to wear protections, because the fall in the water can be brutal!
Exploration of the underwater world, snorkeling
Fins, masks and snorkels will be your companions to practice snorkeling, underwater swimming in French. The principle is elementary, you remain a few dozen centimeters under the surface of the water and, depending on the depth, walk or swim. It's fun, family friendly, reassuring and, with children, allows you to come back with memorable souvenirs. If you have the possibility to anchor in shallow waters (remember to check the tide though), the experience of walking back to land after disembarking from the boat is very fun.
The basic equipment has become more democratic today, especially with the full face masks offered by Decathlon. Count on about thirty euros per person to have fun. The little tip, don't forget to take an underwater camera, it will bring back great memories!
