paddleboarding, kayaking and more. And,
since this body of water is split into multiple
speed zones, you can pick the best area to
safely try out your preferred activity.
Steve Pinard, owner of Action Sport
Rentals (ASR), is an expert on local water
sports. After graduating from Maine
Maritime Academy with a degree in yacht
operations and marina management, Pinard
moved to San Diego and eventually created
his rental company, now in operation for 23
years with seven locations including sites at
Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort
Hotel and Spa. ASR offers water-based
activities for all ages and skill levels, from
WaveRunners to motorboats, sailboats, kay-
aks, stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and more.
Here, Pinard offers tips on making the most
of water sports in Mission Bay.
BACK TO BASICS
Getting out on the water for the first time
can be daunting for those unaccustomed to
participating in water sports, but Pinard has
one piece of advice for beginners: Don’t be
intimidated. There are a plethora of options
for those who are just getting their toes wet.
For newcomers, Pinard recommends kay-
aking and SUP. “It’s really accessible,” he says
of the latter. “You can do it almost anywhere
there’s water.” Additionally, these two sports
require little equipment or training, and no
special certifications or permits. There are
even boards and kayaks built specifically for
beginners that offer increased stability. And
yet, despite their ease, both kayaking and
paddleboarding provide plenty of exercise.
“It’s really good for your core,” Pinard
says of paddleboarding, while kayaking also
provides a full-body workout. But most of
all, the two activities are perfect comple-
ments for Mission Bay’s serene setting—
and both are tons of fun.
ADVANCED LEVEL
For those already accustomed to the water,
there are many opportunities to increase
your adrenaline and take your skills to new
heights. Water-skiing and wakeboarding are
both high-speed activities offered by ASR.
Also thrilling, WaveRunners are best suited
for the older crowd; you must be at least 18
and have a valid driver’s license to ride one.
More advanced activities take a while to
master: Sailing requires a high level of phys-
ical coordination and an awareness of your
surroundings to keep yourself (and others)
safe. But sailing across the bay on a beauti-
ful day, feeling the breeze in your hair, is the
reward for all that practice.
Where to Go
Consider these top places
for ocean activities around
San Diego, whether you’re an
advanced water sport enthusi-
ast or just looking to get your
feet wet.
SAIL BAY
FAMILY OPTIONS
For families seeking calmer outings, ASR
provides that, as well. Kids will love the
Aqua-Cycles—oversized tricycles with
floating wheels—which can fit up to three
people. Larger groups may want to try out
an electric Duffy boat, for up to 10 people.
But if the kids—or mom and dad—are
eager to engage in more active water
sports, life vests are always on hand and the
employees at ASR make sure to offer as
much instruction as needed, going in-depth
on how to stay safe and have a blast.
In Mission Bay, there’s a little something
for everyone out on the water. As Pinard
says, water sports are what San Diego is
all about. “We’re known for our amazing
weather, our beautiful oceans, our perfect
beaches,” he says. “It’s just a perfect spot to
try this.” n
“There’s no motorboats racing
around during the middle of the
day,” says Steve Pinard, owner
of Action Sport Rentals, about
Sail Bay—his pick for sailing,
kayaking and paddleboarding.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 1
through Oct. 31, it’s a restricted
speed zone. With no danger
of getting hurt by a speeding
motorboat, beginners and fam-
ilies trying out water sports
together can take their time.
FIESTA ISLAND
Waters near Fiesta Island offer
an open speed zone area, which
makes it perfect for adrenaline
junkies looking to try out faster,
more challenging water sports
like water-skiing.
HIDDEN COVE
According to Pinard, Hidden
Cove is a great area for swim-
ming thanks to its calm waters.
Families with kids, especially,
should seek out this spot for
its safety.
TOURMALINE
SURFING PARK
Pinard points out world-famous
Tourmaline Surf Park as the per-
fect place for those interested
in trying out surfing during their
vacation. For those in need of
lessons, Mission Bay Aquatic
Center can have you out on the
waves in no time.
Sailboats are just one way to explore the bay.
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