Fast forward 1,574 years since this Viking landing , keen sailors can now explore the waters of Viking Bay in an entirely different way with Kent Surf School . As well as surfing and paddleboard lessons that take place in the bay for all levels , with all equipment provided , tours are also available with different means of water travel . Choose either a kayak or SUP guided tour and enjoy either a twoor five-hour exploration around the picturesque coast of Thanet and the surrounding area . Marvel at the stunning scenery while content in the safe hands of the instructors , learning from their expert knowledge of both the activity and the area . In summertime , we highly recommend you take part in their sunrise tour , which is an unrivalled way to start the day and even includes a bacon roll . Just along the coast at nearby Ramsgate , a beach famous for its kitesurfing and for being the place where the highest kitesurfing jump was made , you will find yet another business expert at teaching the art of watersports . This time , in the form of Kite Pirates . The only kitesurfing school in Thanet , Kite Pirates guarantees a maximum of just two students per instructor , meaning super-swift learning plus a more hands-on experience of ‘ kite time ’. All lessons are £ 105 and include equipment rental and insurance .
You may have thought you couldn ’ t get much further away from a Viking ship than surfing , paddleboarding and kitesurfing , but think again ! Kent has joined the e-foiling revolution . Electric hydrofoils are the latest innovation in foiling sports , an activity in which a handheld controller puts the power at your fingertips allowing you to feel the ultimate sensation of foiling and floating above the water in a matter of hours . The adventurous can learn to e-foil at Kent ’ s rider-owned , authorised Fliteschool based at Littlestone Beach near New Romney , which has the perfect conditions to learn .
The more traditional art of sailing is a much-loved pastime here in Kent , too . With over 30 sailing clubs up and down the coast , you ’ ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which one to join if you have the luxury of your own boat . For those eager to learn how to sail , or simply wanting to try it out , Elite Sailing based in Chatham is a great place to start . An accredited RYA training centre , Elite Sailing provides both professional and leisure sailing , as well as power qualifications for every level , from complete beginners to the experienced . Whether you are looking to improve , refresh or simply want to learn how to sail or motor , there ’ s no better place than the heart of Kent ’ s maritime heritage town of Chatham where thousands have done so for hundreds of years .
One of Kent ’ s most iconic and important rivers , the River Medway runs through Chatham and is of course an excellent way to explore
Kent and its diverse landscape while learning about its enthralling history . Jet Stream Tours offers several different cruises that do just this . One of the most quintessentially Kentish options is the ‘ Fish and Chip Cruise ’ from Chatham . An idyllic option for summer , take a three-hour evening cruise along the Medway with a local and prominent speaker highly knowledgeable in all things River Medway and Kent . Traditional fish and chips will be served with a full bar available onboard . This is a chance to discover the history , wildlife and cultural importance of the Medway Estuary . This informal but intimate setting gives you an opportunity to see the estuary in its glory , to ask questions and get a full insight to the speaker ’ s expertise , which can vary across topics such as wildlife or the Rochester Oyster Floating Fishery .
© Nick Fewings / Unsplash
© Rafael Hoyos Weht / Unsplash
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