| p>Throughout the centuries, human beings have | | | | Zapcats. Never heard of these? You've been missing |
| loved the water. Water has fed us, cleaned us, | | | | out. Zapcats are small, motor-powered catamarans |
| quenched our thirst, and given us a convenient | | | | that can move at thrilling speeds and turn on a dime. |
| highway since long before there were real | | | | They've got the speed of a powerboat and the |
| highways--indeed, for as long as our species has been | | | | flexibility of a jet ski--an undeniably exciting |
| alive. We've built most of our major cities near rivers, | | | | combination. Most rentals will usually send an |
| oceans, or lakes. We compose poetry and songs | | | | instructor out with you, like they will with a |
| about the ocean, write stories about adventuring on | | | | powerboat. A zapcat ride is much more hands-on |
| mighty rivers while floating on nothing but tiny rafts, | | | | than the typical powerboat ride, however, because |
| and build expensive waterfront properties so we can | | | | both parties are needed to steer the craft. They're a |
| live next to water year-round. We've devised | | | | blast to race in aquatic obstacle courses. |
| thousands of ways to travel, play, and live off-land. | | | | White water rafting. Even if strong currents and big |
| Following are just a few ways we've come up with | | | | waves make you nervous, white-water rafting is a |
| for experiencing the thrill and joy of being out on the | | | | fun and amazing experience that will give you |
| open water. | | | | confidence on the water. Most white-water rafting |
| Yachts. Nothing compares to the elegance of a | | | | companies will send you out with an experienced |
| yacht. Powered by wind--the ancient engine that | | | | guide and in a durable craft specially designed to |
| Polynesian wayfarers used to populate the far-flung | | | | handle the rigors of the rapids--so you're perfectly |
| islands of the Pacific, Viking explorers used to | | | | safe. It's a fun and thrilling way to experience the |
| discover Greenland, and Magellan used to | | | | power of nature firsthand. Because of the size of |
| circumnavigate the globe--a yacht will take you | | | | the crafts and its accessibility to all levels of ability, |
| where you're going, and make you feel like a king or | | | | it's also an ideal way to bring a group together. |
| queen while you're en route. Lots of yachting | | | | White-water rafting is an ideal activity for an office |
| companies offer trips that involve fine wine, gourmet | | | | outing or family trip. |
| food, and a luxury experience. | | | | Rapid running. You'd think this sport would be better |
| Powerboats. Couple the thrill of being out on the | | | | for people who are more experienced in white-water |
| water with the excitement of high speeds, and | | | | rafting--but actually, it's popular with all ability-levels. |
| you've pretty much summed up a trip on a | | | | With rapid-running, you get your own inflatable |
| powerboat. We love skimming across the glassy | | | | two-person craft, and are sent without a guide down |
| surface of a lake or riding the waves, the wind | | | | a rapids course. You're prepared beforehand, of |
| scraping the hair back from our faces, the sun shining | | | | course--most companies that offer rapid-running |
| down on the surface of the water. The best | | | | activities will include a course on how to navigate the |
| powerboats are like convertible sports cars on | | | | rapids safely. It's a lesser-known but no-less-fun |
| water--an unbeatably thrilling experience. | | | | variety of white-water rafting, perfect for those |
| Windsurfing. For centuries humans have been | | | | who like a little more autonomy in their boats or who |
| harnessing the power of wind to navigate on the | | | | just want to try something a little different than the |
| water. But windsurfing is a relatively new invention | | | | typical white-water rafting trip. |
| that involves balance, strength, and timing. | | | | Jet skiing. It's been described as a motorcycle on |
| Windsurfing gives you more range than a | | | | water. Jet skis are one-person watercraft that |
| surfboard--you can traverse wide lakes with no | | | | accelerates with a throttle in the handle. They're very |
| waves or perform daredevil stunts in the surf, | | | | flexible, with the ability to accelerate quickly and |
| depending on your style and that of your board. It | | | | make sharp turns. Jet ski tours of bays, rivers, and |
| takes practice, but it's a sport that's growing in | | | | otherwise-inaccessible islands are becoming popular |
| popularity worldwide. | | | | tourist activities in locations near water. |
| Kitesurfing. Similar to windsurfing, except the "sail" is | | | | Whether you prefer relaxing yacht cruises, |
| really a kite--located at the end of a rope instead of | | | | heart-pounding motorboat rides, the hands-on |
| attached to your board. Kitesurfing is a fun and | | | | excitement of white water, or the balance and skill |
| challenging sport that requires some coordination to | | | | of wind or kitesurfing, there's sure to be a water |
| do well--you need to be able to guide both the kite in | | | | activity you'll love. Don't be afraid to get out of your |
| your hands and the board that's strapped to your | | | | comfort zone and try something new--you may find |
| feet. The sport has become far safer and more | | | | more than one activity you'll enjoy for years to |
| accessible to beginners due to recent advances in | | | | come. |
| kitesurfing technology. | | | | |