Getting into watersports is fun and accessible, and this year, the Southampton International Boat Show has a dedicated festival-style Watersports Zone; the perfect place to be inspired, have a go, and gear up to the latest high-adrenaline trends, plus don’t miss the special student discount ticket offers.

With entry level watersports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, showing one of the fastest rises in participation, the Watersports Zone at the Southampton International Boat Show is a show-within-a-show, giving you the perfect place to see everything in one place. Whether you’re looking to get started, want to join a club and make new friends, are seeking top tips and techniques from the experts, or gearing up for new adrenalin-filled challenges such as kite surfing and wing foiling, you’ll find it all here.

Buzzing with activity and packed with stands showing the latest gear, gadgets and gizmos, this year sees the introduction of a purpose-built watersports lake, enabling anyone to have a go – the ideal place to try before you buy.  With expert guidance from British Canoeing and Southampton Watersports Activity Centre, there’s stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking, and even the chance to zen out with some relaxing SUP yoga.  And for those who prefer to go under water, have a go at diving and snorkelling in the Andark Dive Tank or get your thumbs working with some model boating.

Image: Emily Whiting

This vibrant area of the Southampton International Boat Show is teeming with things to do and see; get a selfie with some of your heroes during surprise visits by Olympians and Paralympians, post a picture of you and your friends enjoying a thrill-seeking speedboat ride, or get maximum likes as you perform the perfect step-back turn on the latest model SUP.    With experts from all over the world, there are daily demonstrations of the latest kit and technology, and stands showing everything from foiling boards to bicycles on the water, windsurfers to wakeboards, waterskis and SUP boards – with unbeatable boat show bargains to boot.

Two Bare Feet’s stand has unbeatable prices on a range of watersports equipment including paddleboards, wetsuits, changing robes, bodyboards, skateboards, scooters, snorkelling gear and so much more.  For surfers, see all the latest kit at Sandbanks Style and for stylish beach gear and accessories, look no further than the exclusive Venus Seychelles. There are dry robes, towels, and storage bags from Lorima, and fun, colourful, and functional dry bags from Shore2Sea.  From electric mopeds to Big Boy bean bags, cameras, binoculars and so much more, the retail stands offer the best place to see, compare, choose, and buy all the latest gear and goodies.

Be inspired, as worldwide companies come to Southampton International Boat Show to premier innovative new products, such as the incredible Manta5 SL3 Hydrofoil bike, which enables users to cycle on water.  Available through Tu Meke there’s a special offer of a Hydropack 600Wh battery worth £1,195 free with every Manta5 SL3 purchase, and the chance to win a free demo on a Hydrobike.  Or try some personal propulsion through the water with the Scubajet – simply grab hold and let it take you swimming, snorkelling, and diving – the perfect accessory for any boat, SUP, kayak or canoe.

There are boats of every shape and size from Nestaway – the experts in portable, compact craft with clean electric prolusion – and Paqualife with all the latest watersports canoes, kayaks, and boards on show.  On the Zego stand, and originating from New Zealand, there’s the first chance to see the Fatcat 4500, a multihull powerboat with outstanding stability, safe sea handling and big open deck space.  Or choose from the range of colourful Whaly roto-moulded boats, with the new Whaly 435 on show.  With engine options from small electric engines to 80hp outboard motors, prices start at just £699.  Or if you fancy a boat that offers a cosy cabin for overnight expeditions, the new Mini Fisher is making its UK debut at the show.

Take some time out to chill by the On the Water stage, grab a cool drink, some tasty street food and sit back to be amused and amazed by the daring displays.  Will he fly or dive?  Only the flyboarder knows in his gasp-inducing stunt-filled performance. And when the festival vibes are calling you, grab your mates and head over to the Shipyard to enjoy live music and entertainment – the perfect end to a perfect day out.

Get your ticket!

Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/

Upgrade your visit with the new and exclusive Quayside Club VIP package atwww.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/

The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm.

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