Water Sports, from Windsurfing to Canoeing

Crossing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, I gasped. It wasn't the sight of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico becoming one body of water. My amazement was at the bright red, yellow and orange kites that were filled with wind and pulling people across the blue water and into the air at amazing speeds.

Cars cruised by the aerialists, who would "jump" off the top of a wave, spinning in the air and then landing with a spray as they cruised on to the next bump.

In a place like St. Pete-Clearwater, where every town has easy access to some patch of shoreline, water sports are big part of everyday life (the local college even has a windsurfing program). Aside from kite surfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, tubing and cruising on jet skis are favorite ways to enjoy the water and get a different view of the area.

Adrenaline Watersports

Windsurfing and kite surfing are by far the most athletic of on-the-water pursuits in the area. Both require a decent helping of arm and abdominal strength and a lack of trepidation.

The shallow beaches at the north end of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge are the most visible spot for both kite surfers and windsurfers. The crosswinds that blow at the mouth of the bay bring ample opportunity to ride atop the water. Other popular places include the offshore waters of Pass-a-Grille Beach and St. Pete Beach, near the Dunedin Causeway and Clearwater Community Sailing Center at Sand Key.

North Beach Windsurfing School offers windsurfing lessons regularly near Fort De Soto Park, which also overlooks Tampa Bay. In a three-hour session, instructor Britt Viehman takes beginners through the steps of gaining balance on the boards, which are similar in length to snowboards and can be up to three feet wide. The sails are attached to a surfer's waist with a harness to help take pressure off the arms, which focus on steering the boom or crossbar. Once on the water with the windsurfer, you'll practice turning, so you'll be sure to get back to shore, rather than head out to sea.

A Little Bit Wild, A Little Bit Mild

If you have a mixed group of adrenaline junkies and low-key loafers, it can be difficult to find something that works for everyone. Luckily, Dream Catcher Explorations caters to families and groups who want a little relaxation to temper the high-energy activities.

Leaving from Clearwater Municipal Marina Slip 32, Capt. Mike offers a three- or four-hour cruise that combines sightseeing (dolphins galore!) and snorkeling with tubing and kayaking. Anyone who has only heard the term tubing used for slowly drifting down a river will be shocked when they climb aboard a tube strapped to the back of a motorboat. With the throttle pushed into high gear, tube riders bounce along the water, spinning and twisting as the boat turns (think of it as riding in a race cars without a steering wheel).

For nature enthusiasts, Capt. Mike often visits Three Rooker Island. The island is only accessible by boat, meaning less competition for the large, whole seashells that line the quiet shores (please don't take shells that are still homes to the sea creatures).

At the southern end of the region on Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach, Tropical Island Getaway invites you to snorkel and find shells among the ruins at Egmont Key, another park that can only be reached by boat. The coquina shell ruins from Fort Dade are a good spot to search underwater for sea life. While the fort, which was used in the Civil and Spanish-American wars, is no longer used by the military, the island's lighthouse still directs ocean traffic entering and leaving Tampa Bay.

To take control on the water, try jet skiing. Rental companies are numerous, including Island Marine Rentals in Indian Shores.

Casual Cruising

Finally, if you want to be on the water, but aren't enticed by revving engines, put your arms and shoulders to work kayaking and canoeing at Fort De Soto Park. The Topwater Kayak Outpost at the park rents the crafts by the hour. The park offers a self-guided paddle trail that weaves in and out of the mangroves on the quiet side of the island. Dolphins can be seen along the marked water trails, and even manatees during the winter months (they enjoy the warm bay water).

No matter what level of excitement you choose, at the end of your water-logged trip, you'll be seeing St. Pete-Clearwater in an entirely new light.