With its ideal conditions, Malta is the perfect place to inject a few water sports into a relaxing holiday. Whether it's Mellieha Bay, Bahar ic-Caghaq or St Paul's Bay, windsurfing has become a popular all-year-round activity. It has also evolved into a major sport, with the world's longest single stretch race taking place between the island and Sicily. But it is not just for experts. On the contrary, with most beachside lidos and hotels offering to teach you how, taking up the sport has never been easier. Yes, you will undoubtedly have to go through the falling-off phase first, but that's all part of the fun. Windsurfing boards can be rented at practically every major sea spot in Malta. However, one of the most easily accessible is the island's largest beach, Mellieha Bay. With its golden sand and uncomplicated conditions, it is also an ideal place for children and the windsurfing rental business caters well for beginners.
Wakeboarding is still relatively unknown in Malta, although there is a Malta Wakeboarding School in Xemxija. As its name implies, it is a combination of water-skiing, surfing and snowboarding. Speedboats pull the wakeboarder who uses the wake -the wave created by the vessel -to perform various tricks and jumps as he clings to a handle attached to the back of the boat. There are few organised competitions on the island, but the O'Neill Wakeboard Academy has been to Malta on several occasions to showcase the best people the sport has to offer and encourage locals to take it up.
And if none of that is exciting enough, you could always try a spot of water-skiing, kite surfing, canoeing, jet skiing or plain old sailing. Water sports centres are mainly found at the larger bays of Mellieha and Golden Sands, and within some hotels.
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