Exciting Ways to Explore Coastal Waters During Spring Break

A lot of people assume that when you head to the island for spring break, you're going to spend the whole day lounging around in a beach chair, and maybe watch the waves crash against the shore. There's certainly nothing wrong with hanging out, but South Padre Island is also one of the top wind/water-adventure spots in North America. When you're ready to get active and try something new (and a little bit crazy), swapping your beach chair for some fun on the water during South Padre Island spring break will change your vacation completely.
The uniqueness of this coastal area is due to the difference in conditions on either side; there is an open Gulf of Mexico to the east, and a very calm Laguna Madre to the west. On the bay side of the island, there are several miles of shallow, flat water with no breaking ocean waves. This makes it an ideal place for someone learning how to use a new type of water sport equipment. However, on the ocean side of the island, there is rolling surf for board riders who want to experience what catching "real" swells is like.
Kiteboarding is by far the biggest draw for people who come to ride on the flats. Since the water in some areas may be only waist-deep for hundreds of feet from shore, beginning riders can fall off their board, get right back onto the sand, and relaunch their kite without panicking. Instructors who teach at this location can have a new rider up and riding more quickly than most other locations along the coast.
For anyone who thinks harness racing might be too much to handle, a personal watercraft offers another exciting option. You can zoom along open channels, turn sharply in protected bays and feel the cool, salty spray on your face on a hot day. Be sure to look for local marine wildlife, as Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins often come up to the boats to use the wake as a playground.
Fishing offers another way to enjoy the coast, whether it be by throwing your line into the water off of the rock jetties, or hiring a professional guide to take you on a charter boat through the Laguna Madre. The Laguna Madre has large numbers of red drum, speckled seatrout and black drum that feed in the shallow grassy areas. A very peaceful four-hour morning on a small, shallow-draft skiff with an experienced local captain would be considered "gold."
A slower way to travel by water while maintaining your physical activity level would be to rent a stand-up paddleboard and explore the shallow marshes of the area in late afternoon. While travelling in these shallow waters, you can get a closer view of migrating coastal bird species such as roseate spoonbills and herons perched in the reeds. Stand-up paddleboarding provides excellent exercise, and it will allow you to relax and clear your mind as you paddle away from the noise of motorboats.
Early morning can be the best time for a water adventure during South Padre Spring Break. During the early morning hours, the wind will most likely be cleaner, the water in the bay will still be flat like glass, and the local rental marinas won't be filled up with people who walk in later in the day. By getting your heart rate up before noon, you will have all day left to relax.
Safety is based on being aware of the tide and how coastal weather can change. Because there are many times when there are strong longshore currents and rip tides in the Gulf, make sure to follow all local beach patrol warnings and surf flag colours. When walking along the shoreline on the bay side, wearing neoprene water booties will help protect your feet from sharp oyster shells buried in the sand. Awareness of what is going on around you will allow for a great vacation without getting hurt.
Nothing compares to ending a long, active day of fishing by finding some great Gulf seafood to eat at a rustic, dockside restaurant. There's nothing better than eating a basket of fried red snapper or grilled shrimp tacos while watching the sun go down over the bridge. The salt from the ocean in your hair, the fatigue in your body, and the delicious food make for the perfect coastal experience.
Conclusion
A coastal escape becomes even more memorable with the addition of local water sports. You can be flying through the air with a kite over the bay, or paddling through calm waters in a cove with your paddle board - the water is where the real fun lies. Get off the beach, try something new, and make your time at the coast truly memorable!