Adventure in New Smyrna Beach

At first glance, the New Smyrna Beach Resort Area may not appear to be suited for those with an adventurous spirit. Granted, there are no mountains to climb, no raging rivers to raft or ski slopes to careen down, but there are other activities that will get you just as high. Ask the surfers, windsurfers, jet skiers, water skiers and hydro-sliders who catch air as they tear up the waters of New Smyrna Beach.

The New Smyrna Beach Resort Area, located on the central east coast of Florida, is surrounded by bodies of water; the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Intracoastal Waterway to the west and Mosquito Lagoon in between the two. New Smyrna prides itself on being a laid-back coastal town, free of the crowds, pollution and noise that plague other Florida beaches. It is the ideal location to go wild with water sports.

It's a little known fact that the strip of ocean off the coast of New Smyrna is one of the best surfing spots in Florida. Rock ledges 4-5 miles off shore cause excellent wave breaks and protect swimmers from dangerous undertoes. Not only can accomplished surfers rip up New Smyrna's waves, but beginners can learn the sport in safe waters. No matter your level of expertise, surfing gives you a rush like no other.

Every summer, the American Professional Surfing Association holds one of its premier contests in New Smyrna. Rookies and veterans from all over the country compete for the titles being given in several categories. A number of locals have gone on to make names for themselves in the surfing world.

Going sailing for a day on the ocean in a catamaran is sure to challenge the most avid thrill seeker. There is almost always a brisk wind off the water to get you cruising along the waves at a fair speed. You are the "cruise director," so to speak, depending on how you adjust the sails. Be prepared for salt water spray, windblown hair, bands of porpoises and other sea life. You'll love every minute of it.

The Intracoastal Waterway (Indian River), which is approximately a mile west of the ocean, is frequented by wind surfers. The calmer waters and closer borders of the river are ideal for novices, but jumping the wakes of passing power boats could prove to be tricky and a lot of fun. With the inlet leading to the ocean close by, don't be surprised to see porpoises in the river too.

Only experienced wind surfers should attempt to sail the rougher waters of the ocean, which is an exhilarating ride. With only a sailboard and sail separating you from the depths of the ocean, sailors must rely on their prowess to keep them from being lost at sea.

If you need a motor to get you "revved" up, jet skiing is the thing for you. Let your wild side loose by jumping waves or boat wakes, doing spins and pushing the throttle to the max. Several vendors along the beach and by the river rent the powered machines on an hourly or daily basis.

What about a day cruising along the river, water skiing and hyrdo-sliding? It's wide enough and usually calm enough to spend the day practicing your tricky maneuvers. Don't worry about packing a lunch, just dock at one of the several riverside seafood restaurants. But if you do bring a picnic, anchor off one of the many little islands in the river and eat there.

Dozens of towns in Florida offer these same activities, but it's the lifestyle of New Smyrna Beach that makes it more appealing than those other towns. Athletes, especially water sports enthusiasts, choose their sport because of the feelings they get from them. In New Smyrna, where the pace is casual and laid-back, those feelings are heightened. You won't be disturbed by crowds, frantic activity or pollution. On New Smyrna Beach, and on the Intracoastal, the dominating sounds are those of waves crashing on shore, seagulls, the occasional roar of a boat or jet ski motor and laughter.

The laughter will be yours and your friends' as you recount the day's activities in a quaint fresh seafood restaurant or in one of the casual seaside bars. The relaxed, easy-going atmosphere of the entire town will prepare you for another day of New Smyrna Beach adventure.