The best places for water sports in Singapore

For canoeing

Kallang's massive dome enclosure (aka Singapore Sports Hub) is home to all things sports including a sheltered running track, an Olympic-sized pool, and a water sports centre. Located along the Kallang Basin, the water sports centre makes an ace start for rookies including children to dip their toes in the water, starting with a paddleboat. Once they get the hang of it, they can level up with a canoe fit for up to three people. More experienced canoers can build up their endurance on the 500-metre-long Regatta course.

For surfboarding

Kallang Wave Mall knows just how to raise the roof – with a water park perched on top of it. It's popular among kids and kidults to splash around – or relax in the lazy pool – at a grand sum of $2. For something more energectic, catch some waves on the Stingray, and learn to half-pipe surf while having a go at bodyboarding and skimboarding. However, mastering your skills in riding the boogie board and the kneeboard comes with a price, starting from $30 per hour and up.

For windsurfing

Get the best of both worlds – sailing and surfing – with windsurfing. Learn to freestyle jumps, loops and spins while surfing the calm waters of Changi with Constant Wind at NSRCC Sea Sports Centre. The sea sports and sailing school prides itself in its windsurfing programmes as well as events such as the Singapore Open Windsurfing Championship. Start with a basic windsurfing course where you learn to sail, steer, and manoeuvre with the wind, as well as safety measures at $300 for four three-hour sessions. 

For wakeboarding

If you're looking to hone your wakeboarding or water skiing skills, make a splash at Singapore Wake Park – it's the only cable-ski park to do so. The park has three cable systems: beginner, intermediate and full-sized ones that cater to all levels, children included. The first two are operator-controlled and allow one rider at a time to ensure newbies master their first experience balancing on the board – it’s not as easy as it looks. All equipment such as kneeboards, wakeboards, helmets, and vests are provided.

For jetpacking/jetblading

Live out your superhero dreams and defy gravity with Ola Beach Club. Thanks to a water-controlled jetpack, you’re thrust 30-feet above water as you attempt to hover or come crashing down. You won't even need any experience – there are certified instructors to guide you along the way.

For sailing

It isn't always about yacht parties and getting boozy, you can also learn to overcome the seas in your own dingy or boat. Cruise down Marina Bay as skyscrapers loom in the background with the Marina Bay Sailing programme, a project by the Singapore Sailing Federation to bring sailing into the heart of the city. There are two yacht sizes to choose from – one fits up to four and the other up to eight – with only one person needed to set sail. Leave your valuables at home, though, as there are no locker facilities. You’ll also have to come prepared with sufficient drinking water and waterproof ziplock bags to store your gadgets.

For kayaking

MacRitchie Reservoir’s calm waters allow for another kind of recreational activity: kayaking. Most go for sit-on-top kayaks, either as a double or single, and paddle in the ‘novice zone’. Closed-deck and sprint kayaks can also be rented, the latter of which is only available to those with at least a one-star certification. Be prepared to flex some muscles: paddlers are expected to carry their own canoes from the storage room in Paddle Lodge down to the waters and vice versa after.