Aquatic dates for water lovers

In the aquatic wonderland of San Diego, water sports are as integral to the local scene as breakfast burritos and craft beer. If you and your bae haven’t gotten wet and splashy on a date yet, there’s never been a better time. With a wellspring of activities to choose from, knowing how to plan that first aquatic date can be a challenge, so we’ve picked out a few can’t-miss options for your next romantic rendezvous.

Stand up Paddling, aka SUP

There’s nothing like gazing at a San Diego sunset on the water with your sweetie by your side. Whether you like the calm of the bay or the challenge of the ocean, check out 2 Stand Up Guys, who offer both options for your next water date. Note: flatwater paddling experience is required to take on the open ocean. Pricing starts at $70 per person for 60 minutes to $100 per person for 90 minutes, depending on group size.

Already know how to paddle, but looking to take it to a new level? Couples can om out with Paddleboard Yoga ($39) or test their balance with a SUP Obstacle Course ($55), offered by Mission Bay Aquatic Center. SDSU and UCSD students receive a discount.

2 Stand Up Guys, 4700 Bayshore Dr, Carlsbad, 347.489.3926, 2standupguys.com

Mission Bay Aquatic Center, 1001 Santa Clara Pl., Mission Bay,
858.488.1000, mbaquaticcenter.com

Flyboarding, Jetpacking & Hoverboarding

Have a blast with your honey while perfecting your flips, spins and dolphin dives. Two companies to look for are Fly Guys Watersports, which offers flyboarding, and Aquatic Aviation which provides lessons for flyboards, jetpacks and hoverboards. Aquatic pricing ranges from $89 for 25-minute flyboard sessions to $199 for a 40-minute hoverboard experience. Each package includes instruction time, fuel, life jacket, wetsuit and helmet.

Fly Guys Watersports, 1450 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island, 619.990.0914, flyguyswatersports.com

Aquatic Aviation, 2924 Emerson St., No. 206, Point Loma, 888.265.2728, aquaticaviation.net

Surfing

Whether you stand and conquer or wipe out and get water up your nose, undeniable adventure and fun are waiting with a surf lesson from Pacific Surf. With lesson locations including Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach and Mission Beach, local and international instructors will guide you and bae to a new partnership on the waves. Look for the semi-private lesson, which includes a 90-minute session for $75 per person.

Pacific Surf, 4121 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.488.2685, pacificsurf.org

Jet-ski

Unless you own a sailboat, it’s not every day you get to ride on San Diego bay and see downtown from the water. With Luxury Jet Ski Rentals, you take off from Cabrillo Isle Marina in a 2018 Supercharge Yamaha and ride by Shelter Island, the U.S.S Midway, Seaport Village and the Coronado Bridge. For $70 per hour, it’s an aquatic adventure you won’t forget.

Luxury Jet Ski Rentals, 1450 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island, 619.352.0754, luxuryjetskirentals.com

Kayaking

Paddle your way to Instagram-perfect sunrises and sunsets with a kayak lesson from Aqua Adventures San Diego. The popular school offers a wide variety of options, including beginner classes, sea kayaking, outrigger, kayak roll (for whitewater adventuring) and surf ski (fitness paddling). Prices range from $55 to $110.

Aqua Adventures San Diego, 1548 Quivira Way, Mission Bay, 619.523.9577, aqua-adventures.com