Summer is synonymous with the sea, and there are many ways to enjoy the crystal-clean waters of Larnaka region, which are consistently rated as ‘excellent’ quality. Aside from swimming and diving, a large array of different water sports can be enjoyed at the licenced water sports operators found along Larnaka’s long, golden coastline, whilst the hugely popular ‘King of Kite’ Cyprus kitesurfing championships return in July. 

WindSurfCity (image 1) is located along the hip Mckenzie Beach strip and operated by Jorg and Margarita Grether who opened the school 13 years ago. Its location is popular thanks to shallow, rock-free waters that are flat in the morning and windier in the afternoons; ideal for the different sports. 

Stand up Paddle (SUP) has been the most popular sport over the last years, along with windsurfing, which Margarita attributes to the fact that both are easy to learn. SUP is a pleasant morning activity, whilst windsurfing is more action-filled.  

As for this year’s predication for a favourite water sport, Margarita introduces us to something different for 2022: “Wing foil is the newest trend and the fastest growing water sport worldwide at the moment. At Mackenzie Beach we have excellent conditions for learning the sport, which is immense fun!”. 

WindSurfCity offer: Boards and sails for beginners and advanced levels, SUP lessons and rentals, wing foil, catamaran sailing, windsurfing. 

George Hadjiconstantinou is operator of Central Water Sports (image 2), located along Larnaka-Dekeleia Road by the high-star hotels for over 30 years. George says that this stretch of coastline provides the opportunity for a number of activities: “Our location on the east side of Larnaka Bay offers calm morning waters which are perfect for water skiing, whilst in the afternoons, the light breeze is ideal for parasailing and sailing boats.” 

Having seen the different water sports trends evolve over the years along with the changes to the tourist strip itself. George says that parasailing, jet skiing and crazy sofa rides are the most popular activities that have stood the test of time.  

For summer 2022 SUP is increasingly popular as it offers a more ‘natural’ experience without motors, but George predicts that other, thrilling sports will also be in demand. 

Central Water Sports offer: parasailing, jet ski rentals, speed boat rentals, banana and crazy sofa rides, SUP's, canoes, pedal boats and sailing boats. 

K&L Finikoudes Water Sports (image 3) has been operating on the Foinikoudes (Palm Tree) strip since 2004, where the seawaters are known for their clarity and cleanliness. The beach is also safe thanks to a gentle sloping and the absence of drastic drop-offs, rocks, underwater streams or heavy waves, making it ideally-suited to a number of water sports. 

Owners Pantelis Themistocleous and Kyriacos Demetriou say that the jet bike and boat towable tubes remain ever-popular because they provide an adrenaline kick without requiring a specific skill, unlike some other water sports. Conversely, SUP remains popular as a calmer activity that provides a full-body workout.  

Whilst the jet bike and boat towable tubes will continue to attract for season 2022, the pair say that beachgoers will find a new element this year thanks to the continual updating of the equipment to the latest technology. 

K&L Finikoudes Water Sports offer: jet bike rentals, speed boat rentals, banana boats, sofa stingray, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, SUP and paddle boats. 

Meanwhile, outside of the city, the Larnaka Kitesurfing Beach in the Kiti-Mazotos area offers the best conditions on the island for enjoying the increasingly popular sport. 

The Cyprus kitesurfing championships ‘King of Kite’ also return this July with guest judge Valentin Rodgriguez and a programme of races, air acrobatics, pop-up stores, live DJ sets and family entertainment. The event is organised by Kahuna Surfhouse and takes place from July 22-24. More information can be found here. 

Read more about water sports in Larnaka here.