Some of us need an adrenalin rush to have fun. Some need to feel their muscles working to feel alive. Lucky for us, Ocean City has a huge selection of active sports venues.

These activities are not for landlubbers or couch potatoes. The following ideas are for people who prefer to be moving through the air or water!

Sightseeing by Plane


Want to see what Ocean City looks like from the air? Dream of soaring above the
beach and waves like one of the carefree seabirds? Then all you have to do is
reserve a plane!

You can fly with a licensed pilot in a plane over the beach,
ocean, and other local favorites, taking in the excitement of your visit from
this new perspective. Heady!

Call Ocean Aerial Ads (410-641-2484) or Ocean
Aviation (410-213-8400).

Parasailing


Enjoy sailing through the air high above (and behind) a powerful boat that is towing you and your beautiful, specially-designed parachute. Imagine the excitement and the views!

Among the local venues: O.C. Parasail (410-723-14640), Action Watersports & Marina (410-524-4769), Island Watersports (410-289-2896).

Skydiving


Ever wish you could leap from a plane and float to earth – after the adrenaline rush of the first seconds of free fall? Want to combine the thrills with spectacular views of Ocean City, Assateague Island, and the Ocean? It’s part of the packaged tandem skydiving experience that trains you to jump, harnessed to a professional skydiving instructor. For more details call Ocean City Skydiving Center (410-213-1319)

Jet Skiing


You’ve watched them zipping around the bays and harbors, and you’ve wondered if they might be fun. The name Jet-Ski began as a brand name for Kawasaki’s personal watercraft, but the name has become a “genericized trademark” in the recreation world. Most local shops provide training before they rent. They provide specific ski areas for hourly rentals. Some choices: Action Watersports (410-524-4769), Odyssea Watersports (410-723-4227), OC Watersports (410-289-7874), Island Watersports (410-289-2896)

Surfing, Body Surfing and Boogie Boarding


Riding the waves looks easy, but anyone who has tried it knows it requires agility, balance, knowledge – and practice. All of that is within your reach. Ocean City is awash with boards of all sizes, colors, and styles. But more important, the resort’s vendors provide the necessary training and equipment. Some choices: Malibus Surf Shop, Chauncey’s Surf Shop, K-Coast, Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop (410-289-3830)

Windsurfing


If you’d like to combine the challenges and cultures of both sailing and surfing,
windsurfing (sometimes called sailboarding or kiteboarding) is for you. The OC 
windy waters (away from the high rises) and Assateague Island are ideal 
windsurfing sites. Here's some information on windsurfing.

Renting Your Own Boat


You can easily buy space on one of the local excursion or fishing boats - and leave the driving to them. But if you want to churn your own waters, it will be more fun to rent and captain your own boat. So many choices! Consider a pontoon, cruiser, skiff, jet boat, deck boat, or speed boat. Each offers special recreational opportunities and thrills. Some choices for venues: Bayside Boat Rentals (410-524-1948), OC Watersports (410-289-7874), Paradise Watersports (410-213-SOAR)

Kayaking


Did you ever see kayakers catching the waves of the ocean? It’s a strenuous sport, but enthusiasts love it. They must launch the kayak at the coastline and paddle through the incoming waves out to the swells. The athletes paddle as they ride the waves in their whitewater kayaks (not recreational kayaks). Contact Coastal Kayak (877-445-2925), Paradise Watersports (410-213-SOAR), or Island Adventure Kayaking (443-365-3967).