Swanage and Studland bay are very popular for all water sports. Swanage bay is very busy with boats ranging from jet-skis to Sunseekers using the water.
There are hire boats available and jet-ski hire from Ocean Bay.
Kayaks and pedal-boats are available for hire from the main beach for a small charge.
You can launch your own boats from the slipway at Peveril by the lifeboat station and from a small slipway by Playland ( The arcade near the town square). If you enjoy sailing there is the local sailing club just off the Victorian pier.
Ocean Bay Watersports offer pedalo canoe and kayak hire jet-ski pillion rides donut and ringo rides. They hire sun loungers deckchairs windbreaks and parasolsJet ski and boat launching via a concrete slipway (Tel 07721 938949)
Diving is also very popular around the pier and there are many wreaks to explore in the area, more information can be found on the [w] Swanage Pier website.
Studland Sea School offer a wide range of kayaking tours, tuition, courses and hire, kayak fishing, coasteering and BSAC snorkelling catering for all levels of ability. If you want to try out a new activity then why not visit them, their expert BSAC and BCU Level 3 instructors are there to help you whatever your level of experience is.
Their unique location on Middle Beach, Studland provides easy access to one of the areas safest and well controlled beaches. Ideal for families and all age groups, Studland offers glorious views across to the Isle of Wight and easy access to explore Swanage and Poole Harbour by sea, come and take in the sights of Old Harry Rocks, Brownsea Island and much more.
If you have spent time on the water and want to improve your basic skills they offer one to one tuition, BCU kayaking and BSAC snorkeling training courses to help you develop your skills and move to the next level. If you are after some fun and a splash about in this idyllic setting they hire our kayaks and equipment out for your own use.
Studland Sea School cater for individuals, small or large groups wanting a unique experience on the sea. Come and explore the magic of Dorset and see the famous coastline from a different perspective!
Visit their website at studlandseaschool.co.uk for more information.
Swimming
The following swimming pools are located in and around Swanage
Ulwell Cottage caravan park has a small indoor pool, tel 01929 422823
Bay View Caravan Park has a medium sized indoor pool, tel 01929 422130
Purbeck Sports Centre at Wareham has a large indoor pool and various other sports facilities, tel 01929 556454
Windsurfing
Swanage and Studland bay are suitable for windsurfing in light conditions but in stronger winds the popular location of Poole Harbour is one of the best places for both windsurfing and kitesurfing along the south coast in any conditions.
There is a dedicated board sailing area in Whitley Lake at Sandbanks, click here for a map which is shallow and safe, but dries out at low water.
It is ideal for beginners and you can park on the road which is only a few feet from the waters edge.
There are several shops that cater for both windsurfing and kitesurfing in the Poole and Bournemouth area and some also offer gear hire and expert tuition.