Welcome to the water! The summer of 2018 was one for the record books—scorching hot, dry, and sunny like never before. Living in the Netherlands, the ultimate waterland, we felt truly fortunate. When the HISWA association invited us for an afternoon in Naarden's harbor as part of their 'Welcome to the Water' event, we didn't hesitate. There's no better way to beat the heat than a day on the waves.
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The HISWA Association represents leading companies in yacht building, watersports, and recreation. They're on a mission to get more young families out on the water. Their 'Welcome to the Water' campaign makes it easy and fun. While only a fraction of Dutch families hit the water regularly, HISWA's events prove that just one day afloat rivals a full week's vacation.
We received a warm reception at Naarden's marina. Before our camping trip kicked off, it was a delight to soak in Het Gooi's upscale vibe. Picture stylish young families arriving in cargo bikes loaded with kids and beach gear—oversized sunglasses, chic sun hats, and casual wine chats among friends. Then there was us: Brabant folks in everyday Zara clothes, toting a practical Hema bag with our swimsuits. The contrast was striking, but utterly charming.
The kids dove into a range of activities: sailing optimists, paddleboarding, canoeing, RIB rides with the rescue brigade, catamaran outings, or tumbling in water balls. Our children are seasoned water lovers—my son plays water polo, and beach pool visits always include pedal boats or snorkeling with nets and goggles.
SUP—Stand Up Paddling—might become our new family pursuit. Our daughter had been raving about it. You balance on a large surfboard-like board and propel yourself with a paddle. I dismissed it as a passing fancy and returned my husband's impulse-buy board—too pricey for occasional vacation use, plus the logistics nightmare.
I stand corrected. When asked their top pick for the day, both kids shouted 'SUP!' The boards were prepped, and off they went. From the Porterhouse terrace, we watched them masterfully stay upright.
To sample more watersports, they swapped SUP for a RIB ride with the rescue brigade—Rigid Inflatable Boat, a sturdy rubber craft with a solid hull. They zoomed out of the harbor, slicing through turns at high speed. Another thrill: rolling across the water in giant inflatable balls. Pure hilarity.
While we nudged them toward canoeing or dinghy sailing, SUP remained their obsession—and soon mine. They insisted I join. Boarding right in front of a crowded terrace wasn't ideal; I'm no natural at gracefully mounting watercraft. Boats, inflatables, surfboards—they always start with a wobble for me.
The itch won out—it was now or never. When the kids beckoned again, I slipped on my water shoes. Boarding went smoothly: I eased onto my son's board on my knees. He stood effortlessly, paddled to his sister—who navigated like a pro—and we drifted beyond the terrace's gaze. There, I wobbled up, grabbed the paddle, and stood firm. No splash!
It's addictive! Challenging balance work in the sunshine on shimmering water. Fantastic exercise, and perfect for lounging too. I now regret returning that board.
We savored a perfect afternoon afloat. HISWA nailed it: hours on the water spark that instant holiday magic. In such a stellar summer, we're all in.
Want to spark your kids' love for watersports? Visit www.welkomophetwater.nl for local events.
