Action Watersports

Action Watersports, aqua park and watersports centre in Lydd (Kent)

Action Watersports is a family-owned watersports centre and aqua park set on a private lake in Lydd, Kent, on the border between Kent and Sussex. The company presents itself as the only centre in the UK offering its variety of watersports activities and operates seven days a week. The lake is private, sheltered and has been specifically adapted for these activities.

Activities on the lake

The activity line-up includes water skiing, wakeboarding, foiling, flyboarding, paddleboarding (SUP), a paddleboarding with dogs format (PUPS on SUPS), pleasure boat rides, lake swimming and an inflatable aqua park. The company states that the aqua park is aimed at participants from age 6 to over 80.

In addition to the main activities, add-ons are offered such as inflatable fun rides, banana or sofa rides behind the boat and paddleboard sessions with equipment included. The site's promotional material mentions seasonal prices for these add-ons, subject to conditions and minimum participant numbers.

Groups, celebrations and school programmes

The centre offers packages tailored to different types of visitors: individuals, families, groups of friends, birthdays, schools, corporate teams and stag or hen dos. The group offering includes corporate packages, party packages and specific programmes for schools and school groups.

Training and qualifications

Action Watersports runs courses linked to BWSW, RYA and BSUPA qualifications. These include the BSUPA Ready to Ride course. The company also offers the chance to obtain the RLSS Open Water Life Guard qualification for those joining its team.

Facilities and services

The site has a private sheltered lake, good quality rental equipment, a pro shop (described on the site as the largest in the South East of England) and a fully equipped workshop for boat and jet ski repairs. For visitors there are refreshments and snacks, toilets, hot showers, changing rooms and free Wi-Fi. Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are free to hire for most activities and are kept in good condition, with sizes for all ages.

History

The company was founded by Simon and Di, who opened Action Watersports on 1 April 2001 after transforming the lake. Simon is a British water ski coach and national team member, and still competes for England in barefoot water skiing. Di, also a British water ski coach and competition boat driver, retired from barefoot in 2001 as the 2000 women's national champion. Since 2000, more than 900 trees, shrubs and bushes have been planted around the lake.

Team and employment

The centre's team works with up-to-date equipment and training techniques. The company says it looks to recruit staff with good swimming ability, aged over 16 and interested in obtaining the RLSS Open Water Life Guard qualification, and that people of different ages and backgrounds work at the lake, from students to retirees, as well as shift workers and teachers.

Gift vouchers

Action Watersports sells activity gift vouchers and monetary vouchers, both in physical format sent to your home and as instant electronic vouchers, redeemable against any of the centre's activities.

Location and contact

Lake 1, Dengemarsh Road, Lydd, Kent TN29 9JH · Phone: 01797 321885 · Email: staff@actionwatersports.co.uk · Opening hours: Open seven days a week.