Cruising into Holiday Fun This Year on Your Vortex

Can’t seem to part with your boat, board and on-the-water lifestyle this winter?

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Take a closer look and you’ll find a lively on-the-water scene even in the midst of a cold, frosty winter. Don’t take our word for it, though. Read on to see how water lovers across the country find ways to get into the holiday spirit on board and beyond.

Check out Waterskiing Santa

On the Potomac River, off the shore of Old-Town Alexandria, awaits one of the most bizarre (and beloved) Christmas Eve traditions: Waterskiing Santa! Come out and watch in awe as Santa-clad water-skiers brave the cold water and crisp winter air to put on this one-of-a-kind show, a tradition in the area for more than 30 years. Then stick around for holiday fun in this quaint waterfront environment.

Of course, even if you can’t make it to Virginia this Christmas Eve, there’s still a great way to tie Santa Claus into your water sports routine—be your own Kris Kringle!

Craft your own on-the-water show

That’s right. If you live somewhere warm enough, don your best red suit and white, fluffy beard and hit the water in style. You can even invite your friends and family to dress up (as reindeer, elves, fellow Clauses, you name it) to enjoy the day. Curate a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes and blast them from your Vortex transom speakers to add some spirited cheer to your ride. Fuel up with some hot cocoa in the morning, and reward your efforts with delicious Christmas cookies once you head back to shore.

Visit Christmas

Another great way to get into the spirit is to visit Christmas itself… Christmas, Florida, that is! This small, census-designated community in Central Florida is a great place to celebrate the season, grab some photos and get your holiday cards postmarked. Nothing beats a stamp that offers greetings from Christmas, Florida, after all. The best part? Christmas is optimally situated at the heart of Florida, meaning you are never far from a choice body of water to explore on your Vortex (or from a pair of skis or your favorite board!). Just north you will find the Harris Chain of Lakes, where plenty of water sports opportunities abound in the heart of a bright, sunny (and most importantly, warm) southern paradise. Up to the east, you will find the St. Johns River and Indian River, where you can delight in long, uninterrupted runs and great views to boot. It’s not so bad starting your cruising adventure in Christmas, after all!

Make sand angels…

While we’re on the topic of warmer winter destinations, be sure to spend some time at the beach where you can enjoy some downtime between cruises. Make sand angels by getting on your back and swiping your arms and legs back and forth, and relish in the delight of this classic childhood pastime.

…and sand “snowmen,” too

Don’t forget about snowmen! Or, rather, sand “snowmen.” A seasonal spin on the traditional sandcastle, you can use nearby beach debris (like seashells, sand dollars and seaweed) to serve as the nose, eyes and trimmings for your well-appointed creation.

Take a polar plunge

If a White Christmas is more your style, why not take an icy, exhilarating polar plunge? These traditions often take place around the New Year, when the weather is at its coldest, and simply involve people rushing into cold water for a good cause. There’s one on Coney Island which takes place on New Year’s Day, giving you a fun way to enjoy the water (if only for a few freezing moments) as you wait for spring to roll around again.

Ready to cruise into holiday fun? We hope that these tips help you get there to enjoy on-the-water cheer all season long.