Mark your calendar for July 13–19, 2026—it's Pass the Handle Week, a celebration of watersports. Whether you're sharing your favorite activity with a beginner or trying a new sport, it's the perfect excuse to get out on the water.
What Is Pass the Handle Day?
Pass the Handle encourages experienced riders to "pass the handle" to someone new, making watersports more accessible, welcoming, and fun.
The goal is simple: help beginners build confidence, learn safely, and discover a new passion for life on the water.
Trying a new watersport is also a great way to stay active, spend time outdoors, and make lasting memories with friends and family.
Watersports to Try During Pass the Handle Week
Whether you're looking for an easy first ride or a new challenge, there's a watersport for every skill level.
1. Tubing
Tubing is one of the easiest and most popular towed watersports. Riders sit or li
e on an inflatable tube that's pulled behind a boat, making it a fun choice for beginners and families.
2. Kneeboarding
Kneeboarding is a natural next step after tubing. Riders kneel on a board while being towed, making it easier to learn balance and boat control before progressing to other tow sports.
3. Water Skiing
Water skiing is a classic watersport where riders glide across the water on one or two skis. Beginners focus on getting up and maintaining balance. Experienced skiers can advance to carving turns, jumping wakes, and learning tricks.
4. Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding combines elements of water skiing, snowboarding, and surfing. Once you're comfortable standing and riding, you can begin learning skills like edging, crossing the wake, and small jumps.
5. Wakesurfing
Wakesurfing lets riders surf the boat's wake without holding the rope. After getting up with the tow rope, riders release it and ride the endless wave behind the boat. Slower boat speeds and larger boards make for a smooth, surf-style experience.
6. Hydrofoil Boarding
Hydrofoil boarding uses a foil beneath the board to lift riders above the water's surface, creating the sensation of flying. It requires more balance than many other watersports, making it a great challenge for experienced riders.
Watersports Safety Tips
Before heading out, keep these essential safety tips in mind:
- Always wear a properly fitted life jacket.
- Check weather and water conditions before launching.
- Use a dedicated spotter in addition to the boat operator.
- Review hand signals before riding.
- Stay aware of other boats, obstacles, and your skill level.
If you're teaching a beginner, choose calm water with minimal boat traffic. Make sure new riders are comfortable swimming, treading water, and know how to safely let go of the tow rope if they fall.
Celebrate Pass the Handle Week
Pass the Handle Week is all about helping more people experience the fun of watersports. From tubing and kneeboarding to wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and hydrofoil boarding, there's an activity for every age and experience level.
Invite a friend, teach someone new, or step outside your comfort zone by trying a different watersport. You might discover your next favorite way to enjoy the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Pass the Handle?
A: Pass the Handle is an annual campaign that encourages experienced watersports enthusiasts to introduce beginners to activities like tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing. The goal is to make watersports more accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
Q: When is Pass the Handle Week 2026?
A: Pass the Handle takes place July 13–19, 2026. Throughout the week, boaters and watersports enthusiasts are encouraged to invite someone new to get out on the water and try a tow sport.
Q: What is the best watersport for beginners?
A: For first-time riders, tubing is typically the easiest place to start because it requires little instruction. Kneeboarding is another beginner-friendly option that helps riders build confidence before progressing to water skiing, wakeboarding, or wakesurfing.
