Sport at the seaside

Have the Olympic Games got you itching to try a new sport, or lace up those trainers and get out there? Maybe it’s fired the interests of the family, who want to follow in the footsteps of Team GB heroes and try their hands at something new and exciting?

If that's the case, you'll find plenty of sporting activities to enjoy right along the Southsea seafront.

Swimming is, of course, one of the most obvious sports to try at the seaside. In fact, you'll find seasoned open-water swimmers in the Solent all year round, come rain or shine. You don't have to be as brave as those hardy souls, but can dip your toes or go for a paddle in the summer without risk of getting hypothermia! What’s more, the local RNLI have anticipated a huge increase of seaside staycationers this year, so have put on an extra lookout at Eastney, in addition to the two regular spots at either side of South Parade Pier.

Running is another sport commonly associated with Portsmouth - with the city playing host to the Great South Run each October. Every year some of the world's best distance runners are joined by tens of thousands of fun runners for the 10-mile loop across Portsmouth. What attracts them most is the fast, flat nature of the course. This is something you can rely upon whatever time of year you visit, with the city's low profile making it easy to get started if you're new, or post a PB if you're a regular runner.

The flat profile also makes cycling a popular option, with the seafront route offering some of the best views for miles around. Whether you want to clock up some miles on your road bike, or take a more gentle ride to enjoy the scenery, there are routes all across the coast of Portsea Island to enjoy. See our cycling page for all the details.

Skateboarding and BMX proved popular in Tokyo, with Team GB securing some much-deserved medals. Most notably for us was Declan Brooks, who is from the area and often trains down at Southsea Skatepark. It's open to visitors and welcomes bikes, skateboards, scooters and roller skates, so if you want to practice your kickflips or barspins (and avoid those dead sailors), you know where to go.

Court sports can also be enjoyed in the great outdoors, with a number of places open daily across Southsea seafront. Southsea Tennis Club and CourtX offer grass and hard court tennis, on a membership basis or pay-and-play. Meanwhile, there's a basketball court and multi-sport area near CourtX with regular netball sessions, or you can get out on the sand and try beach volleyball near Southsea Tennis Club.

Head further east and you'll reach the grounds of Portsmouth Cricket Club, where there are regular matches for men, women and children. Keep going and you'll reach the Tenth Hole - which isn't just about big breakfasts and charming cakes, but also the gpitch-and-putt green. If you'd prefer something smaller, there's a mini links near Canoe Lake and pirate-themed crazy golf at Clarence Pier.

Of course, sport on the Great Waterfront City wasn't ever just going to be inland. Head out onto the water to enjoy paddle boarding, rowing or kayaking, or even try your hand at sailing. There are official clubs offering membership and hire, or if you've got your own gear then you can just head straight onto the water.

Who knows, we might see you at France 2024!