Atlantic City Weekly

We get it. This sitting on the beach and reading a book for hours on end thing isn't you. You're type A. You like to be on the move. You even like being overscheduled. And after 51 weeks of maximizing every second of every day, you're not really looking to slow down. You need to put your energy somewhere, even if it means actually doing stuff while on vacation.

For you overachievers (and even some somewhat achievers), you're in luck -- the Jersey Shore offers plenty of options for you must-do-something junkies, whether it's flying high above the sea or taking in the sights from a different point of view. So pick up your phone, or your blackberry, or your combination phone and blackberry, and schedule something for your shore vacation.

If you've got a fear of heights, parasailing looks like a scary prospect: floating high, 500 feet above the ocean with only a parachute and a line attached to a boat to keep you from hitting the water or flying away. And while parasailing outfits get their share of thrill seekers, they also send up a lot of people who just want to see the sights - at any age. That's because parasailing is more tranquil of an experience than most people might guess.

"It's not going to feel like falling off a cliff," says Jeff George, owner of Atlantic City Cruises, which, aside from its obvious cruise services, also offers parasailing. "People don't realize how quiet it is floating above the ocean like that. There's no noise of the boat, no noise of the street -- just wind through the parachute. There's a peacefulness in that."

George's 12-year-old son, Ricky Hopkins, adds that "There's no butterflies," or that sick-to-your stomach feeling some adrenaline junkies think is fun.

That's not saying there's no thrill in riding hundreds of feet above the water. You do have to get up and get down, but it's at a much smoother pace than a rollercoaster or, of course, jumping out of a plane.

Dotty Webb is a sailor at heart, but she appreciates and enjoys the convenience of kayaking when it comes to water experience that doesn't involve sitting on the beach.

"It's an easy way to get on the water and enjoy it," says Webb, owner of Web Feet Sports. "And kayaks are easy to take care of and require little maintenance," she adds for those looking to buy kayaks as opposed to rent them.

A basic kayak that can hold one adult and one child weights about 40 pounds, so it's not a heavy piece of equipment to carry from store to car to water. Plus, kayaking is far from as complicated to operate or as expensive as owning or even renting a boat. "It's good exercise, too," adds Webb. After all, you'll be the one doing the paddling.

Kayaking can also be a very quiet and peaceful experience if you're paddling through the back bays, and an easy way to see what lives along the shore without creating the pollution -- both motor and noise -- that affects the natural habitat.

If you're looking to punch up your thrill experience when it comes to kayaking, consider renting a surfing kayak, which is designed for the waves. Paddle out and catch one just like you would with a surf board or boogie board.

If it's speed you're looking for, then renting a waverunner might be right up your alley.