Florida is called the Sunshine State, but the United States' southernmost area could easily be dubbed the "Water State." There are 1,297 miles of coastline, more than 3,500 lakes and a total of more than 11,000 miles of rivers, streams and waterways, which make Florida every water sports enthusiast's wet dream, literally. Regardless of preferences and skill level, the Sunshine State provides the ideal setting for water sports.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Paddlesports provide a wonderful mix of upper body strength exercise and conditioning training, and with its extensive network of rivers, Florida is an ideal destination for flatwater kayakers and canoers of all skill levels. Most state parks offer kayak trails, but even outside the park system there are plenty of beautiful kayaking spots. Smooth waterways like the Hillsborough River at Thonotosassa, roughly 20 minutes north of Tampa, provide a perfect backdrop if you would like to add a pristine nature experience to your paddling outing. Alligators and turtles will gently get out of the way while you are following the slow stream under a canopy of mangroves. On the East Coast, the Banana River near Cocoa Beach allows for leisurely swerves that are often accompanied by manatee sightings. Often the curious gentle giants will come up to your vessel and allow a friendly back rub. Canoe and kayak rentals, instructors and guides can be found near almost every magnificent kayaking spot.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
Fort de Soto's North Beach outside of Saint Petersburg was named "America's Top Beach" in 2008 and 2009, and the area isn't just popular for its white sands and turquoise waters: Fort de Soto Park, with its steady west winds and flat waters, is also one of Florida's best spots for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Both sports are relatively athletic and work your arm muscles as well as your abs quite intensely, but they are also elevating your adrenaline level when you pick up speed or attempt jumps. And if you need to take a break between surfing sessions, you will probably admire the view: There are often 30 or more kitesurfers, also known as kiteboarders, on the water at the same time; their colorful kites painting a stunning picture in front of the beautiful Sunshine Skyway bridge.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
If you are a scuba diver or if you would like to get certified, the Sunshine State's East Coast has a lot to offer: Wreck diving, lobster hunting, coral reef diving are plentiful from North Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale, and almost every town along the coast is home to at least one diving school. Pompano Beach is particularly popular for its close proximity to a broad variety of both wrecks and magnificent reefs. Snorkelers will find diving at John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park on Key Largo. Access here is limited to protect the majestic, but fragile reefs; and as of July 2010 the park charges a $30 fee per snorkeler.
Stand up Paddle Boarding
A traditional Hawaiian sport has started to conquer Florida: Stand up paddle boarding, or Ku Hoe He'e Nalu as it is called in Hawaiian, has two faces: It can be a relaxing, low-intensity way to explore the Sunshine State's many springs, rivers, lakes or shorelines. The paddler is standing on a longboard--usually 10 to 14 feet in length--and uses a single-bladed paddle to propel his vessel. Stand up paddlers may also go for the adrenaline thrill of riding wave tubes. This version requires at least decent surfing skills.
Wakeboarding and Waterskiing
Winter Haven in Central Florida used to be the home of Florida's first theme park, Cypress Gardens, which was famous for its Esther-Williams-inspired waterskiing shows. The park has closed in 2009, but nearby Polk City houses the American Water Ski Hall of Fame as well as the American Water Ski Association and the area still attracts waterskiing, barefoot skiing and wakeboarding pros. Several water-skiing and barefoot waterskiing schools in the Polk County along with a number of wakeboarding academies and facilities in Orlando keep up Central Florida's reputation as the "Water Skiing Capital of the World," and if you would like to learn how to glide across the water, this is the place to be.
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