Mild climates, year-round sunshine and a broad variety of theme parks make Central Florida a popular tourist destination. But with its 554 lakes and many rivers and waterways, the Sunshine State's geographical center also offers plenty of diversion for water sports enthusiasts. Located in the heart of Central Florida--just south of Orlando--Polk County has a long-lasting history as a water sports hot spot, and the tradition keeps going strong.
Water Skiing and Barefoot Skiing
Opened in 1936, the Cypress Gardens theme park near Winter Haven quickly became world famous for its spectacular water ski shows. The theme park ceased operations in 2009, but the area's perception as the "Water Ski Capital of the World" has lasted. Many schools both for water skiing and for barefoot skiing keep teaching the county's predominant water sports, notably along the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes and in Polk City, also the home to the American Water Ski Association and the American Water Ski Hall of Fame and Museum.
Wakeboarding
An emerging sport all over the country, wakeboarding has found its way onto the Polk County lakes and neighboring areas, too. Since this slightly bowed mono board is easier to master than traditional water skiing, tricks like jumps and turns can be performed with relatively little practice. As opposed to water skiers, wakeboarders ride their boards sidewards--a position similar to that skateboarders or snowboarders take--and they cut into the wake. They can then push the board off the water surface and elevate themselves high into the air for spins, turns and other tricks.
Just like water skiing, wakeboarding provides an excellent full-body workout, training your arms and shoulders along with your back and core muscles, as well as your legs. Several schools in the area, like the Orlando Watersports Complex just north of Polk County, offer classes.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Polk County offers opportunities for hiking, boating and fishing in undisturbed natural surroundings at Lake Kissimmee State Park and Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. A total of 88 public boat ramps allow easy water access for you and your vessel anywhere in the county.
If you're up for a slightly extended paddle trip, you will particularly enjoy exploring the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes by kayak or canoe. Those 16 lakes are connected by navigable canals. Just pack some snacks, loosen up your shoulders and start for a multi-water body adventure.
Swimming
With all those lakes and springs nearby, it seems natural to just jump into the nearest pond when you're looking for full-body refreshment. However, alligators and snakes líke the lakes, too, so most Polk County folks stay away from freshwater swimming. There are plenty of public pools in the area, though, so if swimming is your preferred exercise, the Simpson Park Pool in Lakeland and the Dolphus Howard Pool in Haines City are two venues that suit serious swimmers' needs.
Paddle Boarding
Around the year 2000, the sport of stand-up paddle boarding made its way from its native Hawaii to the continental United States, and many Floridians since have embraced it, as they enjoy this low-intensity way to mix an effective core workout with relaxation. Standing on a board of 10 to 14 feet in length, the paddler operates a single-bladed paddle--similar to a canoe paddle--to accelerate and steer his vessel.
A lovely place for paddle boarding in serene surroundings is Lake Kissimmee State Park. The shore areas of the park's three lakes, Kissimmee, Rosalie and Tiger, are home to native birds such as osprey, eagles and sandhill cranes, and plenty of animal sightings will make your outdoor experience even more enjoyable.
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