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Water lovers take any opportunity they can get to head out on the water. Whether you love wakeboarding, kayaking, or swimming, there’s nothing quite like swapping your business suit for a wetsuit and visiting your favorite body of water for a well-deserved break.
However, if you’re looking for an adventure or a new challenge, it can be worth being aware of the states with the best water activity opportunities. Now might be the right time to plan a trip to these states:
Arizona
Whether you’re eager to put your wake boat to the test for wakeboarding or want to try a new rafting location, Arizona is the state to be. Lake Havasu in Mohave County, Arizona, is a desirable wakeboarding location and is described as one of the best bass fishing lakes in America.
With clear water, exciting hidden coves, fun water elevation, and gloriously warm water, it can be any wakeboarder’s dream watersports lake. However, if you’re more interested in rafting, you might like to pay a visit to the Colorado River. Go rafting next to the Grand Canyon, where you can’t help but feel like a small fish in a big pond.
California
The western United States state of California runs nearly 900 miles along the Pacific. Being so close to the water means you’re bound to enjoy a few water activities when you visit this state for a weekend getaway.
Kayakers are sure to enjoy the Russian River in Sonoma County, a 110-mile-long river running through many regional parks from Cloverdale to Jenner, California. The Channel Islands are equally as popular for kayakers, with exciting sea caves to explore and plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities. If you’re more interested in boating, don’t look past a sailing trip down the coast to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Tennessee
Tennessee might be more well-known for its country music scene, but it’s also a top spot for water-loving travelers. There are over half a million acres of lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers to enjoy.
Go sailing in Montgomery Bell State Park or venture over to Norris Lake in East Tennessee for swimming and boating. If you’re a wakeboarder looking for smooth water to enjoy, Dale Hollow Lake near the Kentucky-Tennessee border should be at the top of your must-visit list.
Nevada
Nevada’s lakes and state parks are undoubtedly the highlight of this beautiful state. If you’re a nature lover who also loves participating in water activities, consider a road trip to Nevada. In particular, The Hidden Lakes near Soldier Basin is an idyllic body of water for wakeboarding.
Known as tarns, the lakes exist through glaciers melting. If you happen to be in Las Vegas, you can also visit the largest reservoir in the United States: Lake Mead. This lake is a wakeboarder’s paradise and is just half an hour’s drive from the Las Vegas Strip.
Whether you love swimming, kayaking, wakeboarding, or participating in other water activities, you’re never without a myriad of options. If you’re looking for a new watersports destination to try something new, these four states above are an excellent starting point.