SPRING BREAK is the season that breaks the bounds of winter and renews our sense of adventure. The vernal equinox signals us to escape the monotony of our everyday lives — and quench our thirst for excitement. Now is the time to plan vacations, embrace your adventurous side, and if you’re an adrenaline junkie with a need for speed — gear up for water sports. Whether it’s waterskiing behind a high-speed powerboat or simply kayaking in calm waters, the following U.S. Spring Break destinations will deliver the ultimate thrill.
North Carolina
Spring brings primetime weather for windsurfing and kiteboarding in OBX thanks to the perfect mix of warm sunshine and cool breeze. The weather is so nice that tons of water sport competitions and events are held here. Go south to the lovely Hatteras Island, home to a number of parasail, windsurf and kiteboard rental companies. The OBX Wind Competition, one of the biggest windsurfing events in the country, will take place here from April 11-18.
The Cape Fear River flows through Wilmington and down to the beautiful Carolina Beach, a coastal haven with lots of waterways to explore. Rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from Pleasure Island Rentals near the Carolina Beach Boardwalk or Paddle NC at the marina in Carolina Beach State Park. A spring break classic is to cruise with a group of friends along the Intracoastal Waterway on WaveRunners, which you can rent at Carolina Beach Jet Ski Rentals just a few miles from the beach, or Wilmington Jet Ski Rentals located at the state park.
South Carolina
Spring is the perfect time to get a jumpstart on the summer vacation crowd in this fun beach town. Rentals are available for jet-skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides that go up to 45 mph. Check out Myrtle Beach Watersports located on Marina Parkway or Express Watersports at Murrells Inlet to jet-ski alongside dolphins.
This beloved, historic waterfront town also celebrates its start of water sport season in the spring. Visit the popular Tidal
Wave Water Sports located on The Isle of Palms where you can wakeboard, tube, surf, rent custom charters, take a WaveRunner safari tour and much more.
North/Central Florida
Known as the Emerald Coast, the water sports in this gorgeous area give you a serious adrenaline rush. Surf the Gulf of Mexico shores or gaze down at the emerald-green waters from 1,000 feet in the air on a parasailing excursion. Kids of all ages can also enjoy the popular banana boat rides.
Tied with Miami for the spring break capital of Florida, PCB is a premiere vacation destination. Home of rental companies including Florida Watersports, Adventures at Sea and Easy E Watersports, this getaway has plenty of action to offer. Parasail with Paradise Watersports to overlook a stunning view of Shell Island or take a Jet Ski dolphin tour with Sunshine Water Sports.
Despite being landlocked, the hundreds of lakes throughout Orlando make the area a year-round water sport haven. Enjoy waterskiing, paddleboarding, kneeboarding, parasailing and the area’s most popular, wakeboarding. Be sure to check out the Orlando Watersports Complex for high-adrenaline activities, group events and the famous Aquapark, a full-fledged obstacle course with 40 activities designed for three different skill levels. This is a perfect place to book a water-filled birthday party for the kids.
South Florida
About 23 miles of breathtaking coastline make up the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. You can take waterski lessons at McGinnis Ski School, located on a private, man-made freshwater lake. If you are a true daredevil, visit Lauderdale FlyBoard where you can strap jets to your feet and literally fly on the water.
Everyone knows Miami is spring break central, but not everyone knows it offers much more to do than just dance beachside in a bikini. From tubing on high-speed boats to waterskiing and wakeboarding along Miami Beach, the city offers some of the most top-notch services. With tons of watersport rentals up and down the coast, you can enjoy everything from private lessons to group packages through Miami Watersports Paradise, or book amazing tours and rentals at Biscayne National Park and Oleta State Park.
The crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys are some of the most desirable of all. The southernmost point of Key West is teeming with stunning coral reefs for underwater exploring and perfect waves for coasting above the surface. If you love to kayak and paddleboard, Key West is the place to be, as you can explore majestic mangroves and spot exotic wildlife. Visit Fury Water Adventures on Duval Street, Upwind Kiteboading’s three locations, SUP Key West in Stock Island for standup paddleboard eco-tours, or Sebago Watersports near the Key West Historic District.
Arizona
If you crave the ultimate adrenaline rush, try whitewater rafting down the 200-mile long Salt River on a beautiful spring day. Explore this hidden gem
and book with Arizona Rafting by Wilderness Aware, or raft the amazing 2,000-foot deep Salt River Canyon where you can choose different levels between family-friendly or high-intensity adventures.
London Bridge is NOT falling down in this beautiful lake town. Yes, we’re talking about the famous London Bridge that once spanned the River Thames in England and then relocated in the 1960s to where the Colorado River meets Lake Havasu. Serving as both a major river crossing and one of the top destinations in the country for waterskiing, Lake Havasu’s man-made reservoir formed by the historic Parker Dam is a marine playground for all types of water lovers. With 60 miles of easily navigable waterways, this city attracts millions of tourists annually.
California
You don’t always need the ocean current to embark on a water sport adventure. In fact, lake towns harbor some of the best locations for everything from water and jet skiing to windsurfing and paddlesports, and even scuba diving. This gem sits at the California-Nevada border and offers breathtaking views and endless activities.
Swim with sea lions, whale-watch by kayak or surf the rugged waves along the sparkling Pacific coastline. This SoCal gem is close enough to catch the city action of San Diego, but far enough to sit quietly at a coast of ecological diversity. Explore the water’s stunning cliffs and kayak through seven mysterious sea caves for close-up views of spectacular sandstorm formations. The town even hosts an annual “Longboard Luau,” a cancer fundraiser featuring surf contests, activities, vendors and loads of beach-side fun. This year’s 27th annual event will be held August 9.
