When you think of Utah, you normally won’t associate it with any water sport. It is known for its breathtaking scenery on the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin and is one of the driest states in the country during summer.
If you didn’t know any better, you won’t consider going to Utah if you’re a watersports junkie. However, amidst all the desert and dry land, Utah has some of the most unexpectedly awesome places for water sports and activities.
7 Unexpected Water Sports and Activities in Utah
1. Boating
One of the simplest water activities and most relaxing is just cruising on the lake taking in the magnificent scenery of Utah’s lakes. You don’t even have to own a boat to go boating. There are a lot of affordable boat rentals in Pineview Reservoir, Deep Creek Reservoir, Bear Lake, and other places in Utah.
2. Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding, or Stand-Up Paddleboarding, has become increasingly popular in recent years. At present, 24 Utah state parks offer paddleboarding to the public including the Great Salt Lake and Bear Lake.
3. Parasailing
For those who are looking for a water sport and want to fly, parasailing is perfect for you. Take in the sights and sounds of Utah’s lakes from bird’s perspective a few hundred feet above the surface.
A lot of parks offer parasailing to watersports enthusiasts and tourists alike: Great Salt Lake, Bear Lake, Deer Creek, Yuba, and Jordanelle.
4. Water Skiing
From water skiing to wakeboarding, these sports that require a boat to pull you across the lake are all offered in most state parks in Utah. The Jordanelle Reservoir has a limit to the number of speed boats allowed at a single time to give enthusiasts a more pleasant experience. Deer Creek is also a popular spot for water skiing and can be easily accessed from Salt Lake City.
5. Windsurfing
One of the most popular water sports in Utah is windsurfing. It is offered in nearly two dozen parks all over Utah. There is one school in Salt Lake City that teaches windsurfing lessons and the Utah Windriders Association regularly gives updates on various activities and windsurfing qualities on different lakes.
6. Canyon Swimming
Canyoneering, a combination of hiking, rappelling, and swimming, is one of Utah’s hidden treats for tourists and visitors. Canyoneering in Utah is one of the best canyoneering activities in the world. There are several great spots in Utah to go canyoneering but Zion National Park takes the cake.
7. Ice Fishing
For colder months, one of the best activities to do in Utah is to go ice fishing in any one of its lakes. Depending on what type of fish you want to catch, you can check which lake is best to go to by contacting the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
There’s lots more that didn’t make it to this list like kayaking, white water rafting, jet skiing, and diving. As far as water sports and activities go, Utah is in a class of its own.
