NOT every state is a swimmer’s paradise; some are just built differently.
A new study has revealed that for all your water sports trips, Florida is the place to go.
Seasonal rental platform Lake.com identified the Sunshine State as the best place to swim and dive, with Florida coming in first with a water sports score of 62.88 out of 100.
“The United States is blessed with an abundance of stunning bodies of water, including millions of lakes and access to the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans, as well as surrounding beaches,” said David Ciccarelli, CEO of Lake.com.
“Water sports have become a popular way for people to stay active, bond with family and connect with this part of nature.
“Activities such as swimming, snorkeling, water skiing, fishing, diving, rowing and sailing are enjoyed by many across the country.
“This research provides a helpful guide to the best states in the country to enjoy water sports this spring and summer.”
The platform analyzed each state using 22 factors, including its total coastal area and the number of public beaches, lakes, shipyards and water parks.
The site also averaged each state’s weather conditions for those interested in outdoor water sports like surfing.
Florida, they determined, has the most public beaches.
“[It came in first] with 909 miles of public beaches in the state, as well as the largest number of water parks (18), online boat rentals (2,879), boating shops (5,283) and boatyards (8,132),” they said.
Not only that, but Florida also ranked near the top in other categories, including the second-best climate in terms of sunshine and average temperature.
The state also had the seventh-highest number of lakes in the country and the lowest rate of accidents, deaths and property damage in and around its waters.
While some might expect dense coastal California to come in second, Texas came in second with a score of 58.57.
“The state has the fourth best access to lakes and the third best access to public beaches and boats available for rent,” explains the website.
In third place, with a score of 57.55, Michigan has the seventh-most marine and boating events.
California came in fourth with a score of 55.20.
Unsurprisingly, the state has extensive access to open waters such as public beaches, shipyards and lakes.
“California is the fourth-best state for water sports vacations, with the second-best access to public beaches, water parks, online boat rentals, and boat yards and stores,” the website said.
“The state also has the second lowest rate of water-related accidents and deaths.”
In fifth place is New York, with a score of 54.14, thanks to its third-largest coastal area, fifth-highest access to public beaches, water parks, shipyards and marine warehouses, and fifth-lowest number of water-related injuries .
Others that made the top ten list include Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Washington and Massachusetts.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story