Texas Water Sports - Tubing to Surfing

Texas has plenty to offer water sport enthusiasts. Whether you prefer skiing, jet skiing, boating, swimming, diving or snorkeling, there is a perfect lake to spend time on the water while visiting Texas - which is a perfect way to beat the Texas heat.

Long before modern water parks became popular, Texans had sought out many natural "water parks" to help beat the summer heat. Today, many visitors still prefer these natural "swimmin' holes" over concrete pools and water slides.

Texans love spending time on the state's various rivers. Whether it be float tubes, canoes, kayaks or rope swings - Texas residents and visitors are full of ways to enjoy these rivers and streams. If you are hoping to sample some "river recreation" on your visit to Texas, try a few of these top spots.

The summer heat in Texas can be downright unbearable at times. Luckily, Texas is home to hundreds of miles of coastline and dozens of lakes and rivers – offering plenty of watery ways to have fun and beat the heat.

Located in Austin's famed Zilker Park, Barton Springs was formed when Barton Creek was dammed. Since its inception, Barton Springs has become one of the most popular swimming holes in the state.

Although it is only April, the hot Texas sun has already creeping in, leaving many Lone Star State residents and visitors looking for ways to cool off. Of course, the best way to be the summer – or, in this case, spring – heat is to find a place to get wet. Here's a few suggestions to help you find that perfect "swimmin' hole."

Although Texas offers near year around boating, water sports and fishing opportunities, the first couple months of the year can be inclement. But, there are still plenty of things to keep boaters and water sport enthusiasts busy in the way of boat shows. Across the state, winter is a virtual non-stop carousel of boat shows and exhibitions.

Held during the first two weeks of January each year, the Houston International Boat Show is the largest and longest-running boat show in Texas. The event, which fills the Reliant Center, runs for 10 days and draws over 150,000 visitors annually

The Dallas Boat Show kicks off the first weekend of February. Being the largest boat show in North Texas, the Dallas Boat Show features an impressive display of boats, accessories, personal watercraft and fishing tackle, as well as informative seminars.

Located on the Frio River in Concan, Garner State Park is one of Texas' most popular summer getaways. Whether it's swimming, fishing, paddling, or tubing, most visitors to Garner find a way to get on or in the water.

Located just a short drive northwest of Del Rio, Lake Amistad is a sprawling reservoir shared by the United States and Mexico. Since it is located in a mountainous region, Amistad's waters are clear and deep, making it a popular destination for swimmers, boaters, scuba divers, windsurfers, and fishermen.

During the four-day San Antonio Boat Show, Alamo City residents and visitors are treated to a wide-array of boats and watercraft, as well as fishing tackle and boating accessories.

Padre Island National Seashore stretches from Corpus Christi south some 75 miles to the Port Mansfield Cut - offering some of the most remote seashore to be found anywhere.

Held at Austin Convention Center, the Austin Boat Show begins just four days after the Houston Boat Show ends, giving visitors to the Lone Star State an opportunity to take in two of the largest boat shows in the nation.

Thanks to its consistently strong and steady winds, South Padre Island has developed into one of the top kiteboarding destinations in the United States. Due to its mild weather, South Padre Island is a true year around kiteboarding destination.

Held at Corpus' downtown marina, the Texas International Boat Show features both in-the-water and on-shore exhibits, as well as a variety of entertainment events and vendor booths.

Unlike any other boat show in the Houston area, the South West International Boat Show is an open invitation to manufacturers, dealers, brokers and charter companies to participate in a truly international, in-water, boat show.

One of Texas' most popular water sports destinations, Lake Travis is located among the rolling hills just outside Austin.

Looking for a place to fish or ski? Check out this complete listing of public lakes in Texas.

Floating down the Guadalupe River in an inner tube is definitely a "Texas thing." If you happen to be visiting the Hill Country, you won't want to miss out on this unique experience. However, be advised, the Guad is a cold water river, so tubing is usually limited to the summer months.

Surfing is most often thought of as a California sport. But, believe it or not, Texas has plenty of waves up and down the coast, offering rides for surfers of all skill levels.

With miles of shallow, calm water in the Lower Laguna Madre and strong winds coming off the Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island is a windsurfer's dream.

South Padre Island offers some of the best diving along the Gulf Coast - and, the weather is dive friendly for most of the year.

Before you hit the water in Texas, make sure you have everything in proper order.

The winter Dallas Boat Show offers a chance to escape the cold winter weather while still getting a chance to look at a wide variety of boats and tackle, plus listen to experts giving seminars.

Based on Lake Travis and tracing its roots back to 1951, the Austin Yacht Club offers a variety of activities for boaters of all types.

Artist Boat Kayak Adventures offer boat rentals, lessons and tours - affording Galveston visitors a unique vantage point of the Island and its wildlife.

A favorite spot for Dallas watersport enthusiasts, Lake Lewisville offers visitors a variety of activities, including fishing, swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, sailboarding, and more.

Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Lake Buchanan Adventures offers a wide variety of activities, including kayaking, hiking, camping and more, which are geared to excite outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Located a short distance outside of Austin, Krause Springs is located near the headwaters of Cypress Creek. Krause Springs encompasses two large swimming holes and numerous campsites.

One of Austin's favorite spots to cool off, Hamilton Pool is a 200+ acre hole in Hamilton Creek. The hole was formed years ago when a cave below the creek collapsed and filled with water.

Located in north/central Texas, Lake Whitney is a deep, clear impoundment on the Brazos River. Within Lake Whitney State Park there is a buoyed swimming area. Diving and snorkeling are also popular ways to enjoy Whitney's clear waters.

Located outside of Johnson City in Central Texas, Pedernales Falls offers unique swimming opportunity for Texas water enthusiasts. Shallow rapids, deeper holes and, of course, falls, comprise this section of the Pedernales River.

Located in Comal County in the Texas Hill Country, Guadalupe River State Park encompasses a nine-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, offering park visitors plenty of swimming and tubing opportunities.

Located on the Colorado River above Lake Buchanan, Colorado Bend State Park offers visitors some of the best river swimming in the state, as well as hiking, camping, fishing, birding and mountain biking.

Created in 1941, Lake Travis is over 60 miles long, winding through the scenic Texas Hill Country. Lake Travis' clear waters, scenic surroundings and close proximity to Austin have made it one of the most popular lakes for recreational boaters.

Located near the border town of Del Rio, Lake Amistad was formed when the Rio Grande was dammed in 1969. It's remote location is part of its charm, as are its clear, sprawling waters. Massive Lake Amistad encompasses neary 70,000 surface acres, which are shared between Mexico and the United States.

Lake Conroe's 21,000 acres lie just a short drive from Houston. It's quick access to the nation's fourth largest city has made it one of the busiest lakes in the state when it comes to recreational boating traffic.

Formed by damming the cool, clear waters of the Guadalupe River near New Braunfels, Canyon Lake is a favorite among boaters, skiers, fishermen, jet skiers and sailors.

A complete web resource for rafting and tubing Central Texas rivers.