Making Waves: 12 Colleges Where You Can Dive Into Water Sports and Academics

For some students, the water isn’t just a place to cool off—it’s a way of life. Whether it’s kayaking, rowing, sailing, paddleboarding, or swimming, you don’t have to leave your love for the water behind when you go to college. Many campuses across the U.S. are located near lakes, rivers, and coastlines, offering students a chance to balance academics with aquatic adventures.

Here are 12 schools where you can pursue your degree while staying connected to the water:

1. University of Vermont (Burlington, VT)

Water access: Lake Champlain

Why it’s great: From kayaking to sailing to paddleboarding, Lake Champlain is a hub for water sports. UVM’s outdoor programs and clubs make it easy to get involved.

University of Vermont

2. Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA)

Water access: Salish Sea & nearby rivers

Why it’s great: Students can sail, kayak, or paddleboard right from Bellingham Bay, with organized trips and a vibrant community for both beginners and seasoned athletes.

3. College of Charleston (Charleston, SC)

Water access: Charleston Harbor and Lowcountry waterways

Why it’s great: Perfect for sailing and coastal kayaking, the school’s waterfront setting allows students to connect academics with coastal culture.

4. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)

Water access: Springs & rivers nearby

Why it’s great: Year-round sunshine means year-round paddling, rowing, and swimming. Outdoor clubs regularly organize trips to Florida’s crystal-clear springs.

5. Boise State University (Boise, ID)

Water access: Boise River & Payette River

Why it’s great: River sports dominate here—rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding are part of campus life, with plenty of flatwater and whitewater options nearby.

6. Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT)

Water access: Otter Creek and nearby lakes

Why it’s great: Students take advantage of local waterways for rowing and paddling. The school’s strong outdoor culture makes water sports a natural fit.

7. University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO)

Water access: South Platte River & reservoirs

Why it’s great: While better known for mountains, Boulder also has opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, offering a balance between alpine and aquatic adventures.

8. Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA)

Water access: New River

Why it’s great: Students enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and tubing along the scenic New River, often paired with other outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

9. University of Washington (Seattle, WA)

Water access: Lake Washington & Puget Sound

Why it’s great: Sailing, rowing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are woven into Seattle’s culture, and UW students have access to it all just steps from campus.

10. Appalachian State University (Boone, NC)

Water access: Mountain rivers & lakes

Why it’s great: Outdoor programs encourage students to experience everything from whitewater rafting to flatwater paddling in Western North Carolina’s rivers.

11. Stanford University (Stanford, CA)

Water access: San Francisco Bay

Why it’s great: Stanford’s location near the Bay Area offers access to sailing and paddling opportunities, making it a prime spot for water sport enthusiasts.

12. University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH)

Water access: Oyster River & Great Bay

Why it’s great: UNH students can kayak, sail, or paddleboard in estuaries and bays right off campus, combining New England charm with coastal adventure.