When We're Open
The Waterfront is open during the academic year. Kayak and paddleboard checkouts are staffed:
- Sunday: 12 – 4 p.m.
- Tuesday: 4 – 7 p.m.
- Thursday: 4 – 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Waterfront
Kayaks, paddleboards, and a dock across the street from the Wellness Center. Free
with your FSC ID.
Make the Most of our Beautiful Lakefront
Located on Lake Hollingsworth, directly across from the Nina B. Hollis Wellness Center, our boathouse and dock are the home base for everything on the water. Check out a kayak or paddleboard and go — the program is free and open to FSC students, faculty, and staff. All you need is your FSC ID.
One of the most popular recreational lakes in Polk County, Lake Hollingsworth averages about 4 feet deep, making it a forgiving place to try a water sport for the first time. Beyond paddling, the lake is a hub for fishing, bird watching, picnicking, biking, and a very busy three-mile paved path.
Hours and Access
The Waterfront is free and open to all FSC students, faculty and staff. All you need is your FSC ID and a signed waiver — we provide the rest.
What You Can Check Out
- Kayaks — single and tandem
- Paddleboards
- Life jackets and whistles — provided and required
First Visit
Never paddled before? That’s the point. Lake Hollingsworth’s shallow, calm water makes it one of the easiest places to learn, and the waterfront attendant is right there to get you started. You don’t need experience, your own gear or a plan. Here’s all it takes:
- Bring your FSC ID and walk down to the dock, directly across from the Wellness Center.
- Sign a waiver with the waterfront attendant.
- Grab a life jacket. The attendant will get you fitted — life jackets are required the whole time you’re on the water.
- Pick your ride — kayak or paddleboard — and head out. The attendant can show you the basics before you go.
That’s it. We provide the equipment; you provide the afternoon.
Home of the Water Ski Team
Lake Hollingsworth and the Waterfront are also home base for FSC’s championship Water Ski Team. A few times each year, the Waterfront hosts water-ski clinics, a chance to try water skiing on your own campus lake, with equipment and instruction provided. Follow us on Instagram for upcoming clinic dates.
Waterfront Policies
The following guidelines are designed for the comfort and safety of all users. If you have any questions, please contact the waterfront attendant on duty.
- All participants must wear their life jacket for the duration of the time on the water.
- All life jackets are equipped with a whistle. Whistles should be used to signal for help.
- Participants are to stay clear of other boats and water-ski buoys.
- Lake Hollingsworth is home to wildlife. All participants must be respectful of the environment and their surroundings.
- Participants must adhere to all policies set forth by the waterfront attendant.
- A foghorn may be used to call participants back to shore. This is used either at closing or if the weather has become unsafe to be on the lake. All participants must come in as soon as the foghorn is blown.
- There is no fishing allowed from the dock area, paddleboards or kayaks.
- Personal boats/watercraft are not allowed to park at the dock.
Get in Touch
Questions about checkout hours, equipment or your first time on the water? Contact the Hollis Wellness Center at 863.680.6290.
Looking for more ways to get outside? Explore trips, outings and more through Adventure Recreation.
Alex Klausing
Adventure Recreation and Risk Management Coordinator