If you love vacations that are full of adrenaline-boosting activities, it’s likely you’ll already know about wakeboarding. An exciting combination of waterskiing, snowboarding and surfing, wakeboarding has been a favorite of thrillseekers everywhere since its beginnings in the 1980s.
Originally known as “skurfing”, wakeboarding requires a wake boat, a craft designed to create large waves for wake surfing and wakeboarding that tows the rider across the water on a wakeboard attached with foot bindings.
Where to Wakeboard
Whether you’re new to wakeboarding or just starting out, locations for this exhilarating sport can be found all over the world. To help you find your next adventure, here is a list of our top seven places to go wakeboarding.
1. 313 WakePark, Lithuania
This is a great place for those who want to try out wakeboarding in a more contained area, rather than out on the ocean or an open lake. Featuring facilities like onsite accommodation, a shop and catering at the Briuisly Bar, it’s a great option for beginners.
2. Aquaski Park, Costa Rica
If you’re looking for somewhere to take the chill off, Costa Rica is an excellent choice, with winter temperatures averaging 71°F. If you’re in search of wakeboarding fun, look no further than Aquaski Park, a 3500 ft man-made lake overlooking the Arenal Volcano.
3. OCP Olimpic Cable Park, Barcelona, Spain
Built in 2015, the OCP features two main cables: the 110-meter long Little Bro for beginner wakeboarders and the 680-meter Big Bro, making it the ideal location for parties of mixed abilities who want to vacation together at the same spot.
4. Lake Powell, Utah and Arizona, US
186 miles long and snaking through impressive canyon formations, this man-made reservoir (the second largest in the United States) is top of the list for many seasoned wakeboarders. Explore the canyons, take wakeboarding lessons or visit the world’s largest natural stone bridge.
5. Radar Lake, Washington State, US
Overlooking the scenic Carnation Valley and based in a plot of land originally bought and developed by owner Herb O’Brien in the 1970s, Radar Lake is the first man-made lake intended for extreme water sports, offering excitement and adventure in beautiful surroundings.
6. Bora Bora Xtrem Sports, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
In a stunning tropical setting, surrounded by crystal clear blue waters, Bora Bora Xtrem Sports is a lagoon cruise like no other, offering a range of fun-filled water activities including tubing, waterskiing, and of course, wakeboarding.
7. Luna Cable Park, Almeria, Spain
Another top wakeboarding spot can be found in Southern Spain, where temperatures reach an average of 80°F, with only two weeks of rainfall each year). With excellent on-site coaches and facilities, it’s the place to find warm weather and an even warmer welcome.
Top Tips
Like most extreme sports, wakeboarding has its risks. Before you travel, check that your venue comes fully equipped with the proper safety gear, including a life jacket and helmet and that the staff have relevant training credentials, like the ICC (International Certificate of Competence).
If you’re a beginner, chances are you’ll fall into the water more than once as you start out, so swimming skills and learning to float are essential. Make note of any safety precautions regarding boat speeds and other water users – and take your time working your way up to tricks.
