Wakesurfing has been riding a wave of popularity all over the USA since 2015.

In fact, according to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, towboat sales have grown by double-digits every year since then thanks to this sport.

Lake Powell is one of the most popular destinations for these new-age surfers to enjoy their sport, but there are plenty of others out there.

If you’re keen to try out wakeboarding closer to home, here’s where to go.

1. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of the nation’s favorite places for watersports of all kinds. That’s not surprising when you take into account that 75% of days at Lake Tahoe are sunny and clear.

It’s a huge playground spanning 193 square miles which give you plenty of opportunities to try out wakeboard surfing minus the crowds. It’s also the second deepest lake in the US. 

If it’s your first time out, there are several wakeboarding schools on the lake to show you the ropes. Other waterborne activities at Lake Tahoe include kayaking, parasailing, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding.

In your downtime, you’ll find a host of hikes and trail rides to enjoy on both the Nevada and California shores of the Lake.

2. Table Rock Lake

This Missouri lake regularly plays host to the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboarding competition. That’s how you know it’s a good place for getting out there on your wakesurf boards.

During the summer, the water hovers around 70 degrees F, so you won’t need a wetsuit either.

If you’re not quite up to competition standard yet, you can learn how to surf behind a boat from one of the watersport schools onsite.

Table Rock Lake is also one of the state’s most popular fishing destinations and a great destination for kayaking, boating, parasailing, and scuba diving.

Landlubbers can keep themselves busy with hikes and bike trails along the shores. There are over 100 different places to stay around Table Rock Lake.

3. Lake Mead

This the largest reservoir in the country and has the added benefit of being just 30 minutes from the bright lights of Las Vegas.

This huge body of water is a by-product of Lake Hoover’s construction process where the Colorado River was re-routed.

The Lake Mead Recreational Area covers 1.5 million acres. It includes Las Vegas Bay, Lake Mohave, and the surrounding land.

It’s a scenic destination too, backed by towering mountain ranges and swaying palm trees.

Apart from Vegas’ many attractions, you can also boat and fish in secluded coves, go after a big catch at Overton Arm, or spend time on a houseboat.

The onsite instructors will not only get you started with this high-adrenalin sport, but they’ll also teach you a couple of tricks to impress your friends.

Read More: Top 7 Dive Sites In The World You Need To Explore

4. Lake Austin

Lake Austin strikes just the right balance between partying and watersports action. If you’re more serious about surfing behind a boat, you can head to nearby Lake Travis where things are a little quieter.

The lake is part of the Colorado River and winds around the city after which it’s named. It’s the sixth lake down in the Texas chain of Highland Lakes.

You’ll find no shortage of opportunities for boating, horseback riding, biking, hiking, and fishing when you visit Lake Austin.

Despite the party atmosphere, there is a wide range of family activities nearby too. These include a miniature train, playparks, and the Austin Zoo.

5. Wakesurfing at Lake Norman

Lake Norman is in North Carolina close to Charlotte. Apart from excellent opportunities for wakeboard surfing, there’s always something on the go in this area.

Lovely forests line the edges of the lake and are perfect for hiking, biking, or picnicking. The Beer and Wine Trail is a great way to explore the artisan brews in the area.

There are no speed or horsepower limits on Lake Norman, so it’s a popular destination for every kind of craft from powerboats to pontoons.

You can waterski, paddleboat, and kayak on these calm clear waters, there’s plenty of space for everyone. The largest catfish ever caught in North Carolina came out of these waters. It weighed 85 pounds!

6. Lake Minnetonka

Lake Minnetonka is a wonderful place to wakesurf within minutes of Minneapolis. There are over 30 bays connected by 31 channels scattered along this 14,000-acre body of water.

These are the best places to hit the water at Lake Minnetonka:

  • Halsted Bay which is the quietest part of the lake and has smooth waters and little wind.
  • North Arm in the northern part of the lake where you can practice tricks on the long straight bay.
  • Forest Lake has an extra-long channel, little boat traffic, and smooth water all day long.

Other attractions at Lake Minnetonka include a hearty party scene, a busy beach scene, and the Three Rivers Regional Parks. Other watersports include paddle boarding, skiing, and kayaking.

7. Lake Shasta

Another California gem, Lake Shasta has a 30,000-acre surface area and plenty of coves and inlets to explore.

It was the original venue for the Boardstock Wakeboard Championships and it’s often touted as one of the best wakesurfing destinations around.

If you’re heading there for your first shot at this activity, there’s an excellent wakeboarding school onsite.

You can also indulge in waterskiing, fishing, and relaxing boat cruises.

You’ll find plenty to keep the whole family entertained at Lake Shasta. Some of the top attractions are:

  • Tours of the Shasta Caverns
  • A visit to an ancient volcano
  • Camping and hiking along 370 miles of shoreline

The Shasta reservoir wall is quite a sight being three times the height of Niagara Falls. It’s well worth taking the short trip to see it.

More Top Tactics

If you’d like to find out more about the exhilarating world of wakesurfing, get in touch with your nearest wakesurfing school. For safety’s sake, it’s best to get some expert instruction before you hit the water.

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Flip through our articles for more advice on daily dilemmas as well as exciting adventures.

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