Wakeboarding
5 top wakeboarding lakes in California
From north to south, California offers lakes for all wakeboarding levels in nearly every part of the state including Lake Shasta, Lake Tahoe, Lake Elsinore and more.
California may be famous for its surf-friendly coastline, but you can still catch waves even when you’re miles from the ocean. The Golden State is also full of breathtakingly beautiful lakes that are perfect for a day of practicing wakeboarding tricks.
You can easily find calm, smooth California lakes primed for beginners. You can also head to more challenging lakes, best for the kind of expert wakeboarders you’ll see at tournaments including Red Bull’s Double or Nothing. Read ahead for a guide to the top wakeboarding lakes California has to offer, from north to south.
01
Lake Shasta, Northern California
Located just under 20 miles north of Redding, Lake Shasta’s 365-mile shoreline runs along some of California’s glassiest, most pristine waters. The lake, with its calm currents and stunning mountain scenery, is one of Northern California’s most popular wakeboarding spots. It’s also the largest manmade lake in the state.
There are plenty of options to rent boats near Lake Shasta, and if you’re a beginner, some local wakeboard rental shops offer lessons. Shasta is also a common site for other lake activities such as fishing and water skiing. The local wildlife you might see here is striking too, ranging from small waterfowl to bald eagles.
Because of Lake Shasta’s ideal climate and warm waters, it can get crowded in the afternoon. But if you get up early and go before peak hours, you won’t have to compete for space with other aquatic recreation enthusiasts. If you’re not an early riser, a wakeboard riding session in the evening before sunset is also a great way to end the day.
02
Clear Lake, Northern California
If you travel about two and a half hours north of San Francisco, you’ll find the largest naturally occurring freshwater lake in California. Clear Lake measures 19 miles by eight miles, with multiple public access entry points and places to rent boats and buy wakeboard gear. In addition to being a great wakeboarding destination, Clear Lake is a favorite spot for water skiing, tubing, kayaking, jet skiing, and fishing.
Spring and late summer aren’t always the best times to go to Clear Lake since it usually experiences its two seasonal algae blooms then. The rest of the time, though, Clear Lake’s warm waters make the perfect setting for practicing wakeboard tricks against the backdrop of nearby Mount Konocti.
03
Lake Tahoe, Northern California
Lake Tahoe is a favorite vacation spot for Californians who want to get away and enjoy the great outdoors. Located more than 100 miles northeast of Sacramento, Lake Tahoe’s clear waters, 72-mile shoreline, and picturesque mountain views attract wakeboard enthusiasts of all levels.
You can find lots of places to rent everything you need for a day of wakeboarding, from top-of-the-line wakeboard boats to boards and other equipment. Whether your Lake Tahoe trip marks your first time wakeboarding or you’re already developing your wakeboard jumps, local wakeboard instructors offer lessons on the lake.
The water is a bit cooler than some of the other lakes on this list, so bringing or renting a warm wetsuit is best. Additionally, the water often gets choppier as more people and boats use the lake, especially on the weekends. If you just want some leisurely time on the water without a crowd, early morning is when Lake Tahoe is at its most serene.
04
Lake Berryessa, Northern California
This Napa Valley reservoir lake, roughly between Sacramento and Santa Rosa, offers a tranquil and gorgeous wakeboard setting nestled underneath the Vaca Mountains. With water temperatures up to 75 degrees in the summer, this lake is a favorite spot for water sports. It’s also been the site of some exciting wakeboarding events, such as the 2022 Cali Comp Festival wakeboarding competition.
You can find several wakeboard rental spots along the 23-mile-long lake if you want to rent a boat for the day. Plus, most local rental shop staffers are happy to offer a few pointers on boat settings for creating the best wakes.
05
Lake Elsinore, Southern California
Located in Riverside County just outside Los Angeles, Lake Elsinore is a beloved spot for the Southern California wakeboarding community. For boat rentals and lessons from the pros, the north end of the lake offers great rental shops. And if you see what looks like a person flying overhead as you’re rotating into a wakeboard backroll, your eyes haven’t deceived you. In addition to boating and wakeboarding, Lake Elsinore is popular with skydivers and hang-gliders.
California’s lakes are wakeboarding heaven
From north to south, California offers lakes for all wakeboarding levels in nearly every part of the state. Maybe you’re an aspiring pro wakeboarder who wants to reach the level of Red Bull’s Double or Nothing contestants. Or maybe you’re a casual wakeboarder who wants to enjoy a thrilling day on the water surrounded by majestic mountains. Either way, California’s lakes are well-suited — and unforgettable — for every type of wakeboarder.