Wakeboarding
Top 10 wakeboarding lakes in Florida
Whether you want to try new moves or glide and enjoy your surroundings, there’s a lake in Florida ideal for the experience you’re seeking.
With more than 30,000 public and private lakes, Florida summons water sports enthusiasts year-round. The Sunshine State’s perfect blend of warm weather and a vibrant wakeboarding community makes it an epicenter of this exhilarating sport. Your quest for the ideal Florida wakeboarding experience should extend beyond planning your next wakeboarding tricks, too. It's all about choosing the right lake for hours of fun.
Parks Bonifay competes at the Red Bull Double or Nothing in Orlando, FL
© Robert Snow / Red Bull Content Pool
Orlando is especially notable within Florida’s wakeboarding scene. Lake Ivanhoe, near Orlando’s College Park neighborhood, is where Red Bull Double or Nothing wakeboarding event took place. As wakeboarding legend Parks Bonifay, who leads the charge on this event, once said, “I’m privileged that I got into wakeboarding at such an early stage and helped influence the sport.”
When you wakeboard in Florida, you become more likely to get in on this thrilling water sport at an early stage too. Below are 10 of the top wakeboarding lakes in Florida.
01
Lake Ivanhoe, Orlando
Located in Orange County, Lake Ivanhoe is one of Central Florida’s top spots for wakeboarding. This 124-acre body of water gives you plenty of space to explore and perfect your skills.
Red Bull Double or Nothing
© Red Bull Content Pool
Lake Ivanhoe has become synonymous with high-octane action and thrilling competitions. The Red Bull Double or Nothing event puts Lake Ivanhoe on the wakeboarding map, as this lake is a perfect stage for the extravaganza. The event will once again highlight this lake as a hub for wakeboarders.
02
Lake Minneola, Clermont
Often called the “wakeboarding capital of the world,” Clermont is home to professional wakeboarder Danny Harf and the 1,900-acre Lake Minneola. This Central Florida lake has become quite the hotspot for fishing, swimming, and — you guessed it — wakeboarding. A public boat ramp makes it easy to get situated in the water and enjoy all the lake has to offer.
Another benefit of this lake is its numerous options for parking. You’ll find street parking and public lots nearby. When you’re coming down off your wakeboarding high, you can take a hike around the lake’s scenic trail for stunning waterside views.
03
Lake Hancock, Bartow
Lake Hancock is located just north of Bartow in Southwest Florida. (You’re not seeing double, though — there’s a second, different Lake Hancock near Orlando.) Spanning more than 4,500 acres, this lake is a favorite spot for both water sports and outdoor enthusiasts. While it may be relatively shallow (about four feet deep on average), its large size provides ample room for recreational activities.
When you're wakeboarding on these serene waters, you might see some bass, catfish, or blue tilapia gliding below you. However, sometimes in the summer and fall, blue-green algae can create harmful toxins in the waters. Before your visit — as with any lake — look out for local swimming news and guidelines to ensure you're only wakeboarding during the safest times.
04
Lake Jessamine, Orlando
Just south of downtown Orlando lies Lake Jessamine. With its several accessible boat ramps, docks, and expansive size, this lake offers the ideal setting for wakeboarding. It’s no wonder, then, that the lake has garnered a reputation for regularly hosting impressive wakeboarding talent.
Towering trees surround Lake Jessamine’s shores and break up windy gusts, making it easier for you to enjoy the waters even on blustery days. The lush scenery also provides awe-inspiring views as you’re speeding across the lake.
05
Lake Holden, Orlando
Located just 10 minutes north of Lake Jessamine, Lake Holden is the perfect environment if you’re looking for some laid-back time on the water. This lake’s easygoing atmosphere doesn’t always draw the same bustling crowds as larger Florida lakes — and that's precisely what makes it so enchanting.
Cory Teunissen trains on Lake Holden in Orlando, Florida
© Chris Garrison / Red Bull Content Pool
Lake Holden’s modest size and slower pace create a sense of exclusivity where you can savor the experience of wakeboarding. You can take the time and space you need to focus on perfecting your craft while soaking in the pleasures of gliding across the water.
06
Lake Conway, Orlando
Lake Conway is located in Belle Isle just south of Orlando and roughly 25 minutes from Disney World. This lake is part of a chain of canals comprising four beautiful lakes known as the Conway Chain of Lakes. When you step onto its shores, you'll feel the calm of its tranquil surroundings.
Lake Conway’s waters are mostly clear, giving you a unique view of the underwater world while you’re zipping across the surface. With the lake’s serene atmosphere and the convenience of being in Orlando, you’re bound to have a thrilling yet soothing time on these waters.
07
Johns Lake, Clermont
Halfway between Orlando and Clermont, Johns Lake offers 2,500 acres of calm waters. This lake’s location makes it accessible for both tourists and locals looking to escape the city buzz and indulge in the rush of water sports. With ample space to roam and unleash your wakeboarding skills, it's no wonder Johns Lake is a cherished spot for riders of all skill levels.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite from your wakeboarding adventures, you can enjoy a relaxing picnic beneath the cool shade of the lake’s oak trees. You’ll also find several types of wildlife in the area, including birds enjoying the water and maybe a couple of alligators.
08
Lake Bryan, Lake Buena Vista
Just east of the city of Lake Buena Vista as well as Disney Springs, Lake Bryan provides wakeboarders with an exciting time outdoors. This deep, murky lake plunges to a depth of approximately 98 feet, making it an ideal spot for pro riders and swimmers.
Lake Bryan can be among the more crowded Orlando-area wakeboarding spots, and other people aren’t the lake’s only signs of life. As you glide across the lake, lots of wildlife will likely be out to greet you. You might choose to cast your line and enjoy some fishing alongside your wakeboarding.
09
Lake Dora, Tavares
Bordering Tavares and Mount Dora in Central Florida, Lake Dora is one of seven lakes that comprise the Harris Chain of Lakes. As you glide its waters on your wakeboard, the lake’s eastern and northern shorelines in particular will give you a scenic backdrop.
One of the most convenient features of Lake Dora is its parking options. You won't have to compete for a good spot since there’s ample space for cars and trailers alike. And when you're done hitting the waves, there's still more to explore. Tavares and Mount Dora frequently host local festivals celebrating antique boats and furniture, providing a fun and unique experience.
10
Lake Osborne, Lake Worth
Just west of the city of Lake Worth in Palm Beach County, Lake Osborne lies just minutes away from Florida’s East Coast beaches. This 365-acre lake offers a mix of water sports excitement and natural beauty. Plus, if you're planning to extend your adventure, you can make the most of this water wonderland at John Prince Park Campground. If you're looking to really change things up, there's a nearby golf club that provides gorgeous views of the entire area.
Slicing through the waters of the Sunshine State
In Florida, the thrill of wakeboarding meshes with the serenity of natural landscapes at every turn. Whether you want to try new moves or glide and enjoy your surroundings, there’s a lake in Florida ideal for the experience you’re seeking. If you need a place to start, check out Lake Ivanhoe during Red Bull’s Double or Nothing event. You’ll get an up-close view as to why so many wakeboarders choose to hop on their boards in the Sunshine State.