Wakeboarding
Top 5 wakeboarding lakes in Texas
Whether you’re new to wakeboarding or a long-timer looking to master more challenging tricks, the lakes of Texas offer something for everyone.
Every wakeboarder has a moment that first motivated them to get in the water. For Red Bull wakeboarder Anna Nikstad, that moment came when watching someone else at her local wake park master a front roll.
"I thought if she could do that, I can surely do that,” Nikstad says. “We went back to the park the next day. I learned toe-front roll, toe back roll, and after that, everything started clicking.”
Anna Nikstad wakeboards in Caddo Lake, Texas
© Adam Valadez / Red Bull Content Pool
If you’re looking for wakeboarding inspiration, Nikstad’s home state of Texas offers some of the best wakeboarding lakes in the United States. The Lone Star State is full of magnificent lakes where you can watch wakeboarders of all levels flex their skills as you enjoy breathtaking views. Some Texas lakes are more suited to beginners than others, and if you do your research, you can find a lake that’s ideal for you. Read ahead for a guide to the top wakeboarding lakes Texas has to offer.
01
Lake Austin, Austin
If you’re in search of a great wakeboarding spot deep in the heart of Central Texas, check out Lake Austin. This lake — part of Texas’ Highland Lakes reservoir system — is located along the Colorado River 25 minutes from downtown Austin. This man-made lake was created over a century ago, and it’s been a local haven for all things aquatic recreation ever since.
You can enjoy scenic tree-lined shores interspersed with Austin high rises on this winding reservoir. You’ll find plenty of boat rental options nearby as well. In fact, wakeboarding on Lake Austin is so popular that local wakeboard day camps offer kids’ lessons during the summer. Even on a windy day, you can usually still find a nice stretch of the lake where you can perfect your wakeboard ollies and jumps.
02
Lake Travis, Austin
Lake Travis certainly lives up to the legend that everything is bigger in Texas. This massive lake is one of the largest reservoirs in the Highland Lakes chain, with a maximum capacity of 260 billion gallons. At over 60 miles long with several boat ramps to launch from, you can wakeboard almost anywhere on this lake. Just be aware of any designated “no wake” areas.
On a busy day at Lake Travis, you’re likely to see pontoon boats and Texans enjoying other water recreational activities such as water skiing. But with so much space, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a good spot to wakeboard. And if you want to show off your skills, Lake Travis is also home to the annual Barrel Boss Wakeboard Competition.
03
Lake Conroe, Montgomery
This gorgeous Central Texas lake an hour north of Houston features 157 miles of shoreline. The calm waters of Lake Conroe make it a great place for beginners to learn how to cross the wake and perfect their pop. You can also catch advanced wakeboarders flaunting their skills at local contests such as the Come and Take It Conroe Classic.
There are ample amenities nearby, including boat rentals and resorts, if you want to spend a few days on the lake. You’ll get especially unforgettable views of the Sam Houston National Forest if you practice your backrolls from the lake’s north side.
04
Lake Lewisville, Lewisville
When Dallas residents want to enjoy their favorite sports on the water, Lake Lewisville is usually where they go. The lake takes just over 30 minutes to drive to from downtown Dallas, and several tranquil parks surround its 233 miles of shoreline. There are boat rental options near the Lake Park Golf Course and Little Elm Park, not to mention boat ramps all around the lake.
The waters on Lake Lewisville can get choppy, especially when the lake is more crowded. But if you feel solid with wakeboarding fundamentals such as balance and turns, wakeboarding is a great way to take in that magnificent lake view.
05
Lake Ray Hubbard (Rockwall)
This beautiful lake is another Dallas-area favorite. Named after former Dallas Parks and Recreation leader Ray Hubbard, locals love this spot for fishing and all kinds of boat-related fun. This lake’s water levels can fluctuate, so you may want to ask locals for guidance on the safest, most obstacle-free spots to wakeboard. Finding wakeboard experts should be a breeze since there are plenty of rental sites nearby. Groups such as the Texas Wake Collective are also happy to give lessons to newcomers if you need someone to show you the ropes.
Get ready and rarin’ to go wakeboarding
Whether you’re new to wakeboarding or a long-timer looking to master more challenging tricks, the lakes of Texas offer something for everyone. No matter where you find yourself in the Jumbo State, there’s usually a great wakeboarding spot just a short distance away. If you want astonishing lake views and terrific wakeboarding waters, Texas is the place to be.