Big Bear is a year-round vacation destination that is perfect for anyone that loves the outdoors! Although there are plenty of winter activities to do here, this resort city truly comes alive in the summertime. People from all over California, and the rest of the country, flock to Big Bear during the warm weather months to enjoy all of the fun the lake has to offer. Wakeboarding is a fun activity to take part in on Big Bear Lake! Whether you are new to the sport or a pro, wakeboarding in California is a must do!
Intro to Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding was created by combining elements of water skiing, snowboarding, and surfing. The wakeboard is a rectangular shaped board with shoe mounts on it. Standing on the board in the water, the wakeboard is then pulled by a motorboat. Ride the waves in the wake of the boat, and if you get comfortable, even try a few tricks! The wakeboard is towed behind the board and riders use the combination of the tow speed and the boat’s wake to ride, do tricks, and have fun. Wakeboarding is a popular activity in Big Bear, and you’ll see a range of skill levels out on the water, from casual boaters learning the ropes to the professional events like the Wakeboard World Championships. Wakeboarding is a staple in Big Bear and is a must try activity if you are visiting Big Bear during the summer.
Learning Wakeboarding in California
Trying wakeboarding for the first time? Don’t worry, there are plenty of places in Big Bear that offer lessons to those new to the sport. Captain John’s Marina offers class that begin in June on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the summer resort season. Their instructor has 20 years of experience and will walk you through all the basics so you can get to having fun as soon as possible! These learning workshops are the perfect way to get into the amazing sport of wakeboarding. The instructors are amazing with new students and will guarantee that you have fun. Most students are able to ride along with ease after just a few runs behind the boat.
Rental Options
Several of the marinas around Big Bear Lake offer wakeboarding rentals. You can bring your own equipment or rent all of the equipment from the marina. Included in the rental is the motorboat, driver, gas, and any equipment you may need. An hour of wakeboarding fun typically costs between $175-$200, and there are often discounted rates available for large groups or multiple hours. The marinas and watersport shops around Big Bear Lake all provide for amazing rental and purchase options. Make sure you check out Big Bear Lake Marina, GetBoard, or Pine Knot Marina for some of the bigger options. These boat rentals are a great way to get out on the lake no matter if you own your own gear or want to try a new sport.
The Cable Park
For a completely different experience than traditional wakeboarding, check out the Cable Park! The Cable Park consists of two large ski towers, that pull the wakeboard through the water, no boat required! The cables pull you 500 feet through the water along the enclosed course and back. This is the first public ski tower system in Southern California, so it is certainly a must visit for the passionate wakeboarder. Perfect for beginners, instructors are on site to walk you through the basics, but experts will love the unique experience as well. The Cable Park is also available to rent for private parties or events.
The Cable Park is a great alternative to the expensive nature of renting a whole boat trip on the lake. The state-of-the-art cable system is a great way to ride a wake board and guarantee that you will have perfect water conditions any time of day. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner out for your first ride or an expert airing the cable and shredding the features, the cable system is amazing for all levels. Boat rentals for wakeboarding generally start at around $150 per hour, while the cable park starts at $15 for the first hour and only $10 for each hour after that. If you are looking for the whole package, the Cable Park also offers equipment rentals. The Cable Park equipment package includes your wakeboard, life jacket, and helmet for $15 or $5 for just the helmet or jacket only if you are bringing your own gear. This is a great way to try out the sport while not having to break the bank. The Cable Park really is a great way to ensure fun without the traditional risks of renting out a boat for multiple hours at an incredible expense. The Cable Park is a must visit if you are into water sports or just want to try something new.
