Wakeboard and water ski trips

Wakeboarding and water skiing are the classic tow sports. You hold a handle on a long rope while the boat pulls you across the water. On a wakeboard both feet are strapped to one board, and you can cut across the wake and jump it. On water skis you ride one or two skis.

These trips run faster than wakesurfing, so the ride feels quicker and the falls are bigger. Your captain sets the speed for your level.

Before you book

• Look for the activity. In the app, choose the Wakeboard or Ski activity to see trips that include them. Many wake boats run more than one sport on the same trip.
• Gear. Each listing says what's on board, like boards, skis, ropes and life jackets.
• Beginners are welcome. Getting up takes a few tries. Tell your captain your experience level when you message them after booking.
• Take turns. Guests share the boat, so plan on several rides each.

What to bring

• A swimsuit, a towel and a warm layer
• Sunscreen and a water bottle
• A wetsuit early or late in the season

Where to ride

Tow sports need flat water. Trips run on Lake Tapps and Lake Washington, mostly in the morning, when the water is often calmest.

More to try

• Wakesurf

  Ride the wave behind the boat with no rope once you're up. Great for first-timers.

• Lake Tapps

  A calm reservoir near Bonney Lake in Pierce County, popular for wakesurfing and wakeboarding.

• Lake Washington

  Seattle's big lake, between the city and the Eastside, for wake sports, fishing and sunset cruises.