Wakesurf trips

Wakesurfing is surfing the wave a boat makes behind it. You start in the water holding a short rope, the boat pulls you up, and once you find the wave you let go of the rope and ride it. The boat goes slowly, at about the speed of a fast bike ride, so falls are soft.

Wake boats are made for this. They carry weight in the back to shape a bigger wave, and their propeller sits under the hull, away from the rider. With Nohana you book a seat on a captain's trip and take turns with the other guests on board.

Your first time

• You don't need experience. Most people stand up within a few tries, and captains coach you through the start.
• Gear. Each listing says what's on board, like boards and life jackets, and what's included.
• Everyone takes turns. On a full boat, plan on several rides each, with time to rest and watch in between.
• Tell your captain your experience level when you message them after booking.

What to bring

• A swimsuit, a towel and a warm layer for between rides
• Sunscreen and a water bottle
• A wetsuit if you get cold easily, early or late in the season

Where to wakesurf

Calm water makes the best wave, so wakesurf trips run mostly on lakes. Lake Tapps has sheltered water and an easy pace. Lake Washington puts you in the middle of the city.

Plan your wakesurf trip

• 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.

• Wakeboard and Water Ski

  Towed sports behind the boat: wakeboarding, water skiing and the jumps in between.