Best Places for Wakeboarding in Arizona
Beautiful scenery, warm weather and plenty of wakeboarding locations to choose from
When you think of Arizona, the first images that come to mind are very likely desert, heat, the Grand Canyon, and lots and lots of cactus. As a wakeboarder, you may not put the hot, dry state of Arizona at the top of your list of places to visit where you can bring your board and spend some time on the water. Wakeboarding in Arizona is not something you would automatically think of.
Don’t bypass the Grand Canyon State in your quest for good wakeboarding, though. You may not know it, but Arizona offers some great wakeboarding locations and is a surprisingly good place to go wakeboarding! The state has a good number of lakes to choose from, and the warm weather year-round means you can spend time on the water in any season. On top of the great weather, you’ll get some stunning views!
Take a look at our list of best places for wakeboarding in Arizona the next time you’re planning a vacation or if you’re going to be in the area. You can’t go wrong with one of these great wakeboarding lakes in Arizona!
Top Arizona wakeboarding lakes
- Lake Havasu
- Lake Powell
- Lake Pleasant
- Canyon Lake
- Saguaro Lake
Lake Havasu
While it is one of the smaller and more shallow lakes on this list, that doesn’t mean that Lake Havasu isn’t an excellent spot for wakeboarding in Arizona. Because it’s shallower, Lake Havasu gives you a smoother ride, and if you arrive at the right time you’ll be sure to have plenty of space.
The lake is surrounded by gorgeous mountains, canyons, and even some skyscrapers, giving you a stunning view when you’re out on the water or even just chilling on the shore. You can rent a camping spot at Lake Havasu State Park if you’re planning to be there a few days, making it a great family destination. You can also enjoy Lake Havasu City, and there are plenty of options for renting boats and gear, such as Arizona WaterSports.
Pros:
- Smooth water
- Beautiful scenery
- Campgrounds nearby
- City nearby
- Gear rental
Cons:
- Smaller size lake
- Can get crowded at peak times
Lake Powell
If you’re looking for a bigger lake, Lake Powell is a great destination for some Arizona wakeboarding. It’s so big, it took seventeen years for the Colorado River to fill the basin after it was completed in 1963! It has over 2,000 miles of shoreline, is 400 feet deep, and 186 miles long. The surrounding canyons block out most of the wind, giving you a smooth ride.
People love to go to Lake Powell because of what it offers, not just for wakeboarding, but for recreation as well. You can see the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, go hiking or horseback riding, camp at the various campgrounds and RV parks, rent a houseboat, and go on a guided tour.
If you’re only there for the wakeboarding, Lake Powell offers many options for renting boats and gear. If you’re a beginner you can take some lessons. There are boat launches along the banks of the lake, most of them being in Utah, but you can launch from Wahweap State Line Launch Ramp on the Arizona border. This spot often draws large crowds, so make sure to get out there early for some great wakeboarding in Arizona.
Pros:
- Smooth water
- Beautiful scenery
- Campgrounds nearby
- Many options for sightseeing
- Many options for recreation
- Gear rental
Cons:
- Draws large crowds
- Arizona launch ramp fills up quickly
Lake Pleasant
If you’re in the Phoenix area, Lake Pleasant is a great spot for some wakeboarding in Arizona. It’s the largest lake in that area, and offers plenty of space for water sports of all kinds. The lake is surrounded by untouched desert landscapes and soaring mountains, and draws huge numbers of visitors every year. You can bring your own gear, but you can also rent from the park for full and half days. There are two boat launching ramps in the park with restrooms and parking lots.
If you’re not just there for wakeboarding, it’s an excellent spot for fishing, swimming, and partying on a boat. Off of the water, you can go hiking, picnic, visit the discovery center, and camp at Lake Pleasant Regional Park.
Pros:
- Lots of space
- Beautiful scenery
- Campgrounds nearby
- Many options for recreation
- Gear rental
Cons:
- Wind conditions can make some areas unrideable
Find a great beginners wakeboard for kids, women or men.
Canyon Lake
Located in the Tonto National Forest, Canyon Lake is not one of the most popular spots for wakeboarding in Arizona, but is well worth it nonetheless. It’s considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Arizona, but not many people go there because it’s more difficult to get to. The roads to the lake are narrow and winding, which deters a lot of people, but if you’re more adventurous you’ll find the drive well worth it.
Canyon Lake is very long, which is great for straightaway wakeboarding, and along the way you’ll be able to feast your eyes on the gorgeous hills and desert landscape. The hills help to block wind, giving you a smooth ride. You’ll have lots of space since not many people go here, but because of its remote location, however, you won’t find as many amenities as at other lakes.
Pros:
- Smooth water
- Beautiful scenery
- Lots of space
- Straightaway wakeboarding
Cons:
- Remote
- Harder to get to
Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is located near Scottsdale and is a great place to go to get away from Arizona’s famous heat. As you ride, you’ll see beautiful canyon walls and the majestic Saguaro cactus. The lake is 10 miles long and is oer 110 feet deep at its deepest point. You can wakeboard as well as go hiking, take a scenic tour, and go camping.
The lake has a wider section by which to access the campground by boat and a wider section for wakeboarding. It’s a great spot for beginner wakeboarders as there are services offering wakeboarding lessons, and the 22-mile stretch is perfect for practicing long-distance riding.
With a Tonto National Forest pass you can launch your boat from one of the two paved boat ramps for free, or get a camping pass and you can spend the night at the campgrounds. You can find vendors nearby who offer boat and gear rentals. Make sure to get out on the water early, since with all the lessons and visitors the lake fills up quickly and you’ll get a rougher wake.
Pros:
- Beautiful scenery
- Campgrounds nearby
- Lessons available
- Gear rental
Cons:
- Lake fills up quickly
- Water can be rougher with higher number of people
Escape the heat by wakeboarding in Arizona
Whether you live in the state or are just visiting, the heat can be oppressive, especially during the summer. Take advantage of the heat and get out on the water of one of Arizona’s wakeboarding lakes. You’ll be able to cool down as well as see some stunning desert scenery.
No matter if you like crowds and plenty of recreational options, or seclusion and fewer people around, you’ll be able to find your perfect spot from our list of the best places for wakeboarding in Arizona. Grab your board and head down to the Grand Canyon State for some fun in the sun!
