Where to Go Wakeboarding in North Carolina
Everything you need to consider before you make your new wakeboard purchase
North Carolina – the first in flight, NASCAR Hall of Fame, barbeque…you can never go wrong with spending some time in the Tar Heel State. No matter what you do there, you’ll be treated to stunning views of mountains and trees, winding rivers and serene lakes. As a wakeboarder, though, you may wonder where to go wakeboarding in North Carolina. Are those gorgeous lakes fit for more than just looking at
Whether you’re a North Carolina native, or you’re spending some well-deserved vacation time in the state, you’re sure to find a great spot for taking out your wakeboard. North Carolina’s scenic lakes provide great opportunities for wakeboarding and recreation alike, and you’ll have a great time catching the wakes while soaking in the beautiful scenery around you.
We’ve compiled a list of the best wakeboarding lakes in North Carolina, so next time you’re looking for a place to go, check out this list and grab your wakeboard for some fun and beautiful sights! We’ve included natural lakes as well as a popular wakeboarding park, so no matter what style you’re into, you’ll be able to find a place to go when wakeboarding North Carolina.
Best wakeboarding in North Carolina
- Lake Lure
- Hyco Lake
- Falls Lake
- Kerr Lake
- Elevated Wake Park
Lake Lure
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lure is one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the country. The scenery is stunning – lush mountains along with granite cliffs and the famous Chimney Rock. It’s been used in several movies, including Dirty Dancing and The Last of the Mohicans.
If you’re a beginner wakeboarder, or are just visiting and don’t have your gear, you can hit up Lake Lure Adventure Company. They offer lessons for all skill levels as well as gear rental. Whether you’re a wakeboarder or not, you’ll find something fun to do at the lake or the surrounding town, also named Lake Lure. Spend some time on the beach, have fun at the water park, take a guided tour, or go hiking.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, Lake Lure offers plenty of options for lodging, including hotels, cabins, and camping. All in all, Lake Lure is a great place to go wakeboarding in North Carolina.
Pros:
- Lots of fun activities
- Lessons and gear rental
- Campsites available
Cons:
- Can fill up quickly
Hyco Lake
Hyco Lake is a reservoir that was constructed in the early 1960s as a cooling reservoir for Carolina Power and Light Company’s power generating plant. Now it is a popular destination for all kinds of water activities, including wakeboarding, fishing, boating, and more. It’s located in Person and Caswell counties in northern North Carolina.
Hyco Lake is one of the most popular spots to go wakeboarding in North Carolina due to the fact that the water is heated! The power plant pumps out 120 degree water all year, making the conditions for riding ideal no matter the season. The surrounding trees keep the water glassy for a smooth ride.
Hyco lake offers campsites and picnic grounds. You can also find a golf course and a 30-acre natural learning area with a gazebo-style classroom, paved walking trails, and picnic areas. If you want to rent a boat, visit Hyco Lake Boat Rentals or Hyco Lake Marino.
Pros:
- Heated water
- Wide variety of things to do
- Boat rental
Cons:
- Can fill up quickly
- No gear rental
Falls Lake
Named for the Falls of the Neuse, a whitewater river section that was submerged when the lake was constructed, Falls Lake spans 12, 410 acres. It provides drinking water for surrounding communities and serves as a recreation area and wildlife habitat. Many people consider it to be one of the best spots for wakeboarding in North Carolina due to the glassy water.
Beginners and more advanced riders can take lessons and rent gear and boats from Shred the Gnar Wake School, located at Falls Lake as well as other locations in North Carolina. They also offer camps and other water sports lessons.
After you’ve done some wakeboarding, spend some time hiking around Falls Lake State Recreation area, or take a leisurely canoe ride around the lake. There’s access to camp sites and swimming areas as well as local marinas, and there’s plenty of wildlife to be seen.
Pros:
- Smooth water
- Lessons and gear rental
- Campsites available
Cons:
- Some launch sites don’t allow motor boats
- Fills up quickly on holidays
Find a great beginners wakeboard for kids, women or men.
Kerr Lake
Kerr Lake is a reservoir along the borders of North Carolina and Virginia, covers 50,000 acres with over 800 miles of shoreline. It’s one of the largest reservoirs in the Southeastern United States. Kerr Lake is a popular destination for wakeboarding in North Carolina, as well as all kinds of water activities, including boating and fishing. Visitors enjoy the clean, clear water and beautiful scenery.
There are two privately-operated marinas along the North Carolina shore: Steele Creek and Satterwhite. At those marinas you can rent motor boats and gear if you don’t have your own. If you want to camp, there are plenty of campsites along its shores.
Pros:
- Clean water
- Campsites available
- Rentals available
Cons:
- Water levels fluctuate
Elevated Wake Park
Elevated Wake Park is the only full-sized cable park in North Carolina and offers fun experiences for the whole family. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced wakeboarder, you’ll find that Elevated Wake Park is one of the best for wakeboarding in North Carolina. Visitors love the many obstacles, both industrial and natural, that the park has, as well as the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff.
This is a great place for beginners, as the park offers lessons for all ages. If you’re not there for the wakeboarding you can hang out in the clubhouse or poolside, or enjoy the aqua park, complete with an inflatable obstacle course. There’s a restaurant as well, and you can rent a cabin on site for longer stays. The park offers summer camps for ages 7-15.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Lots of features for everyone
- Professional, friendly staff
Cons:
- Little shade for hot weathe
Wakeboard North Carolina at a stunning location
If you want temperate weather, beautiful scenery, and a great time, go wakeboarding in North Carolina at one of the five locations we’ve listed above. Whether you’re spending time in nature at one of the lakes or enjoying the amenities of a wake park, you’re sure to have tons of fun.
