Water sports are all about fun, skill, and adventure, and two of the most popular ones are wakesurfing and wakeboarding. At Muskoka Wake, we spend every summer teaching and guiding riders of all levels, so we know firsthand that people often get these two sports mixed up. While they might look similar from the boat, wakesurfing and wakeboarding are actually very different experiences.
If you’ve ever wondered which sport is right for you or simply want to understand the differences, this guide breaks it all down.
What Is Wakeboarding?
Wakeboarding has been around since the 1980s and is often described as a mix of water skiing, snowboarding, and surfing. The rider is strapped into boots attached to a board and towed behind the boat with a rope. The speed is faster—usually around 18 to 24 mph, which allows the rider to launch off the wake and perform tricks like spins and flips.
Wakeboarding is more high-intensity, with bigger jumps, more adrenaline, and a steeper learning curve. Riders who enjoy speed and aerial tricks usually gravitate toward wakeboarding.
What Is Wakesurfing?
Wakesurfing is a newer sport that’s grown quickly in popularity, especially in cottage country here in Muskoka. Unlike wakeboarding, you don’t stay connected to the rope the whole time. Riders start by holding a rope to get up on the board, but once they find the “sweet spot” in the wake, they toss the rope back into the boat. From that point on, you’re riding the endless wave created by the boat at a slower speed, usually 10 to 12 mph.
Wakesurf boards are smaller and lighter than wakeboards, and you ride them without bindings, just like a surfboard. The feel is smooth and flowy, more like traditional surfing.
Key Differences Between Wakesurfing and Wakeboarding
While both sports use the boat’s wake, they have some clear differences:
- Speed
- Wakeboarding: Faster (18–24 mph).
- Wakesurfing: Slower (10–12 mph).
- Rope Use
- Wakeboarding: You hold the rope for the entire ride.
- Wakesurfing: You only use the rope to start, then ride freely on the wave.
- Equipment
- Wakeboarding: Heavier board, with boots/bindings.
Wakesurfing: Surf-style board, no bindings.
- Wakeboarding: Heavier board, with boots/bindings.
- Style of Riding
- Wakeboarding: Focus on jumps, spins, and aerial tricks.
- Wakesurfing: Smooth carving, balance, and surf-style tricks.
- Learning Curve
- Wakeboarding: More challenging for beginners; harder falls at higher speeds.
- Wakesurfing: Easier to pick up; lower speed makes falls gentler.
Which One Is Safer?
Safety is always a big question. Both sports can be safe when done properly, but wakesurfing has some natural advantages for beginners. Because it’s slower and falls are softer, most people find wakesurfing less intimidating. That said, both sports require proper instruction, safe equipment, and a boat designed for the activity.
At Muskoka Wake, we emphasize using the right boat setup. Wakesurfing should only be done behind inboard boats designed for surf—never behind outboard or stern-drive boats, as the propeller is unsafe for close riding.
Which One Should You Try First?
It depends on your personality and what excites you most:
- If you love speed, adrenaline, and big tricks, wakeboarding might be your sport.
- If you prefer smooth rides, flow, and a surfing vibe, wakesurfing is probably the better fit.
Many riders in Muskoka try both. They start with wakesurfing to build balance and confidence, then move to wakeboarding when they’re ready for more intensity.
Why Both Are Popular in Muskoka
Muskoka’s lakes are perfect for both wakesurfing and wakeboarding. Calm mornings and evenings create ideal riding conditions, and the region’s active water sports culture makes it easy to find a boat, board, or lesson.
At Muskoka Wake, we’ve taught thousands of riders over the years, from kids standing up for the first time to experienced riders perfecting tricks. Our instructors know the ins and outs of both sports and help you progress at your own pace.
Final Thoughts
Wakesurfing and wakeboarding may share a boat, but the experiences are completely different. Wakeboarding is fast, powerful, and full of airtime. Wakesurfing is smooth, playful, and closer to traditional surfing.
Whether you want the thrill of big jumps or the relaxed flow of riding a wave, both sports bring incredible fun to the water. At Muskoka Wake, we’re here to help you discover the best of both worlds, with professional instruction, the right equipment, and the perfect Muskoka setting.Ready to ride? Contact Muskoka Wake today and let’s get you on the water.
