Speed and Sport: Discovering Kelowna's Best Wakeboarding and Waterskiing with Our Sport Boats

Let loose on the water and enjoy a thrilling ride on Okanagan’s finest whether you’re a beginner or a pro!

If you’re anything like us and have been holding your breath to try out some adrenaline-pumping water sports this summer, you’re in for a ride! At Kelowna’s Downtown Marina, we’ve got some exceptional watercrafts that will leave you with fun-filled memories that last a lifetime. To begin with, we’ll take you through our best boats for wakeboarding and waterskiing.

Rental boats designed for wakeboarding and waterskiing

While Downtown Marina has an enviable collection of boats to rent from, few in particular are specifically created for water sports. They come equipped with a towing mechanism that allows the boat to tow the rider behind it. Following are our MasterCraft sport boats that are perfect for wakeboarding and waterskiing:

Mastercraft XT22

Experience peak performance like no other with the Mastercraft XT22

The Mastercraft XT22 is a dynamic beauty that promises athleticism at its finest for those behind the boat. Not only that, this powerful performer offers the most customizable wakes and waves in the industry for every skill level. It is also extremely spacious and can seat up to 16 people. Don’t have a party that big? Well, we guess everyone will have double the room to kick up their feet and enjoy the gorgeous Okanagan Lake!

Mastercraft XT22 - T

Live to the fullest this summer with our luxe Mastercraft XT22 - T watercraft

This watercraft seamlessly blends classic style and extraordinary performance. With picture-perfect surf waves, superior quality, and plenty of water sports options, it's no wonder that the Mastercraft XT22 - T is deemed one of the leading boats in the industry! It also features a stunning layout, roomy interiors and plush comfort for a crew of up to 14.

Mastercraft XT23

Criss-cross the waves in style with this impressive boat rental!

The Mastercraft XT23 is one of our star performers, pumping out world-class, customizable wakes and waves for novices and experienced individuals alike. What’s better is that all it takes is the simple push of a button to experience the tallest, longest, and most symmetrical waves. From bow to stern and beyond, this boat offers ergonomic comfort, ample storage space, and endless thrill for all; age or skill won’t be a limitation!

Is it your first time wakeboarding or waterskiing?

If you’re a beginner at these water sports there’s nothing to worry about, with a few simple pointers and some practice attempts, you’ll be able to brave the Okanagan lake on your wakeboard or skis! After all, there’s firsts for everything and there’s no better way to do it than on our gorgeous gem of a lake.

If you’ve never waterskied before, balancing on the skis and speeding across the water may seem a bit daunting and difficult at first, however, with the right methods, it will be easier to maneuver. Following are some brief tips on getting comfortable with waterskiing:

Use skis that are wide and stable, and make sure the weight range of the skis match your build.
Practice your waterskiing stance on land before getting in the water.
Learn the correct waterskiing hand signals beforehand so you can communicate with people on the boat.
Before starting, lean back with your knees close to your chest and your skis pointing upward. The rope should be tight and between the skis.
As the boat begins pulling the rope, lean back and let the boat pull you to an upright position while keeping your knees bent. It is important to let the boat do the work, rather than exerting too much pressure on yourself.

Next, we have must-know tips for wakeboarding beginners:

Start with the right gear, beginners should typically look for a longer board for stability and float. However, it is a fun sport, so, the right wakeboard is all about personal preference and should be fun! You’ll also need a life jacket to be safe and keep you afloat if you fall, get a jacket that fits you properly and is tight enough. If you can lift the shoulders above your ears, it isn’t tight enough.
Figure out whether you’re goofy or regular, and no, we’re not referencing Mickey’s friend Goofy, but your stance on the board. Goofy means your right foot will be forward on the board and regular means your left foot is forward. If you skate or play football, you’ll know which foot is your dominant one. Another trick is to stand straight, feet together and fall forwards, whichever foot stops your fall is the foot you’ll want at the front of the board.
Use a short rope when starting out. For beginners, a shorter rope makes learning easier. It helps you hear instructions from the boat, reduces slack, simplifies standing up, and positions you in the narrower, more manageable part of the wake.
Don’t pull on the rope. Resist the urge to pull on the rope to stand up. Instead, stay strong and let the boat lift you from the water with minimal effort on your part.
Heads up! You’re probably going to fall flat on your face. Expect to fall and get a mouthful of water; it's part of learning. Wakeboarding has a steep learning curve, but you'll get the hang of it quickly, often within a few hours.

Since you’ll already be aboard a boat, exploring some popular, historic sites (*ahem* will the legend of the Ogopogo come to life?!) along the Western and Eastern shorelines, makes for the perfect break! So, give your muscles some time to recuperate and channel your inner explorer, or you could even toast and dine to a day well-spent on the water in some of Kelowna's best eateries. To learn more about our favourite attractions—some are only accessible via a boat—and crowd favourite dining spots, read more on leading attractions you can stop by!

For more tips on planning your boating adventure, check out our Must-Have Boater's Guide to Touring Lake Okanagan.