The Ultimate Guide to Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing & Tubing in Big Bear Lake
What version of Big Bear are you looking for?
This guide is for version two.
If you’re looking for:
- Wakeboarding
- Wakesurfing
- Waterskiing
- Tubing
- Kneeboarding
- Wake skating
- Private wake boat charters
- Drivers and instructors
…below you will find the best companies in Big Bear Lake to book with.
Best Wakeboarding & Wakesurfing Companies in Big Bear Lake
Address: 439 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: (909) 229-0035
Best For: Beginners, families, lessons, all-around wake sports
Big Bear Watersports School is probably the most well-known dedicated wake sports operator on the lake. They operate out of Pine Knot Marina and focus heavily on instruction and guided experiences.
Activities offered include:
- Wakeboarding
- Wakesurfing
- Waterskiing
- Wake skating
- Knee boarding
- Tubing
- ZUP boarding
Why guests love them:
- Beginner-friendly instruction
- Great for kids and first-timers
- Equipment included
- Experienced captains and coaches
Best for:
- Families
- Mixed-skill groups
- First-time riders
- Guests without boating experience
Address: 603 Landlock Landing Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: (909) 556-3345
Best For: More serious wake sports energy, private charters, experienced riders
Designated Wakesports operates out of Pleasure Point Marina and leans harder into the dedicated wake boat culture side of the lake.
Their charters include:
- Tournament wake boats
- Captain/instructor included
- Wakeboarding
- Wakesurfing
- Waterskiing
- Kneeboarding
- Tubing
Their vibe feels a little more:
- performance-oriented
- sport-focused
- “let’s ride until our legs stop working”
Why advanced riders like them:
- High-performance boats
- Better wakes for surfing
- Private charter format
- More customizable sessions
Best for:
- Teen groups
- Experienced riders
- Bachelor/bachelorette weekends
- Guests specifically wanting wakesurfing
Address: 38573 N Shore Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: (909) 866-4386
Best For: Tow sports on the quieter side of the lake
North Shore Landing offers professional tow sports alongside their boat rental operation.
Activities include:
- Wakeboarding
- Waterskiing
- Wake surfing
- Tubing
- Kneeboarding
- Wake skating
One advantage here is location.
Because they operate from the north shore/Fawnskin side, guests can sometimes get calmer conditions and avoid some of the heavier marina congestion near The Village.
Best for:
- Guests staying in Fawnskin
- Families wanting less chaos
- Morning sessions with calmer water
Address: 500 Paine Ct, Ste 1844, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: (909) 866-3218
Best For: Casual visitors wanting to add wake sports to a marina day
Big Bear Marina offers wakeboarding and waterskiing charters with experienced skippers.
This is less of a dedicated “wake school” experience and more: “we want to try tubing or wakeboarding while renting other lake activities.”
Best for:
- Casual vacationers
- Families
- Visitors staying near The Village
Which Activity Is Right for You?
Best for:
- Athletic beginners
- Teens
- Adrenaline seekers
Wakeboarding has the steepest learning curve, but also the biggest payoff once it clicks.
Expect:
- Falls
- Face-plants
- Eventually yelling “ONE MORE RUN”
Morning water conditions are dramatically better for learning.
Best for:
- Adults
- Groups
- Guests wanting the coolest-looking lake activity on Instagram
Wakesurfing is usually easier on the body than wakeboarding and has exploded in popularity over the last few years.
Instead of being pulled aggressively across the lake, riders surf the endless wave behind the boat.
This tends to become everyone’s favorite once they try it.
Best for:
- Families
- Kids
- Groups wanting chaos without skill requirements
Tubing is the universal crowd-pleaser.
No lessons.
No technique.
Just hanging on for dear life while someone in the boat says:
“Should we go faster?”
Best for:
- Traditional lake vacation energy
- Guests who grew up skiing
- Parents trying to prove they still “got it”
Waterskiing still has a loyal following in Big Bear and early mornings are prime conditions.
Best Time of Day for Wake Sports
What Guests Should Know Before Booking
- Most charters include equipment and life jackets
- Advanced bookings are highly recommended in summer
- Holiday weekends sell out fast
- Larger groups should reserve earlier
- Wakesurfing charters usually cost more because of specialized boats
Where to Stay for Easy Access to Wake Sports
Guests booking wake sports usually prefer:
- Lakefront homes
- Cabins near Pine Knot Marina
- Homes near Pleasure Point
- North Shore/Fawnskin homes for early morning sessions
