Wake Sports — Queenstown
Wake Surfing & Wakeboarding
in Queenstown
Wake surfing & wakeboarding on Lake Wakatipu — all levels welcome.
Book Your SessionThe Sport
What Is Wake Surfing?
Wake surfing is the art of riding the wave created by a specially designed boat — without being attached to a rope. You start with a short tow rope to get up on the wave, then release it and surf freely on an endless, perfectly shaped wave. It feels like ocean surfing, but the wave never breaks and never ends.
Because you ride at just 16–18 km/h, wake surfing is remarkably safe and accessible. Falls are gentle and low-speed, landing you in calm water right behind the boat. This makes it ideal for first-timers, children, and anyone who wants a fun, low-risk water sport experience.
At Epic Lake Day, your wake surfing session takes place aboard the Centurion Ri245 — the only commercially operated boat of its kind in New Zealand. Centurion is the official towboat of the World Wake Surfing Championship, and the Ri245 is renowned globally for producing one of the biggest and most adjustable waves in the world, allowing our crew to dial in the perfect wave for every rider regardless of age, size, or experience.
Beyond Surfing
More Wake Sports
Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is the high-energy sibling of wake surfing. Towed at 30–40 km/h while attached to the rope, you ride a shorter, stiffer board with bindings — perfect for catching air, landing jumps, and pulling tricks. Great for thrill-seekers and anyone who loves an adrenaline rush. All equipment is provided, and our crew will get you up and riding regardless of experience.
Wake Foiling
Wake foiling uses a hydrofoil board that lifts you above the water surface for a smooth, silent glide unlike anything else on the lake. It is an advanced discipline but absolutely learnable with the right setup and guidance. The Centurion Ri245’s fully adjustable wake is perfect for foiling — our captain can dial in a clean, consistent wave that makes learning easier and riding exhilarating.
Why Here
Why Ride on Lake Wakatipu?
Year-Round Operation
Epic Lake Day is the first and only commercial wake sports operator in New Zealand, running all four seasons on Lake Wakatipu. Wake surfing, wakeboarding, and wake foiling — roughly 90% of days year-round. Heated seating, warm air outlets, and a full boat enclosure keep everyone comfortable even in winter.
The Perfect Wave
The Centurion Ri245 produces one of the biggest and most adjustable surf waves in the world. Our captain can fine-tune wave size, shape, and speed to match any rider — from a gentle ripple for beginners to a steep, powerful face for experienced surfers.
All Ages & Abilities
Wake sports on the Ri245 are accessible to virtually everyone. Children as young as 4–5 can wake surf, and the fully adjustable wave works for all abilities — including disabled riders. Whether you want to surf, wakeboard, or foil, no prior experience is needed. Our crew provides hands-on guidance for every person who gets in the water.
Private Sessions
Every booking is a private charter. No shared boats, no strangers — your group of up to 12 guests has the entire boat and experience exclusively. Mix and match wake surfing, wakeboarding, and foiling throughout your session. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are provided on board, and every session includes a complimentary media package — 360° camera footage, photos, and video clips delivered digitally after your ride.
For Everyone
Wake Sports for Everyone
Beginners
No experience needed — not even surfing or board sports. Whether you choose wake surfing, wakeboarding, or foiling, the adjustable wave accommodates all abilities, including disabled riders. Our crew guides you step by step. Most first-timers are riding independently within 10–15 minutes.
Families
Wake sports are some of the best family water activities — wake surfing is safe and low-speed, wakeboarding adds excitement for older kids, and everyone takes turns while the rest enjoy the boat. Gentle falls and full crew guidance mean nobody gets hurt.
Experienced Riders
The Centurion Ri245 produces a wave that serious surfers will appreciate — large, clean, and fully adjustable from a mellow cruiser to a steep, fast face. Bring your own board or use ours. This is one of the best waves you will find anywhere in New Zealand.
FAQ
Wake Sports FAQ
Wake surfing is one of the safest tow water sports available. Riders surf at just 16–18 km/h — much slower than wakeboarding or water skiing. Once you find your balance, you release the rope and ride the wave freely. Falls are low-speed and gentle, landing you in calm water right behind the boat. Our crew provides full safety briefings, quality life jackets, and guidance throughout your session.
Wake surfing takes place at 16–18 km/h (around 10–11 mph). This is significantly slower than wakeboarding (30–40 km/h) or water skiing (45–55 km/h). The low speed is one of the reasons wake surfing is so accessible and safe for all ages — falls feel more like stepping off a slow-moving treadmill into water.
There is no strict minimum age. Children as young as 4–5 have successfully wake surfed on our boat. The Centurion Ri245 produces a fully adjustable wave, so we can dial it down to a small, gentle ripple for younger or lighter riders and increase it for experienced surfers. Our crew works with each rider individually to find the right wave setting.
While basic water confidence is helpful, you do not need to be a strong swimmer. All riders wear Coast Guard–approved life jackets at all times, and our crew is trained in water safety. You are always close to the boat and in calm water. That said, if you are uncomfortable in water, please let us know so we can provide extra support.
Wake surfing and wakeboarding are quite different experiences. Wake surfing happens at low speed (16–18 km/h) — you ride the boat's wave without being attached to a rope, similar to ocean surfing. Wakeboarding is faster (30–40 km/h) and you stay connected to the rope while performing jumps and tricks. Wake surfing is generally easier to learn, gentler on the body, and accessible to a wider range of ages and fitness levels.
All sessions depart from Queenstown Marina on Lake Wakatipu, in the Queenstown Lakes District. We are 20 minutes from Arrowtown, 45 minutes from Glenorchy and Cromwell, about an hour from Wānaka, and two hours from Te Anau. Free parking is available at the marina.
Keep Exploring
Explore More Experiences
Private Boat Charter
Custom lake experiences — cruises, events, and bespoke adventures on Lake Wakatipu.
Family Water Sports
Tubing, kneeboarding, wake surfing, and more — safe and fun activities for the whole family.
Winter Activities
Wake surfing, wakeboarding & water sports year-round, even during Queenstown's stunning alpine winter.
Let's Go
Ready to Ride?
Book your private wake sports session on Lake Wakatipu — surfing, boarding, or foiling. All ages, all abilities, every season.
Book Your Private Experience