Wakesurf - what it is and where you can try it in Latvia

by Arturs Kruze

It is now possible to wakesurf in Latvia but for many there is a question - what it is and where you can try it.

What is wakesurf?

It is a sport which is very similar to surfing. The main difference is that the wave is made by a boat not by the wind in the sea. Wakesurf boards differ in their size from surf boards that are used in the sea - wakesurf boards are smaller.

However, they do have a lot of things in common - you can ride the wave, learn some tricks as well as ride without holding to anything (using the wave to move forward).

Where can you try wakesurf in Latvia?

At the moment there are 2 places that offer wakesurf and have  a boat that is able to make the wave big enough to ride with a wakesurf.

Wake Up Academy, Spuņciems

The most popular place in Latvia where you can try wakesurf is  Wake Up Academy, which is located at Valtera Raga Osta, Spuņciems. It is about a 30 minute ride with a car from Rīga and about a 15 minute ride from Jūrmala. Wake Up Academy is known for bringing wakeboard and wakesurf to Latvia, national team training for international championships, and different kind of wake camp and championship organization (incl. IWWF Europee&Africa).

Available boards: larger and smaller boards as well as skim boards for more experienced riders

Boat: Super Air Nautique G23

Wake Revolution, Limbaži

People who live further than Rīga and Jūrmala can also try wakesurf. Wake Revolution wakeboard club is located in Limbaži and it is possible to learn how to wakesurf there.

Available boards: basic boards (non-skim)

Boat: Malibu

De La Wake, Baltezers

Known as the Wake & Chill camp in Portugal, De La Wake has opened a wakesurf spot in Baltezers, Latvia.

Available boards: larger and smaller boards as well as skim boards for more experienced riders

Boat: Super Air Nautique G21

Frequently asked questions

Is wakesurf difficult?

Many think that it is easier to stand up on a wakesurf rather than wakeboard. Usually everybody stand up and ride their  first metres on their first try.

How long is one ride?

Similarly to wakeboard, wakesurf ride length depends on the rider. On average one person rides about 10 to 20 minutes.