Sometimes you just want to float around on a lake, sipping a cold beverage and relaxing with your toes in the water. And sometimes, you don’t. If you’re in the latter mood and looking to crank up the excitement a notch, try your hand at wake surfing on Lake Norman in Mooresville, NC.
Lake Norman is more than 32,000 acres of a water lover’s paradise. Also known as the ‘inland sea,’ the state’s largest man-made lake has water sports for any age and ability. Historically, the most adventurous lake outing was probably riding jet skis. But in the last few years, a new sport has emerged for those that want to test their skills on the water.
Surfing. On a lake. Not catching the ocean waves, where nature controls the size and volume, but surfing behind a boat specifically made to produce a large wake. A wake that can be made larger or smaller depending on who’s catching the wave.
While visitors to Lake Norman can rent a boat, and a board, and hope that they can figure out how to get up on the board and throw the rope and actually surf before they have to turn the boat back in, it’s a much better experience, and a whole lot more fun, if you turn to a pro to get you started.
Ride LKN Wake & Surf Co makes it their mission to get even newbies up and riding on their first outing. Helmed by experienced wake surfers and wakeboarders including US Coast Guard Master Captain Martin Cagle, Captain Justin Gaeta, and Master Captain Kyle Miller, the crew has a combined 50 years surfing and wakeboarding experience.
“Our goal is to provide our guests the ultimate day on lake,” said Cagle. “Whether you are learning to wakeboard or wake surf for your first time or you’re ready to add some professional level tricks to your riding, we will get you there with style and a whole lot of fun! Our crew, equipment and boats from MasterCraft Boat Company are the best in the world.”
If you have a group that includes the less adventurous, that’s not a problem. Charter sessions are charged by the time, not the person. If half your group wants to wake surf and wakeboard while the other half wants to tube or just set anchor and swim, all activities are inclusive within your session time. There are also many rental companies on the lake that offer kayak and stand up paddle board rentals if you want a slower, more relaxed approach to lake time.
For those who want to go one step further with their adventure, they can try wake foiling. Wake foils use hydrofoils attached to a mast below the board that cut through the water and provide lift, so once you’re going you will be 2-3 feet above the surface of the water. It is a new and challenging water sport that will make you feel as if you are flying!
“Foiling is a newer and extremely unique wake activity that we offer,” explains Cagle. “It is challenging but a lesson with one of our expert instructors will have you flying above the water and cruising on the waves without a rope in your hand before you know it. There is simply nothing like it.”
After a day of boarding, surfing, foiling, or swimming, you’ll probably be pretty hungry, and thirsty. The Mooresville Ale Trail is just the place to start to get refreshed from your day’s activities. With six unique breweries, you’re sure to find a couple that will become your new favorites.
You can also head to one of the lakefront dining spots for a great meal with a sunset view. Toucan’s Lakefront is a popular spot with a large waterfront deck, lots of seafood options, and a huge drink menu of fruity concoctions.
Wake surfing is just one of the many adventures you can find when you visit Mooresville. From boat and jet ski rentals to a world class kart track to mountain biking the trails in Lake Norman State Park, head over to visitmooresville.com to start planning your fun. Find your adventure, find your speed, find yourself in Mooresville, NC.
