The Best Places to Board This Fall

Are you ready for fall wakesurfing season?

You might be thinking, wait a minute—isn’t fall for bonfires and leaf peeping?

While the fall season certainly provides plenty of time to enjoy fun on land (from family dinners and bonfires to foliage hikes and football games…), there is still hours of fun to be had on the water yet. Just one question remains: Where do you go?

Read on as we share a few of our favorite places to wakeboard, surf and splash around this fall.

The end-of-summer haunts...

The tail-end of September ushered in the official start of fall—but in many places, the warmth of summer is set to linger for a few more weeks, making for some great on-the-water action. Plus, now that the summer crowds have cleared out, these popular spots will feel a little quieter, perfect for finding the smooth, glassy water we boarders really love! Our favorite spots include:

Lake Powell, UT/AZ

Located on the border between Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell is a boarder’s dream. No matter how you ride, the lake’s got plenty of room for you to do it: the lake’s shoreline, with all its famous twists and turns, spans a shocking 1,960 miles in total. (For those keeping score, that’s longer than the entire West Coast of America!) So it’s hard to get tired of cruising or boarding here, especially with the beautiful view: With nary a tree in sight, this desert lake might not be perfect for leaf peepers, but the sheer vibrance of its rich blue water, against the striking, red sandstone shores, will please sightseers all the same. 

Shasta Lake, CA

Up in Northern California, Shasta Lake is one of those places that gets very warm during the day— even up to the high 90s, as we near the end of September—and cold at night. It’s an idyllic getaway, perfect for boarding in the main channel by day (or even casting your line… anglers recently caught an eight-foot whopper of a sturgeon in Shasta, so you never know what you’ll find!). To get a bit of the fall feel, immerse yourself in one of the trails that surround Shasta Lake and the nearby region—you can even discover one of its sparkling waterfalls, all against the backdrop of foliage that’s just about beginning to show signs of the season ahead. 

Lake Tahoe, CA/NV

Over on the California-Nevada border, you’ll find the famous Lake Tahoe. The large, cool-water lake is a favorite of many a boater, boarder and angler come summertime—but all the way through mid-October or so, there’s still lots to enjoy on the water! Plus, record-setting summer temperatures might just contribute to water that stays warmer, longer, perfect for late-season boarders to come by and enjoy.

A large surface area makes Tahoe a natural choice for those who can’t get enough time on the water—there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy those long, uninterrupted runs we all crave. And with the leaves beginning to change, the tail-end of your trip might just “wow” you with a true dose of fall-time brilliance. A cozy retreat in a lakefront cabin is a surefire way to get into the seasonal spirit during your stay. 

The year-round warm spots...

Of course, there are some destinations that provide for great boarding action all year-round— making them perfect for fall travelers who want to stay warm and have fun on the water! Sure, you might not see those familiar fall colors, but these destinations more than make up for it with their beautiful aquatic vistas… 

Mission Bay, CA

You’ll find that California spots feature heavily on our list, and for good reason! You just can’t beat the weather—and the view. San Diego’s boat-happy culture laid the foundation for Mission Bay and its year-round love of water sports. Surrounded by palm trees, and overlooking the cool, blue majesty of the Pacific, you’ll feel as though you’re on a tropical getaway as you board, ski and enjoy the water. Plus, cruising the shore is easy—head out to the ocean and meander along the shoreline to spot sea animals and birds, go sightseeing or find a cozy oceanfront café to enjoy. 

Key Largo, FL

The Florida Keys are a favorite of anglers, but they make for great water sport action, too! In Key Largo (and, in fact, much of the Florida Keys), you’ll find near-endless expanses of sparkling turquoise water, a horizon interrupted only by fellow cruisers and the occasional mangrove or shorebird swooping down. It’s a dream environment for boarders since, once you find a spot that’s deep enough, you’re set to enjoy a smooth ride—the Keys’ protected coves and bays make them almost still and lake-like in their glossiness.  

We hope today’s virtual tour inspires you to board, explore and have some fun along the way at these amazing sites! Be sure to share your own choice autumn itinerary in the comments below.