Depending on where you live, you’ve probably been ready for spring for a while — ready for warm weather, sunshine, and a return to the water so you can try out new wakeboarding skills on your Monterey Boat!

Now that the balmy beauty of the season is starting to settle in, you might be looking for ways to maximize your time on the water — whether that means exploring a new destination or perfecting a smooth turning maneuver. Whatever you have planned for the season ahead, there’s an easy way to plan the perfect wakeboarding session: SPRING.

Keep reading as we break down this handy acronym — a checklist for finding the perfect place for your day on the water, this season and beyond!

Shape/Size

The first factor to consider when planning your wakeboarding outing is the physical location of your body of water of choice — especially its shape and size. Beginner wakeboarders often thrive in lakes that have ample acreage and large, wide-open central channels so you don’t need to worry about maneuvering through too many turns or tight corners.

As you progress, you might find that you’re able to navigate closer corners with a little bit more ease — at which point you can expand your wake terrain with local rivers and creeks beloved by seasoned sportsters.

People

Just as important as the physical attributes of your wakeboarding destination is, of course, the people! If you’re new to wakeboarding in a certain area, it’s not enough to choose a spot that has a great layout based on an aerial map. You’ll also want to learn from the locals and find out what areas are known for attracting crowds, and when. You don’t need to avoid busy corners entirely, of course — sometimes, it’s nice to surround yourself with fellow boaters for a fun-filled raft-up! But if sports and skill-building are on your mind, then you’ll probably want to go somewhere a little quieter, so you can work on your wakeboarding runs with minimal interference. Plus, avoiding crowds (or beating them to the punch by starting early in the morning) allows you to board on glassy water, which lends itself to an even more thrilling yet controlled ride.

Regulations

It’s always important to check the local rules and regulations of a new lake destination — because while water sports abound across the country, each community might have different rules when it comes to motorized vs. non-motorized craft, no-wake zones, and other restrictions. Just like it’s important to wear your personal floatation device and follow other safety steps, you’ll want to arm yourself with peace of mind — and that comes with knowing the rules inside and out.

Influences

Once you’ve nailed down the logistics of your potential wake lake, bay, or other body of water, you can shift your focus to other variables in the area — such as weather patterns, the presence of animals (including any you’d like to avoid), and other factors that can shape your day without you even realizing it.

Nearby Fun

Isn’t it funny how the best wakeboarding days don’t only include wakeboarding? Yes, you might be focused on perfecting a new trick or setting a personal record for consecutive time on the board without falling — but you’ll want to keep other local attractions in mind, too, since they can take your afternoon on the water to the next level! Are there charming nooks and coves where you can hop aboard a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, for example, giving you a new way to get close to the water? Is there a scenic hike or walking path that encircles the lake, so you have a chance to stretch your legs after a serious wakeboarding session? And what about waterfront restaurants where you might be able to “dock and dine” — aka cruise up to a café for lunch without needing a car at all?

Goals

Finally, it’s time to think about your goals for your day on the water. Don’t worry — for many of us, the goal will simply be to have fun or spend time with friends and family. It doesn’t need to be more complicated than that!

However, if one of your New Year’s resolutions was to expand your on-the-water skills, then now is a great opportunity to get specific about what those are. Notable bodies of water that make best-in-wakeboarding lists usually have features that serious boarders enjoy so it’s worth seeing what they like about a particular lake and checking it out for yourself!

For example, natural features like waterfront hills can serve as windbreaks that create great boarding conditions; tree-lined coves can give boarders a break from the sun (while you should still, of course, be slathering on the SPF no matter what). All this is to say, these are just a few of the traits that can take a wakeboarding outing to the next level — so keep an eye out for expert recommendations and cruise accordingly.

We hope that today’s guide helps you SPRING into a splashing, fun-filled season on the water! Our Monterey family can’t wait to see where your boat, board, and wake skills take you next.