How to extend your holiday feeling
3.9.2026
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Siri Schubert
After my vacation in Portugal, I miss the waves – but as it turns out, I can have them in Switzerland too. While wakesurfing. I wonder why I didn't discover this sport sooner.
There is little in water sports that I haven't done yet. Only wakesurfing and wakeboarding hadn't been on my radar until now. That is currently changing. I have just finished my third lesson. And I can't wait to get back on the board.
Tips from the pro
I book my sessions at the Wakeboard Academy in Zurich, where I meet Academy head coach Sascha Gattiker. Sascha is a multiple Swiss and European champion. «At the 2026 World Championships, it unfortunately wasn't quite enough; I finished fourth», he says. He is modest, I am impressed. Sascha has six siblings, all of whom are passionate about wakeboarding and some of whom also work in the family business, the Academy.
Sascha recommends starting with wakeboarding first. «With wakeboarding, you learn correct posture from the very beginning», he says. Despite the pro's advice, I am more drawn to wakesurfing. I find the idea of the flow on the wave enormously attractive. He can understand that: «Wakesurfing is very easy to learn. It is slower, much gentler, and there is less risk of injury. It has also become more of a popular sport, whereas wakeboarding offers more action.»
On the water
Perfect. So, it's off to the boat, where another coach takes over. I have a bit of respect for it, because until now I have mainly been in the waves with a SUP, but not that often on a surfboard. Will my SUP experience help me with wakesurfing?
The water start is successful right away thanks to the good instruction. I am already standing in the wave. The rope is still pulling me, but after a short period of getting used to it, I gather my courage and let go. And land in the water after a few moments.
The next time it goes better. Unfortunately, the standard sessions are only 15 minutes long, so I booked two in a row. I see progress with every attempt. That is the good thing about being a beginner and getting instructions from the coach on the boat. And after a short time, it works: I am cruising on the wave, making mini-turns, and enjoying the whole thing immensely.
What do I love about this feeling? Everything! The colors of the water, the movement. Being in the middle of the lake. The feeling of freedom. The fact that I have to concentrate so hard that I can't think about anything else, but at the same time am relaxed enough to enjoy riding the wave. And the knowledge that I can still learn so much and there are countless tricks and movements that I want to try. I can hardly wait for the next session. Fortunately, the Wakeboard Academy is open until the end of October and in March, after the winter break, it will continue again.
The sport is trending: Market research assumes that sales for wakesurf boards will almost double by 2033. So I don't seem to be the only one who has caught the wakesurf fever.
What equipment you need
If you want to try wakesurfing, you don't need your own board at the beginning. The Academy provides the equipment and has plenty of gear, especially for beginners. But if you want to wear your own wetsuit and vest, you can find a selection here:
If you like the sport and definitely want to continue, it might be time for your own board. Here, wakesport expert Sascha does not advise buying a beginner board. «In six to eight sessions, you can make great progress, and then a board that leans towards intermediate fits better. It is better to invest a little more and buy a board that you will enjoy for a while longer», he advises.
When asked for additional tips, he recommends choosing a board a bit longer than the usual guides suggest. For my height (160 cm), 50 inches (127 cm) would easily be enough. However, he advises more towards 52 inches (132 cm), as a longer board offers more stability when the lake is choppy. In addition, the longer edge that I can press into the wave makes riding a bit easier.
In our assortment, you will find a range of wakesurf boards if the sport excites you and you want to ride your own board.
The next steps
I am looking forward to the next sessions and to perhaps learning a few tricks in the future. That is certainly not easy, but definitely fun. That is another plus point: you are not alone when wakesurfing. There are always other people on the boat with you who also enjoy wakesurfing and are happy for you when you make progress. «The community plays a big role», says Sascha. «It is a really good togetherness.»
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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