For years, surfing was the watersport to be seen doing. Yet as much as Singapore is known to be a tropical haven with an amazing beach, her geography also makes her infamous for being far from a surfer’s paradise. If you’re tired of seeking out new destinations and waiting for surf season year after year, you just need to create your own waves by wakesurfing.
A relatively new water sport, wakesurfing’s an offshoot of wakeboarding, and you’ll find many similarities. Both involves a surfer trailing behind a motorboat on a short surfboard, riding through the break and curls of the boat’s wake. The most obvious difference is, of course, the lack of a rope, making it the closest thing you can get to actual surfing in Singapore.
As one of the more prominent names in Singapore, Wakemusters specialises in wakesurfing, although wakeboarding services are also available. Here, both skim and surf style boards are available, and a typical session consists of a boat ride (S$170 per hour) of up to six, with personal coaching inclusive with the fees, which start from a reasonable S$50. Beginners, you’ll be in good hands – all coaches at Wakemusters are certified both locally and with the IWWF’s Wakesurfing Commitee.
Headquartered at the Marina Country Club, Ryders takes the thrill of wakesurfing to neighbouring islands, with sessions fronted by a certified instructor of your choice. Here, prices start from S$120 per hour, and the package consists of complimentary usage of all equipment for a fuss-free experience.
Also situated within the Marina Country Club, wake time offers sessions that cater to every level of proficiency, from first-time Wakesurfers to pro-tourers seeking quality runs. The latest series of Mastercraft Wakeboard Boats and equipment – including boards, bindings, lifejackets, wakeskates – are also on hand to ensure you always train with the best.
Boasting instructors who are vastly experienced with an average of 10 years of surfing, and talented enough to boast championship titles, Edge Wake promises wakesurfing sessions that are just as fun as they are comprehensive.
Here, it is its unique philosophy that sets it apart from the rest – the emphasis of recognising the “feel” of wakesurfing rather than harp on the technicalities of the sport.
The rates here are S$130 per hour including the instructor, boat, all necessary equipment and drinks – all you have to do is turn up.
Best known for his credentials – having coached the national wakeboarding team and being the man behind several SEA Games medals – Suter and his eponymous wakeboarding and wakesurfing school is one of the most popular options available for those looking to go pro.
Beginners aren’t left out here either; Suter offers casual sessions out on the rustic waters off Seletar Island too, and uses his two decade-long coaching experience to ensure you have your wakesurfing foundations down pat.
