FAQ
Beginner’s Guide to Wakeboard & Wakesurf Competitions
If you’ve never competed before, wakeboard and wakesurf contests might seem intimidating, but grassroots events like the Wake United Surf + Wake Series are designed to make the experience welcoming and fun for riders of all skill levels.
Most wakeboard and wakesurf competitions follow a simple format. Riders perform a single run behind the official contest boat, typically consisting of two passes down the lake. During the run, riders showcase their best tricks, style and creativity. Judges evaluate each run based on factors such as difficulty, execution, variety, intensity, and risk to determine the final score.
Many riders compete for the first time in beginner or age-based divisions, where the focus is on progression, learning the contest format and meeting other riders in the wake community. The Wake United Surf + Wake Series is known for being one of the most welcoming grassroots wakeboard and wakesurf contest series, helping riders build confidence and take their first step into competitive wake sports.
If you’re new to contests, check out the FAQs below to learn how registration, judging and divisions work.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
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The Wake United Surf + Wake Series is a four-stop grassroots wakesurf, wakeboard and foil competition series held across Florida and Georgia. It’s designed for riders of all ages and skill levels—from first-time competitors to experienced riders—who want to progress, compete and connect with the wake community.
The series has been recognized twice as Nautique’s Dealer Event of the Year, celebrating its commitment to high-quality grassroots competition and community-driven events. -
Yes. The series is one of the best beginner wakeboard and wakesurf competitions in the Southeast.
Many riders compete for the first time at these events. The environment is welcoming, community-focused, and designed to help riders build confidence while learning how wake contests work.
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The series includes:
Wakeboard contests
Wakesurf contests
Foil contests
Each stop includes multiple age-based divisions and Open divisions for advanced riders.
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The 2026 series includes four stops across the Central Florida and the greater Atlanta area.
Stop 1 – April 18-19
Auburndale, Florida – Champions Lake
Nautique WWA Florida State Championships + Masters Wakeboard LCQ
Stop 2 – May 2-3
Eatonton, Georgia – Lake Sinclair
Sinclair Smackdown
Stop 3 – May 30-31
Groveland, Florida – Lake David Park
Thigh High Surf + Wake
Stop 4 – August 8-9
Acworth, Georgia – Lake Acworth
Battle By The Beach
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Yes. All Wake United Surf + Wake Series events are free for spectators.
Only athletes competing in the contest pay a registration fee.
COMPETITOR QUESTIONS
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Riders can compete starting as young as 1 year old.
The series includes age-based divisions designed to give riders a fair and fun competitive environment.
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Entering a wakesurf contest or wakeboard competition is simple. Riders register online through the event’s official registration platform, choose their division based on age or skill level, and compete during their scheduled run time on the event day.
For the Wake United Surf + Wake Series, competitors register through the WWA Rideline app, select the division they want to compete in, and complete registration before the event’s deadline.
Once registered, riders check in on the morning of the event, attend the riders meeting, and take their run behind the official contest boat when their division is called.
Grassroots contests like the Wake United Surf + Wake Series are designed to be beginner-friendly, making them a great first step for riders who want to try competing for the first time.
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If you’re in the Southeastern U.S., the Wake United Surf + Wake Series is one of the most accessible grassroots competitions for beginners.
Riders from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and across the Southeast attend the Wake United Surf + Wake Series events each year.
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No. Most riders competing in grassroots wakeboard contests are not professionals. Events like the Wake United Surf + Wake Series include beginner and age-based divisions designed specifically for riders who are new to competing.
Many competitors enter their first contest simply to gain experience, meet other riders, and challenge themselves on the water.
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Yes, riders must have a WWA membership.
If you compete in one stop only, a single-event membership is fine.
If you plan to compete in multiple stops, an annual WWA membership is recommended.
When you register for a stop, it will have you immediately purchase a membership, if needed.
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All riders register through the WWA Rideline app.
The app also displays:
Riding Order
Results
Scores
The series rankings will be shared here on our Series’ website.
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Entry is $100 per division per stop.
Registering early is recommended. Late registration increases to:
$125 the Sunday before the event
$150 the Thursday before the event
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Riders cannot compete in multiple divisions within the same discipline. For example, you cannot ride in both an age division in wakeboard and the open wakeboard division.
However, riders can compete in multiple disciplines, such as:
Wakeboard
Wakesurf
Foil
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Divisions are primarily age-based, along with Open divisions for advanced wakeboard and wakesurf riders.
Open divisions feature a cash purse at every stop:
1st Place — $400
2nd Place — $200
3rd Place — $100
A full list of divisions can be found on the Divisions page.
CONTEST FORMAT
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Each rider receives one run per division. Each run consists of two passes: down the lake and back up the lake.
Depending on the line we’re running on the lake and line we’re able to run, this could change. Any changes would be shared during the Rider’s Meeting, which takes place immediately after check-in each morning.
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No. Each division is a single-round final.
Every rider competes once, and their final ranking is determined by that run.
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Run length depends on the lake setup and contest line, but most runs follow a consistent format for each discipline.
Wakeboard: Riders complete two passes (down the lake and back), typically performing 4-6 tricks per pass (maximum of 4 tricks per pass in Open divisions). Each pass is usually between 1,500-2,000 feet.
Wakesurf: Riders have approximately 45 seconds to perform their run, fitting in as many quality tricks as possible within that time.
Judges prioritize quality over quantity, so clean execution, variety, and flow are more important than simply doing more tricks.
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Three judges score each run. Each judge scores from 1-10, and the scores are averaged and scaled to produce a final score out of 100.
Judges evaluate the overall quality of the run using several factors, including:
Difficulty of tricks
Execution and landing
Creativity
Flow and style
Successful trick landings matter, and falls can impact the overall score and run flow.
The goal is not simply doing the most tricks, but creating a clean, creative, and impressive run.
EVENT LOGISTICS
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Yes. We’ll have wakesurf ropes available for the wakesurf and foil divisions, but wakeboard riders are encouraged to bring their own rope.
Riders must also bring their on wakeboard, wakesurf board or foil, as well as floatation.
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Bring along:
Your board and gear
Life jacket
Sunscreen
Water and snacks
A positive attitude
Most importantly, come ready to have fun and meet other riders.
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No. All riders compete behind the official event boats.
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The series uses premium Nautique wake boats.
Nautique Paragon for wakesurf divisions. And, Nautique G23 for wakeboard divisions.
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No. There are no official practice sessions during the event.
There are several coaches in Central Florida and the Atlanta area who offer lessons and the chance to ride behind a Nautique Paragon and Nautique G23.
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Typical daily schedule:
8:00 AM – Check-in opens
8:45 AM – Riders meeting
9:00 AM – First division on the water
Awards and results are announced at the end of the day.
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Most event days wrap up between 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM, depending on the number of riders and weather conditions.
You can follow along the schedule and projected timing in the WWA’s Rideline app.
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No. Parents cannot ride in the contest boat, but they are welcome to walk their rider to the start dock and cheer them on before their run.
SERIES FORMAT
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No. Riders can compete in as many stops as they like.
However, riders must compete in three or more stops to be eligible for the overall series podium.
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Series champions are determined by points earned at each stop. Points are awarded based on a rider’s placement in their division and accumulate throughout the season.
Series standings are updated and posted on the Wake United Surf + Wake Series website.
ATHLETE PROGRESSION
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Yes. The Wake United Surf + Wake Series is widely considered a great entry point into competitive wake sports.
It helps riders:
Learn how judging works
Build confidence competing
Meet other riders in the wake community
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Yes. Many riders who started in beginner divisions have progressed to:
Junior Pro divisions
Professional competitions
Larger WWA events
The series acts as a stepping stone to higher-level wake competitions.
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No. Most riders competing in the Wake United Surf + Wake Series are not sponsored.
SPECTATOR QUESTIONS
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Yes. Spectators are encouraged to bring chairs, tents and coolers.
Tents must be secured properly to the ground.
Alcohol is not permitted due to contest sanctioning requirements.
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Yes. Most stops feature food trucks or sponsors firing up the grill and offering hot dogs or burgers.
Many stops also include wakeboard, wakesurf, and lake lifestyle brands displaying on site.
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No. Parking and spectator admission are free at all stops.
VENUE & TRAVEL QUESTIONS
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Camping is available near or at a couple stops. In 2026, stop 1 and stop 2 offer nearby camping options.
Check each stop page for details.
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Yes. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
The Auburndale, FL stop has a dog park nearby.
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It depends on the stop. Stop 1 is completely private. Stop 3 is a public lake, but access will be limited to the contest. Stops 2 and 4 are on public waterways.
Public venues may see occasional recreational boat traffic.
WAKEBOARD & WAKESURF COMPETITIONS IN THE SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES
The Wake United Surf + Wake Series hosts grassroots wakeboard, wakesurf, and foil competitions across the Southeastern United States, with events in Florida and Georgia. Riders travel from lakes throughout the region to compete, connect with the wake community, and progress their riding in a welcoming contest environment.
If you’re searching for a wakeboard competition near you or a wakesurf contest near you, the Wake United Surf + Wake Series offers multiple stops each season for riders of all ages and skill levels.
Our 2026 Wake United Surf + Wake Series Stops:
Stop 1 – April 18-19: Auburndale, Florida – Champions Lake
Stop 2 – May 2-3: Eatonton, Georgia – Lake Sinclair
Stop 3 – May 30-31: Groveland, Florida – Lake David Park
Stop 4 – August 8-9: Acworth, Georgia – Lake Acworth
Riders from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and across the Southeast attend the Wake United Surf + Wake Series events each year.
LOOKING FOR A WAKEBOARD, WAKESURF OR FOIL COMPETITION NEAR YOU?
The Wake United Surf + Wake Series hosts grassroots wakeboard, wakesurf, and foil contests across the Southeast
With stops in Florida and Georgia, the series gives riders a welcoming place to compete, progress, and connect with the wake community. If you’re searching for a wakeboard competition near you, a wakesurf contest near you, or a foil contest series, the Wake United Surf + Wake Series is one of the most accessible events for riders of all skill levels.
Ready to ride?
Check out the upcoming stops and register for the next event.