When you’re gearing up for a perfect lake day, few things beat the thrill of carving behind the boat on a clean, glassy wake. But the difference between an okay session and an unforgettable, high-performance, all-day cruise often comes down to preparation — and having the right gear on board.

Whether you’re a first-time surfer learning the basics or a seasoned rider dialing in advanced tricks, these are the top 15 wakesurfing accessories you should never leave the dock without.

And yes… one of the easiest upgrades you can bring on board is a premium surf-ready hat. At Laurentide, we built ours with lake days in mind — breathable, laser-cut, floats in water, and half the cost of a Melin. You’ll see it in the list below.

Let’s dive in.

1. A High-Quality Wakesurf Rope

A proper wakesurf rope does two things:

Helps riders get up quickly
Offers the right grip and length to safely release once you drop into the pocket

Look for a rope with a thick, soft braided handle and multiple knots for easier pull-ups. A wakesurf rope isn’t the same as a wakeboard rope — make sure you have the right type on board.

2. Board Wax or Traction Spray

Even if your board has foam traction pads, extra grip can be game-changing. A quick spray of traction enhancer helps keep bare feet locked in, especially for spins, shuvs, and airs.

3. A Dedicated Wakesurf Board Bag

Protecting your board from scratches and dings is huge — especially if you’re transporting it in and out of the boat. A padded wakesurf board bag prevents damage from fins, seats, coolers, and other boards stacked together.

4. Laurentide Performance Rope Hat (or Any Water-Friendly Hat)

Long sunny days on the water? Your head needs protection.

The Laurentide lake-performance rope hat is:

Water-resistant
Breathable with laser-cut back panels (same style as Melin, half the price)
Built with moisture-wicking materials
Designed to float
Perfect for boat spray, surfing, and lounging on the swim deck

It’s the ultimate lake hat — durable enough for the water, stylish enough for post-surf beers at the marina.

5. Extra Fins & Fin Keys

Nothing ruins a surf day like a missing fin. Extra fins are small, cheap, and make a huge difference in board feel.

Bring:

One small fin
One medium fin
One large fin
A fin key (or three)

Trust us — someone will need one.

6. A Fast-Drying Microfiber Towel

Regular towels get soaked, heavy, and useless within 30 minutes. Microfiber towels dry fast, pack small, and stay fresh all day.

7. A Waterproof Boat Phone Pouch

Pictures, Bluetooth, maps — everything depends on your phone. Keep it alive.

A floating, waterproof pouch ensures:

No sink-to-the-bottom disasters
You can grab the perfect surf clips
Your phone is protected from spray, drops, and wipeouts

8. The Right Life Jackets (Not the Old Crusty Ones)

USCG-approved vests are required on most boats, but riders often prefer a competition vest for surfing because it’s:

Lighter
More flexible
Less bulky

Keep both on board: a compliant vest and a comfortable comp vest.

9. A Wake Shaper

If your boat needs help generating a bigger, cleaner, or longer wave — a clip-on wake shaper is your hero.

Modern shapers:

Significantly enhance wave shape
Increase push (especially for larger riders)
Reduce need for heavy ballast

It’s one of the easiest upgrades for better surfing.

10. A Waterproof First-Aid Kit

Not glamorous but absolutely essential.
Include:

Bandages
Gauze
Tweezers
Sunscreen wipes
A cold pack
Aloe gel for sunburn

Injuries happen — from fins, ropes, or swim deck slips — so prepare accordingly.

11. Floating Sunglasses

You’ll lose at least one pair of sunglasses this season — but they don’t have to sink.

Look for:

Polarized lenses
Lightweight frames
Floatation
Rear strap optional

Your eyes will thank you.

12. A Bluetooth Action Camera (With Mounts)

One of the best ways to improve your surfing? Watch yourself surf.

A small camera mounted on:

The tower
The rear platform
A gimbal grip

…gives you the perfect angle for breakdowns, edits, and highlight reels.

Plus, it makes for huge Instagram flexes.

13. A Board-Friendly Boat Mat

Stepping onto vinyl seats with a wet wakesurf board is the fastest way to tear them.
A soft, grippy deck or foam mat protects your seats and makes it easier to get up and into the wave.

14. A Dry Bag for Clothes & Valuables

Phones, wallets, shirts, hats — they all get drenched unless you store them properly.

A small dry bag:

Keeps valuables safe
Stores wet/dry items separately
Rolls up compactly

Every boat needs at least one.

15. Snacks & Hydration for Long Sessions

Surfing is a workout.
Bring:

Electrolyte drinks
High-protein snacks
Fruit
Energy bars
Enough water for the whole crew

Pro tip: salty snacks hit different on the lake.

Final Thoughts

A great wakesurf session doesn’t just happen — you pack for it.
With the right essentials, you’ll improve safety, performance, comfort, and overall fun on the water.

If there’s one accessory that gets used all day — whether you’re surfing, driving, spotting, or hanging on the dock — it’s a quality lake hat. The Laurentide performance surf hat was designed specifically for long, sun-soaked, water-heavy days, and is an easy upgrade to any boat kit.