A complete guide to the must-have wakesurf gear, comfort essentials, safety items, and lake-day upgrades every wakesurfer should pack — including the accessories most people forget.

Wakesurfing is one of the best ways to spend a day on the water: warm sun, smooth waves, friends cheering you on, and endless adrenaline as you drop the rope and carve behind the boat. But even a perfect lake day can turn frustrating fast if you forget something important.

Whether you’re the captain, the surfer, or the friend who always shows up prepared, this guide gives you the 15 essential wakesurfing accessories you should never head to the lake without.

Each item on this list improves safety, comfort, performance — and the overall fun of your session.

Let’s get into it.

1. A High-Quality Wakesurf Rope (NOT a Wakeboard Rope)

Your rope matters more than most beginners realize.

A wakesurf-specific rope is:

Shorter (20–25 feet)
Thicker and softer
Knotted or looped for easy pulling
Built without a rigid handle

Using a wakeboard rope is not only uncomfortable — it’s dangerous. The long, thin line and solid handle can cause injuries when you fall.

When in doubt:
Get a braided wakesurf rope with a removable handle and at least 3–5 loops.

2. A Stable Beginner-Friendly Wakesurf Board

If you’re bringing beginners—or are one yourself—having a stable board is essential.

Look for:

4’8″–5’3″ length
Wide tail shape
Tri-fin configuration
Compression-molded construction

Even advanced riders keep a “community board” on the boat because it helps everyone get up easily and enjoy the wave.

3. A Comfortable, Coast Guard–Approved Life Jacket

A good life jacket is non-negotiable.

Choose:

USCG-approved
Comfortable and flexible
Designed for watersports
Snug but not restrictive

Beyond safety, the right vest helps beginners float in position while getting ready to stand up.

4. A Boat Repair & Tool Kit

Anything can happen on the water. The most prepared captains always pack a simple tool kit with:

Screwdrivers
Spare rope
Boat fuses
Tape
Knives or line cutters
Fin screws
Multi-tool

A 20-minute fix is far better than ending a lake day early.

5. A Wetsuit Top or Neoprene Jacket (Even in Summer)

Weather changes. Wind picks up. Water gets cold.

Even in July, early mornings and shaded coves can be chilly.

A thin neoprene top:

Helps beginners feel more comfortable
Keeps riders warm between sessions
Adds buoyancy

It’s one of the most underrated lake-day items.

6. A Performance Hat That Can Handle Water, Wind & Sun

This one surprises people, but ask anyone who spends full days on the boat:
👉 You need a high-quality, breathable performance hat.

Not a cotton baseball cap.
Not a trucker hat that soaks up sweat.
Not a floppy hat that blows off immediately.

You need one made for lakes and watersports.

The best wakesurf performance hats (like the new Laurentide Wakesurf Hats at $29) have:

Laser-cut venting
Water-resistant fabric
Sweat-wicking lining
Floatable construction
Flexible, durable bill
Rope detailing for classic lake styling

Long days on the water mean intense sun exposure. A premium hat that breathes and floats is worth its weight in gold — and Laurentide gives you Melin-level quality at literally half the price.

7. A Pair of Polarized Sunglasses (With a Retainer Strap)

The lake is a giant mirror.

Polarized sunglasses:

Cut glare
Protect your eyes
Help you see riders more clearly
Reduce fatigue

Just don’t forget a floating strap — expensive sunglasses sink fast.

8. Microfiber Towels (Compact, Fast-Drying, Perfect for Boats)

Traditional cotton towels get wet, heavy, and smelly.

Microfiber towels:

Dry quickly
Take up almost no space
Don’t stay damp
Are perfect for wiping boards, seats, and sunglasses

Keep a stack on board at all times.

9. A Waterproof Phone Case or Floating Pouch

Phones fall out of pockets.
Phones get splashed.
Phones slip between seat cushions.

Don’t risk it.

A floating, waterproof pouch allows:

Safe storage
Easy access
Touchscreen use
Quick photos

Plus, most pouches fit wallets and keys too.

10. Sunscreen Designed for Water Sports

Not all sunscreen is created equal.

Lake days = high UV exposure due to reflection.
You need sunscreen that’s:

Mineral-based
Water-resistant
Non-greasy
Reef-safe
High SPF (50+)

Pro tip: use a stick sunscreen for faces — way easier to apply on the boat.

11. A Board Maintenance Kit

Boards take a beating on boats.
Keep these on hand:

Spare fins
Fin key
Quick-dry repair epoxy
Soft cloth for wiping water
Board socks

A tiny crack or loose fin can ruin a session.

12. A Cooler with Ice, Drinks, and Hydration Packs

Dehydration sneaks up fast on lake days, especially in the sun.

Always pack:

Water
Electrolyte drinks
Ice
Light snacks
Fruit, jerky, or granola

Bonus tip: keep drinks in a separate cooler so the surf cooler stays clean and dry.

13. A Boat Trash Bag or Floating Garbage Can

Lakes get messy when everyone’s having fun.

A compact trash bag:

Keeps the boat clean
Prevents bottles from rolling everywhere
Makes end-of-day cleanup easy

If you want an upgrade, floating “lake trash cans” have become popular for tying off the back of the boat.

14. A Bluetooth Speaker Backup (In Case the Boat Audio Fails)

Boat speakers die.
Fuses blow.
Connections glitch.

A compact, waterproof Bluetooth speaker ensures the vibe stays alive.

Music makes wakesurfing infinitely more fun — don’t rely only on the boat’s system.

15. Dry Bags for Clothing, Towels & Electronics

Between splashes, spray, and swim breaks, everything gets wet.

Dry bags keep:

Change of clothes
Towels
Phones
Snacks
Hats
Wallets

…totally protected.

Many riders keep a “boat dry bag” that lives in the boat permanently.

**Bonus: The 5 Items People Always Forget (But Shouldn’t)**

If you want to be the MVP of every lake day, pack these too:

1. Lip balm with SPF

Your lips burn faster than your skin.

2. Medical kit

Bandages, electrolyte tablets, pain relievers.

3. Extra rope

Ropes get dropped or tangled.

4. A sharpie for marking drinks

Keeps the cooler organized.

5. Extra performance hat

People forget theirs, they borrow yours — and now you’re hatless.
Bring a couple spare Laurentide hats to save the day.

How These Accessories Improve Your Wakesurf Sessions

Let’s look at how this gear directly enhances your time on the water:

Better performance

Sturdy boards, proper ropes, and maintenance kits help you learn faster and ride smoother.

Comfort all day

Things like microfiber towels, dry bags, and performance hats keep you cool, dry, and protected from the sun.

Improved safety

Life jackets, medical kits, waterproof pouches, and sunscreen have your back if something goes wrong.

A smoother experience for everyone

Tools, speakers, trash bags, and backup essentials create a stress-free environment.

Stronger lake vibes

Snacks, good music, and stylish hats (especially rope hats) make the day more fun and Instagram-worthy.

Why a Performance Hat Is One of the Most Important Accessories on the List

People underestimate how brutal a lake day is on your head and face.

You’re exposed to:

Direct sunlight
Reflective glare
Wind gusts
Spray from the wave
Sweat and humidity
Sunscreen dripping into your eyes

A normal hat becomes:

Soggy
Heavy
Gross
Easily blown off
Torn or warped

This is why serious wakesurfers, boat captains, and lake lovers choose performance hats built for water.

Laurentide Wakesurf Hats (launching at $29) solve every common lake-hat problem:

Water-resistant performance panels
Laser-cut breathable venting
Sweat-wicking internal liner
Rope styling for lake culture
Floatable construction
Durable, flexible bill
Premium materials comparable to Melin — for half the price

If you want gear that enhances your comfort and elevates your lake-day look, a good hat is essential.

Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Surf Better

Wakesurfing is supposed to be carefree, fun, and relaxing — but the difference between a perfect lake day and a stressful one comes down to preparation.

By packing these 15 must-have accessories, you’ll:

Ride better
Stay safer
Stay comfortable
Look better
Keep your boat clean
Make the day unforgettable

Whether you’re teaching beginners, filming content, or surfing from sunrise to sunset, these essentials belong on every wakesurf boat in 2025.

And if you want the best combination of performance, style, and price for your lake days, don’t forget to grab a Laurentide Wakesurf Hat — engineered for summer, designed for water, and built for people who live on the lake.