Activities and Adventures in South Padre Island, Texas, Wakeboard
Wakeboard around South Padre Island
Whether you have your own boat and are ready for a week of wake adventures, want to hook up with a boat and driver for an afternoon of shredding, or would like a lesson in learning to ride, the waters around South Padre Island are excellent. for wakeboarding and you have what you are looking for. South Padre Island offers warm water and airtime year-round, and boat launches are just a short drive to guaranteed calm waters in any wind direction.
Places to ride
Laguna Madre
For beginners who are just learning to get up and ride behind the wake, there is a great ride in Laguna Madre Bay just off any of the boat ramps on South Padre Island. Although on a normal day the water is a bit choppy for experienced riders looking to carve it and do tricks on the wake, conditions are generally good for learning the basics. On calm days, the water is flat and cyclists can make long passes along the island, away from the many bars and restaurants that line the bay.
The shallow waters of the Laguna Madre are only suitable for boats that can be hopped on a plane in less than 5 feet of water and therefore it is best to travel behind boats with outboard motors, jet boats, and personal watercraft .
Dolphin Cove and Barracuda Beach
On calm days, Dolphin Cove and Barracuda Beach are great places to ride. The deep water is accessible by all types of boats, and flat water can usually be found by making short passes through the cove or long passes along the beach. Dolphin Cove is nestled between the South Padre Island gettys, at the beginning of the north side getty, and Barracuda Beach is a stretch of sandy beach on the far side of the channel that runs between the gettys, opposite Dolphin Cove.
On windy days or when the ocean swell increases, there are too many waves and waves for this place to function.
Shipping channels
Just a 15-minute drive from the boat ramps on South Padre Island, or just 2 minutes from the ramps at Port Islabel, are the deep, clear waters of Brownsville’s shipping lanes. The navigation channels are a system of artificial channels that connects Brownsville and the Port of Brownsville with Laguna Madre Bay and the ocean waters of the Gulf of Mexico. At 40 feet deep and only a few hundred feet wide, the canals offer crystal clear water in all wind conditions, and are a world-class place to sail. Going through the center of one of the largest migratory bird stops in the world, and in waters that are home to a large number of dolphins and sea turtles, navigating the channels of the boats is a unique and surprising experience.
The only thing to keep in mind is the occasional presence of large ships. Drivers and passengers must stop and stay out of the way when passing. Occasionally there are moderate currents to be aware of when going around the boat ramps at Port Isabel.
Lessons
Air Padre Kiteboarding and Watersports offers wakeboarding lessons and group riding sessions throughout the year. The store is located on a great boat ramp on South Padre Island, with a private dock and quick access to the open waters of Laguna Madre. If you’ve never ridden before, a lesson is a great way to get started in the sport. With special equipment specifically designed to help you get up and stay awake, as well as waterproof radio helmets so you can listen to your trainer’s instructions while behind the boat, Air Padre provides the highest quality lessons and training.