On any warm, sunny weekend, Lake Whatcom is sure to be buzzing with boaters. This nine-mile-long watery playground is the stage for those looking to play in the water. From wakeboarding to cruising, those with a boat understand the joy that being on the water brings. However, for those who don’t, access can be difficult, limiting the number of people able to experience the thrill of the ride and the rush of the sports that occur on a boat’s wake. That’s where Whatcom Wake Sports steps in. This new business, founded by Travis Wade and Sydnii Ray, has set its sights on getting locals on the water and exposed to wake sports.
“There’s a lot of boats out here, and there’s a lot of younger kids that you see out here skiing and wakeboarding, but the reality is, it’s a pretty difficult sport to access. We really want to make access to water sports available for everybody,” said Wade.
The Inspiration for Starting Whatcom Wake Sports
Wade grew up on the water, skiing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing as a family, and that has stuck with him throughout his life. He has fond memories of being on the water with his family as they all developed their skills under the watchful eye of his great-grandfather. For Wade, there is nothing like being behind a boat.
“It takes your mind out of whatever’s going on in life, and you’re just present in the environment, in the water, and just focused on what you’re trying to do with your body mechanics. Then, once you start to experience it, it’s just like you’re walking on water,” said Wade.
For Ray, while she loves water sports, that is second to her love of being out in a beautiful Pacific Northwest environment. Ray, who is also a backcountry medical guide, is constantly seeking ways to connect with nature. Whether she’s hiking with their dogs or mountain biking on Galbraith, she just wants to be in it and encourage other people to be in it as well.
“This feeling of just being out on the lake surrounded by trees is a different experience than you can get elsewhere in Bellingham. You’re in a completely different microclimate out here in the middle of the lake on a sunny day,” said Ray.
The couple had watched friends in other locations operate a wake sports business and were baffled that there was nothing like that in Whatcom County. They watched the throngs of people at Bloedel Donovan on a hot day and knew that the desire to be in the water was there. They adopted the ‘if we build it, they will come’ mentality, and a couple of months ago, they dove in, establishing the business, obtaining the necessary insurance, and purchasing two boats.
One of the boats is designed specifically for wake surfing, built to create the perfect wake and operate at the optimal speed. Whereas the other is a ski boat, which is suitable for beginners and those seeking a traditional water ski or slalom ski experience.
The other piece the pair knew they needed was a team of knowledgeable coaches to get people up and have a great time behind the boats. For this, Wade reached out to the Western Washington University Water Ski Team and immediately sparked their interest. They added five more people to the Whatcom Wake Sports team and were ready to get people out on the water.
Getting Behind the Boat With Whatcom Wake Sports
Whatcom Wake Sports has a variety of options for accessing the lake. They offer special nights where people can drop in and ride with others looking to do the same. They provide different nights for women, men, teens, and seniors. They also feature 2- or 4-day kids’ camps where children can safely be on the water, developing their water sports skills. If you have a group of friends looking to get on the lake, you can opt for a charter, which ranges from one hour to eight hours. You can also book a private lesson if you want a coach all to yourself.
The team at Whatcom Wake Sports wants everyone to feel welcome to be a part of what they are doing. Whether it will be your first time on a boat or if you are a seasoned rider, they are excited to have you. Safety is a top priority, which is why every coach is first aid and CPR certified and has been trained to drive the boats in a way that ensures both safety and success for the riders.
While wake sports may look intimidating, the culture amongst the team is these sports are for everyone. “It’s very low impact and very safe. At the end of the day, we’re all just out here to have a good time. There’s no pressure to get it your first time. To try and ease the pressure, they can watch someone who’s a little more comfortable do it or even just practice on land to see how to get up and see that it’s ok to fall,” said Ray.
While the sports do take some technique, the boat does most of the work. With some good coaching combined with good driving, Wade and Ray were able to get the author up out of the water and surfing the wake.
Being Good Stewards of Bellingham’s Lake Whatcom
While Whatcom Wake Sports is all about getting out and having a great time, Wade and Ray want to emphasize the importance of respecting the lake. This means operating respectfully and safely for the benefit of others on the lake and those who live on its shores. It’s also making sure to refuel properly and keeping litter out of the lake. They view Lake Whatcom as a beautiful and pristine lake and are committed to maintaining its cleanliness.
Whatcom Wake Sports is open 7 days a week from May to October, from sunrise to sunset. Book time here or call 360.333.8774. Or stay up-to-date with them on Facebook and Instagram.
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