Lake Almanor CA. – May 24, 2023 -You rarely hear Tahoe faithful leaving behind the Jewel of the Sierra for new exciting opportunities on other lakes. So when I heard about Wake Almanor, I thought at first Id be calling just another boat company that offered boat rentals. But Zack, the owner of Wake Almanor, was so much more than just another boat owner. A Personal Coach and boat captain, Zack cut his teeth on Lake Tahoe and a boat captain, logging thousands of hours on a Mastercraft and helping start up surfers catch their first wave. His passion for coaching and providing guests with a thrilling and fun day on the lake is contagious even through the phone.
Zack it would seem is definitely one for adventure and excitement in life. A career of adrenaline adventure and learning skills in the mountains that most of us say we crave, but seldom choose to follow, Zack has built a life with his wife that included Skydiving, Surfing, climbing etc. He fell in love with teaching clients how to surf at Lake Tahoe’s Elevation Surf Charters and made many great friendships and connections in the Lake Tahoe community. However, he and his wife Jenna decided this last year to transition to the Lake Almanor community and open up their own touring business, Wake Almanor, on the 28 square miles of water surface and over 50 miles of shoreline that Lake Almanor offers.
One of the unique features of Lake Almanor is its location. Resting at an elevation of over 4,500 feet, Lake Almanor is surrounded by forested mountains and has a much cooler and more temperate climate than many other parts of California. Located near the Eastern boundaries of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lake Almanor’s uniqueness makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who come to hike, fish, swim, and boat in the lake’s clear waters.
After years of Mastercraft experience with his peers at Elevation surf charters in Tahoe, Zack contacted Mastercraft and purchased his first surf craft for his guests on Lake Almanor.
As the snow melts in the Northern Sierra and boats enter the water for summer play, Zack can’t wait to get out and start coaching kids and adults on catching their first waves in Lake Almanor. The open waters of Lake Almanor are open for 2023 and Zack and Jenna have already begun giving guests tours of the lake on the boat.
Unique plans for their new business include Kids Camp Mondays & Wednesdays and Evening Adult-only Sunset surf cruises Monday and Thursdays.
The Master craft boat holds 8 Adults per cruise and can be rented with a Professional captain (Zac) for a minimum of 2 hours and comes with options on most days to ad time in 30-minute increments while on the water.
When I asked Zac what makes his coaching style successful, he didn’t hesitate to say “relatable”. Sharing a story of coaching styles used while working as an instructor for skydiving companies. Whole, Part, Whole. ” I like to help my guest visualize the entire process in a relatable fashion, then break it down into small parts before giving them the whole successful style again in their language.” Last Summer, I had a 100% success rate in Lake Tahoe, helping Guest catch their first waves working with ages 6 -76.
Zac and Jen are also working with local business owners in Lake Almanor, working with Almanor Wake Sports whom provides eFoil lessons and great gear for example. And speaking with other business leaders in the region, they are excited to have Zac and Jenna in the community and ready to make their passion part of the fun family lifestyles found at Lake Almanor each summer.
Wake Almanor opened for the 2023 season a few weeks ago and is already bringing huge smiles to families getting a jump on the lake season in Plumas County. Book your experience today.
What is Wake Surfing
Not certain what Wake Almanor is doing? Never seen Wake Surfing? Wake surfing is a water sport that involves riding the wake or wave created by a boat or other watercraft. It is similar to surfing, but instead of using ocean waves, wake surfers ride the wake generated by a specially designed boat. The surfer uses a smaller, specialized surfboard known as a wakeboard or wakesurf board.
Unlike traditional water skiing or wakeboarding, wake surfing doesn’t require the rider to hold onto a tow rope continuously. Instead, the rider starts by being towed by the boat until they are in the desired position on the wake. Then, they let go of the rope and surf the wake without being directly pulled by the boat. The boat’s wake provides the necessary momentum and push for the rider to glide along the wave.
Wake surfing has gained popularity as a craze on mountain lakes and other inland bodies of water for several reasons:
- Accessibility: Unlike ocean surfing, wake surfing can be enjoyed on lakes and rivers, making it accessible to people who live far from the coast. Mountain lakes are particularly well-suited for wake surfing due to their calm waters and scenic surroundings.
- Family-friendly activity: Wake surfing is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It offers a fun and thrilling experience for individuals, families, and groups of friends.
- Safety: Wake surfing is considered relatively safe compared to other water sports. Since riders are close to the boat, the boat’s propellers are out of harm’s way. Additionally, the low speed at which wake surfing is done reduces the risk of injury.
- Social aspect: Wake surfing is a social activity that can be enjoyed with others. Friends and family can take turns riding the wake and cheering each other on from the boat. It creates a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences.
- Adrenaline and fun: Wake surfing combines the excitement of surfing with the thrill of being towed by a boat. It allows riders to perform tricks, maneuvers, and jumps on the wake, resulting in an adrenaline-pumping and enjoyable experience.
