What is Cable Wakeboarding? What is a Cable Park?
If you already know what cable wakeboarding and cable parks are, keep on scrollin’. If you don’t know what a cable park is, click on the drop-down arrows to learn more.
Cable wakeboarding is a form of water-skiing that uses an overhead pulley system or “cable” to pull participants around a lake, instead of a boat. The rope and handle are attached to an overhead line instead of the back of a boat. The cable pulls the rider across and around the lake, allowing the rider to shred along the way. A cable park (also called a wakeboard park) is an industry term for any location that has one (1) or more cable systems. There are two (2) types of cable systems. Two-tower cable systems are great for learning and practicing, while full-size cable systems (multiple towers) are great for intermediate and expert riders. Wake Nation, Cincinnati’s only cable park, has both!
Two-tower cable systems typically pull one (1) participant at a time, and are excellent for learning, teaching, and practicing skills. With two towers, one on each side of a lake, the cable system spans and travels back and forth across the open body of water. The cable and/or rider will either stop at each side, or once their skills improve, turn and change directions without stopping. On this type of cable system, the operator/instructor has the ultimate control, and can make very fine adjustments to help the rider progress quickly. Because of this control, the operator can coach easily, pick up a fallen rider quickly, and allow them multiple attempts at a particular skill within a short amount of time. Nearly all of our wakeboard lessons are on the two-tower cable system, and those skills translate quickly to the boat or a full-size cable system. There is no better, safer, easier, or faster way to learn than a two-tower cable system.
At Wake Nation, we call our full-size cable system our “main cable”. A full-size cable system has 4 to 6 towers throughout the cable path and typically travel in a large circular pattern around a lake or body of water. At each tower, the cable path changes direction and allows the rider to continue along the course. The more towers a cable system has, six (6) is currently the most, the softer and easier the turns are for riders. Wake Nation boasts six (6) towers, creating a predictable, perfectly-smooth ride and mellow, 60 degree turns, and is considered one of the best in the world.
Full-size systems run continuously, with multiple riders at a time, each separated by a few hundred feet. When a participant falls, they swim to the shore and walk back to the start dock to begin again. A cable operator manages ropes, handles, and carriers, the gizmos that catch and pull the rope and handle, pulling riders off the start dock, and allowing them to ride around the lake.
A full-size cable system is ideal for the intermediate level rider and above. Most of the sliders and kickers (collectively called wakeboard features) at a typical cable park are at the full-size cable system. Wake Nation has over two dozen features – more than most cable parks. Imagine a floating skatepark with much softer falls. Features are exciting and thrilling for the rider as well as spectators.
Important, must know Information for All Main Cable Participants.
Cable speeds vary throughout the day. See the Calendar & Hours page for details on speeds and session times. Slow speed is 16mph, intermediate speed is 17.5mph, and expert speed is 19mph.
All main cable participants must already know how to wakeboard and safely maneuver their wakeboard, and are required to attend a brief safety meeting prior to riding the main cable for the first time.
If you have successfully ridden a full-size cable system before (meaning you can successfully navigate the start and the turns, and can control your wakeboard well enough to steer and avoid items such as wakeboard features, other fallen riders, and objects in the water) you can simply show up, shred, and enjoy. Have fun, be safe, and always ride within your abilities! Wake Nation has more features than most other cable parks, so get your shred on!
No matter your skill level or experience, our goal at Wake Nation is to help you understand what to expect and get you shredding in a safe and controlled environment. To ensure an exceptional first-time experience, we do not allow never-ever, first-time wakeboarders on the full-size cable system. However, first-time kneeboarding is permitted and provides a fun, safe, and entertaining way to begin your cable riding journey. This policy is for your safety, as well as the enjoyment of all participants. If you’ve never wakeboarded before, make sure your first experience is fantastic. Check out our Cincinnati Wakeboard Lessons for the three learning steps we recommend, or consider participating in another activity when you visit us.
Once you know how to wakeboard and can safely maneuver your wakeboard, you can access any of our “Slow Ride” sessions to keep progressing. Slow ride sessions (slower riding speeds) on our main cable are offered most days we are open. See our Calendar & Hours page for our exact calendar, hours, and speeds for the entire year.
During a slow ride session, we operate the main cable at a reduced speed. This helps beginners start, turn, and ride on the main cable more easily while also alleviating their fears. If you’re a boat rider looking to skip a lesson, this session is perfect for you. Be sure to let go when you fall! These sessions are also ideal for riders of all skill levels who want to improve their skills or learn new tricks in a safe and slow environment.
The speed of the cable and your ability to control your wakeboard is important.
See the “Slow Rides for Beginners” drop-down arrow just above this section. If you know how to shred on a boat, and the cable speed is SLOW, you’ll likely be fine with some tips and tricks from our staff. If you show up when the cable is running at expert speeds, we will always recommend returning when the cable is slower.
Tickets and Pricing
All purchases are non-refundable.
SIngle Cable Tickets
Are you planning to visit our wakeboard cable park? A single ticket is a good place to start! Try wakeboarding first and then, if you choose, apply your single ticket purchase towards a multi-ticket pack or a pass at the end of your visit.
Single Session Ticket – $49
Purchase online and save $10. ($39)
Use coupon code: save10 at checkout.
Valid during one (1) slow, intermediate, or expert speed session. All sessions end 10 minutes before the posted stop time. (Example: A 12pm to 2pm session is 12pm to 1:50pm.) Most sessions are 2 hours in length, some sessions are 3+ hours. See calendar. Add on to any session the same day for only $20. If you plan to ride only once or twice a year, this is the option for you.
Kneeboarding Ticket – $29
Purchase online and save $10. ($19)
Use coupon code: save10 at checkout.
Includes kneeboard, life jacket, & helmet. Kneeboarding is only allowed during slow cable speeds. See calendar.
Same Day Add-On’s for All Tickets
Aqua Park & Launch Slide Ticket + $10
Additional Cable Session + $20
Equipment Rentals
Equipment Package Single Session – $25
Wakeboard, Life Jacket, & Helmet
Equipment Package Additional Session – $10
Wakeboard, Life Jacket, & Helmet
Individual Items Per Session
Wakeboard Only – $20
Wakeskate – $10
Kneeboard – $10
Helmet – $7
Vest/Life Jacket – $7
Long Sleeve Wetsuit Top – $10
Full Length 3/2 Wetsuit – $20
Multi CAble Ticket Packs
Looking to ride more than once this season? Ticket packs offer a great value! They are valid for one session at a time during any public ride session or any pack and passholder-only session. If you think you may want to stay for more than one session per day on a regular basis, check out our pass options. A ticket pack is a great place to start, and at any time throughout the season, you may apply your pack purchase towards a season pass option.
Ticket packs are sharable! Feel free to share your ticket pack with family and friends as long as you are present. Do your friends need a lesson? They can apply the value of your ticket towards any lesson, giving them a discount. Ticket packs do not include rental equipment unless converted to a wakeboard lesson. Ticket packs expire at the end of the season. Ticket packs require check in for each session.
Cable 5 Pack – $159
Five (5) Pack of Cable Tickets
Approximately $32/ticket
cable Passes
A season pass, also called a “VIP Pass” or “Convenience Pass” is the unlimited, do what you want and no need to check-in pass.
Season Passholders enjoy unlimited, direct access to the Cable Park, Aqua Park, and Launch Slide for the entire season – no check‑in required.
Passholders also unlock exclusive bonus cable sessions and a lineup of major annual perks and discounts. See the full list below. All passes are non‑refundable and non‑transferable.
- Unlimited and direct access to the Cable Park, Aqua Park, and Launch Slide. No restrictions or blackouts of any kind. Check-in is not required.
- Access to passholder-only ride sessions. No guests or non passholders are allowed. See Calendar & Hours page for exact dates, hours of operation, bonus times, and cable speeds.
- 25% (or more) off all camps.
- 25% off all lessons and private cable sessions.
- 25% off all new gear – retail, pro shop, or special order item.
- 25% off all food & beverages.
- 25% off all shade, game, and wake equipment rentals, etc.
- 25% off all cable (wake) equipment rentals.
- 25% off all birthday party/group packages and additional persons, up to 50% off if combined with the 25% weekday discount.
- 25% off all “Buddy Tickets”. Be the hero and hook your family and friends up with a discount on a lesson or ride session!
- Free locker rental as needed.
- Inside Scoop Newsletter: Passholder-only updates. Be the first to learn about the latest park info, before the general public.
- Passholder discounts are not to be combined with any other promotion, sale, or discount.
The Youth Season Pass includes all the same benefits and discounts as the Season Pass but is reserved for ages 15 and under.
It provides full access to the cable for wakeboarding and also includes free rentals during slow sessions and unlimited kneeboarding during any slow session – with kneeboards, helmets, and vests included at no extra cost. Kneeboarding is an excellent first step towards wakeboarding, and it’s included for free!
All passes are non-refundable and non-transferable.
The Value pass is the one single solution to every complicated pass option. This pass simplifies things by eliminating the hassle of complicated restrictions, like weekday-only or limited-time or limited-use passes. Just purchase it and enjoy discounted sessions and access whenever YOU choose to ride, not when a complicated pass dictates you can ride. Got the bug to ride that day? Roll in and shred!
Value passholders receive exclusive, bonus cable riding and other benefits each year. See below. All passes are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Unlimited $30 per visit/day access the cable park. No restrictions or blackouts of any kind. Check-in is required.
- Access to passholder-only ride sessions. No guests or non passholders are allowed. See Calendar & Hours page for exact dates, hours of operation, bonus times, and cable speeds.
- Inside Scoop Newsletter: Passholder-only updates. Be the first to learn about the latest park info, before the general public.
Wake Club is where young riders progress, make friends, and spend their Thursdays on the water with other young wakeboarders. Designed for beginners and returning riders alike, it’s the most fun, low‑pressure way for kids to build confidence and improve their skills, while creating a new group of friends and community.
Wake Club (Kids 15 and Under)
Thursdays • 4pm–7pm
July 9, 16, 23, 30 & August 6
Wake Club Contest: Saturday, August 8
What families and kids love:
- $199 or Included with all summer camps and youth passes
- No experience needed — total beginners welcome
- One‑time, free “pre‑club” lesson to get every rider ready
- Food included at 7pm so kids finish the day smiling and fueled up
Wake Club is the highlight of the summer for young riders, a place to learn, laugh, and ride together.
Click here to purchase Wake Club or included with all Youth Passes and Summer Camps
Life is full of the unpredictable, and no one wants to miss a good shred session. Plan your wakeboard season with peace of mind. If one of the listed life events (see below) prevents you from shredding during the season, you may be eligible to receive a pro-rated, Season Pass credit for the days you missed. Any loss of days is based on our summer season from approximately Memorial Day to October 1.
Covered Life Events – Other Events Subject to Insurance Approval
- Job Loss or Transfer
- Personal Injury
- Personal or Immediate Family Illness (Spouse, Significant Other, Child)
- Pregnancy
- Jury Duty (More than 30 days)
- Military Transfer
This option appears at checkout.