BLACK MOUNTAIN WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Island Campouts and Wake Sports: Three Days of Waterskiing, Wakesurfing and Kayak Play on Lake James
A three-day youth day camp on Lake James teaching waterski, wakesurf and wakeboard in small groups with island camping and a family pickup day—this guide explains the flow, logistics and what to pack.
Island Campouts and Wake Sports: Three Days of Waterskiing, Wakesurfing and Kayak Play on Lake James.
Experience the ultimate summer adventure on Lake James: kids learn waterskiing, wakesurfing and wakeboarding in small, coached groups, with kayaking, tubing, paddleboarding and beach time included. The program pairs skill instruction with classic camp rituals—two nights of primitive camping on a boat‑access island, campfire dinners and sunset cruises—designed to be safe and fun under the oversight of lifeguards and experienced coaches.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Progressive wake‑boat coaching in small groups
No prior experience is necessary; patient coaches work with each camper across waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing in groups capped to ensure lots of instruction time, with tubing and stand‑up paddleboard time built into the schedule.
Primitive island camping with campfire evenings
Campers spend two nights on a boat‑access island, cooking dinner on a campfire, making s'mores and gathering for acoustic music around the fire; the island has an outhouse but no running water.
Staggered family pickup and boat showcase
The third day is family pickup day with scheduled boat time slots so parents can cruise out, watch their kids demonstrate new skills and return home staggered to ease logistics.
What the day feels like
What the three days feel like
The three‑day rhythm moves from arrival and an afternoon of on‑water instruction into two evenings of campfire and island life. Days are anchored by multiple boat sessions for wake sports instruction, interleaved with paddleboarding, tubing and beach time; one evening each night includes a sunset cruise and campfire. The final day finishes with a morning session and staggered family pickup slots in the afternoon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this camp suits — and when it might not be the right fit.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Campers should pack personal gear for two nights of primitive island camping; personal items must be loaded onto boats and packed out—expect no running water on the island and plan accordingly.
Dinners are prepared on a campfire on the island; the schedule notes lunch and dinner times during the multi‑day program.
The island is boat‑access only and has an outhouse but no running water; prepare for classic primitive camp conditions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the camp?
The program runs three days.
Where do families meet for drop‑off and pickup?
Meeting locations are available in Black Mountain, Marion, or at Lake James.
Does my child need prior waterski or wake experience?
No prior experience is necessary; coaches will work with campers from their existing level across waterski, wakeboard and wakesurf.
How many campers are in each session?
Groups are kept small—there is a maximum of 12 campers—so each child receives significant instruction time.
What are the island camping conditions?
Campers spend two nights on a boat‑access island with primitive facilities: there is an outhouse but no running water; meals include campfire dinners and evening campfires.
Can parents join the final day activities?
Yes—on the third day parents are assigned staggered time slots for boat cruises so they can watch their child demonstrate new skills.