Water skiing has been thrilling watersport lovers for over 100 years, and it’s not hard to see why. High-speed and blood-pumping fun on the water is impossible to replace. When we speak of water skiing, we’re thinking of the sport that uses two skis or one ski (slalom skiing).

This popular pastime is a primary reason many Lakefront Group clients elect to purchase a second home on a lake. But before we get into the best lakes for water skiing, let's look at what makes a lake good for water skiing.

The most important feature to consider is calm water that can be easily navigated. Features that keep lake water calm include:

• Natural shorelines. Waves bounce off vertical retaining walls, keeping the lake rough and choppy. Natural shorelines avoid this issue.
• River style lakes. Multiple bends in the water’s direction provide straightaways that block the wind. Because wind creates rough water, keeping it to a minimum is vital.

In addition to calm water, you’ll also want to look for areas with access to a slalom course and jump ramp. With these features in mind, you’re ready to find the best public lakes in Texas for hours of fun on your water skis.

1. Lake McQueeney – The Water Ski Capital of Texas

Topping our list has to be Lake McQueeney. This river-style lake is known as the “water ski capital of Texas” and is one of the very few public lakes with access to a slalom course or a jump ramp. Lake McQueeney has both.

At nearly every other lake in Texas, wakeboarding or wakesurfing is the dominant water sport. But not at McQueeney. Nearly every morning around sunrise, you’ll see several slalom skier crews carving up the glass water. Later on, two-skiers hit the water as the rest of the world wakes up.

Lake McQueeney is a significantly developed lake with many retaining walls, so it is not the calmest, especially when there are more than a few boats in the water. But McQueeney’s unique offerings and legendary reputation make it a top pick for any water ski lover.

2. Lake Austin – Cold Waters Worth the Experience

Lake Austin is a river-style lake clocking in at over 20 miles long. Most people that know this lake might question this pick. Many people only hang out near Hula Hut by the Dam leading to Town Lake, an area that gets pretty rough. This is also where you see a lot of wakesurfing.

The true water skiers head up north towards the top of the lake, where there are still many natural shorelines and fewer boats. This is some of the prettiest water in Texas.

The cold water from the bottom of Lake Travis fills this area, keeping most boats away. But if you’re willing to brave the cold, the reward of calm water is worth it.

3. Lake Dunlap – Calm Natural Atmosphere

Lake Dunlap is located in New Braunfels just upriver from Lake McQueeney. It has no slalom course or jump ramp but is home to about 50-60% less boat traffic and more natural shorelines than McQueeney. Aside from holiday weekends, you can typically always find a calm spot on this lake to enjoy hours of water skiing fun.

4. Lake Placid – Little Traffic, Lots of Fun

This river-style lake is nearly identical to Lake Dunlap but is two miles shorter. Two companies, CMC and Acme Brick, own large sections of the natural shoreline along Lake Placid. However, it doesn’t seem like either company plans to sell or develop its waterfrontage anytime soon.

In fact, it’s pretty safe to bet that this lake will remain calm because of CMC and Acme Brick – other lakes can very easily be overdeveloped in the future, which means more retaining walls and boat traffic.

5. Lake Travis – Surprisingly Stunning Water

We know what you’re thinking: Lake Travis isn’t a river-style lake! For most of the lake, this is a true statement. However, when you head north, the water turns into a river-style lake with great natural shorelines.

When the lake is full, The Pedernales River section of Lake Travis is some of the best water to water ski on in the state of Texas. When the lake is down, and the Pedernales section is not boatable, just head to the Colorado River for more river-style, calm water with natural shorelines.

Fulfill Your Water Ski Dreams with The Lakefront Group

If you love to water ski, living on a waterfront property can be a dream come true. These Texas lakes have everything you need for an unforgettable water skiing experience.

If you are looking for a waterfront property in Central Texas, The Lakefront Group has you covered. Our years of experience and in-depth local market knowledge make finding your ideal lake home smooth sailing.Contact us today to learn more. NOTE: We have access to off-market lake houses.