Wake Boarder, Photo by Lake Shots Photography
by Nathan Bechtold & Kate Robbins
Whether you’re the “nice and easy” wakesurfing type, or a “dude watch this” wakeboarder (or something in between), you know: good gear is a must.
Thankfully, Lake of the Ozarks has top-notch surf shops with bro-favorite brands and a pretty cool vibe, too. Check them out (in no particular order) below…
The Surf Shop at Marine Max, Photo by Lake Shots Photography
The Surf Shop at MarineMax
4548 Osage Beach Pkwy., Osage Beach (across from the Outlet Mall)
Located in Osage Beach, across from the outlet mall, The Surf Club at MarineMax is a fresh approach to the traditional boat dealership/retail space. A wide selection of top-quality watersport necessities like life jackets, wakesurf boards, wakeboards, paddleboards, Chill Rafts, and more: this keeps the wake-sports enthusiast well-supplied. But it’s also the kind of space where you might just want to be, even if you’re not shopping.
The goal is to build community around wakesurfing, and the team at this new space (it opened in March of 2022) is already finding their approach resonates. The elements of this place communicate the mission: the club’s large garage doors are opened up on nice days, the music is pumping, and wakesurf videos play on screens at the central hang-out area.
Comfortable couches nestled in the midst of boat gear create a space to chill, next to a station where you can build your own Nautique on a computer, using a wall full of color swatches to get a real look at what the paint on your new boat (or dream boat) will look like. A gorgeous Nautique wake boat towering nearby provides the perfect IRL backdrop.
Wake Effects by Big Thunder Surf Shop, Photo by Nathan Bechtold
Wake Effects by Big Thunder
3534 Osage Beach Pkwy., Osage Beach
Big Thunder is a big name in boating at Lake of the Ozarks, and Wake Effects is Big Thunder’s watersports lifestyle brand. They’ve got everything you could possibly need (or want!) at the store on Osage Beach Parkway.
From wakeboarding and wakesurfing (Hyperlite & Ronix) to waterskiing (HO Sports & Radar) and towables (tubes, kneeboards), plus stationary play pads, the vast Family Boating Center is a true celebration of the watersports lifestyle.
It’s not just gear and water toys: Big Surf has a superb selection of sunglasses as well as men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel.
Florida Direct Palm Trees & Surf Shop, Photos courtesy Lake Of The Ozarks CVB
Florida Direct Palm Trees & Surf Shop
5923 Osage Beach Pkwy., Osage Beach
At Florida Direct, not only will you find a wild selection of genuine palm trees to give your Lake home that Florida feel, you’ll also find a wide variety of summertime essentials.
Florida Direct has made their retail space a one-stop-shop for all Lake of the Ozarks vacationers. They have everything from water toys and swimsuits for family boating, and for a fun weekend bachelor/ette party: coolers and trendy resort-wear… all under live palm trees!
They also carry a wide line of exclusive brands that can only be found in Lake of the Ozarks, including Wave Life, Florida Direct’s hottest-selling board shorts for men and suits for women. Their H20 Active Hybrid design is a water-activated technology changes pattern and colors when the suit gets wet.
IMG – Iguana Marine Group Surf Shop, Photo by Nathan Bechtold
Iguana Marine Group
4773 Osage Beach Pkwy., Osage Beach
IMG’s pro shop sports favorite brands for wakeboarders & wakesurfers, and its convenient location in Osage Beach means you can gear-up for action faster. (It also places you in irresistibly close proximity to Andy’s Frozen Custard.) OBrien surf gear, Rheos floating sunglasses, Booē waterproof bags, HEY WAVE safety equipment, and ParadisePad premium waterpads ensure you’re ready for whatever the weekend brings.
Plus, IMG’s partnership with Kirby’s School of Wake turns newbies into skilled wakeboarders/wakesurfers with patient teachers and memorable learning experiences.