By JD Sterne
Muskoka is renowned for its natural beauty and pristine environment. But did you know that it’s also home to a secret spot that’s perfect for kite surfing? It’s a hidden gem that’s surrounded by trees and natural beauty, providing an ideal location for water sports enthusiasts.
I interviewed Todd Adair, president of Cayman Marshall International Realty; Jeff McKee, pro wake-foiler and brand manager of Slingshot Sports; and Neil Brown, VP of sales and marketing at Cayman Marshall, to find out what makes this spot so special and what exciting activities you can do there.
Skeleton Lake
Adair discovered Skeleton Lake while exploring Muskoka’s waterfront properties. “I was out looking at a new real estate deal one day and took note of Skeleton Lake’s beautiful extended shallow-water beaches. I wondered if it were kite-surfable. As it turns out, the lake’s trees and orientation create a natural wind tunnel that amplifies speed and creates perfect conditions – though the winds are only strong enough maybe a dozen days of the season.”
McKee recently joined the Cayman Marshall team for an exciting day of foilboarding. He rode on a Slingshot Phantasm Foil and WF1 board – both popular choices among foilboarders. These boards are designed to be lightweight, durable, and easy to ride (although wakeboarding or wakesurfing experience is recommended). They are also versatile, making them perfect for riders of all skill levels.
Kite-surf or foiling?
But what exactly is wake foiling, anyway? Wake foiling is a relatively new water sport that involves riding a foilboard (similar to a surfboard, but smaller and equipped with a hydrofoil attached to its underside instead of fins) behind a boat. Unlike traditional wakeboarding, where the rider is towed at higher speeds and wears boots for jumping/spinning/flipping, the hydrofoil lifts the board out of the water, creating a sensation of flying over the water’s surface – it’s a smoother and exhilarating sensation.
“I had a blast with the Cayman Marshall team,” McKee says. “They are a great group of people who are passionate about the sport. We’ve known each other through decades of wakeboarding, and now we are older, probably wiser, and falling in love with boating all over again thanks to the foil.”
“The area we foiled in was beautiful, and the Slingshot boards we rode were perfectly tuned for the endless waves of the Nautique G23 surf boat.”
Brown navigated his way through various towed watersports as both a coach and an international competitor. Now he embraces the hydrofoil. “Foiling is quickly evolving and progressing, not only behind the boat at the cottage, but also with wind and surf.”
“Foiling is quickly evolving and progressing, not only behind the boat at the cottage, but also with wind and surf.”
“Progression is the main ingredient to fun, and it’s just another way to enjoy your time on the water with family and friends. The low-impact nature of wake foil surfing keeps it open for all ages to enjoy this amazing sensation.” Brown’s passion for wake foilboarding is evident, and he is a great ambassador for the sport.
Choosing the right boat
Although foilboarding is possible behind many types of boats, Pride Marine has boats available that are optimal for this exciting sport. According to Brown, “Using a boat with the right features for surfing makes all the difference. These wake boats use ballast, speed control and wave shaping technologies to adjust the weight distribution and create the perfect wave for surfing. By manipulating all of these technologies, riders can adjust the size and shape of the wave to suit their needs and maximize their fun.”
Now, what about kite surfing? Much different from wake foiling, kite surfing involves buckling your waist harness to a massive kite that sails in the wind to propel you. “Kiting is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before,” says Adair. “The adrenaline fuelled by harnessing Mother Nature’s raw power to shred across the water and fly through the air is something you need to experience to understand.
“I can’t even try to describe the sensation. It was a huge day for me discovering I didn’t need to travel south to experience it when it was in my own backyard all along.”
“I can’t even try to describe the sensation. It was a huge day for me discovering I didn’t need to travel south to experience it when it was in my own backyard all along.”
Skeleton Lake isn’t just for water sports enthusiasts. The lake is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails and parks, making it the perfect spot for a family picnic or a leisurely walk. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and sometimes moose.
If you’re planning a trip to Muskoka, check out Skeleton Lake. With the right equipment, boat, and location, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
If you’re interested in foilboarding or kite surfing, be sure to check out Pride Marine and Slingshot Sports for the best equipment. And don’t forget to ask Neil about his switch from wakeboarding to wakefoiling the next time you see him.
Find more boats at pridemarinegroup.com
Look for the right board at slingshotsports.com
