Waterskiing | Water Department

Water-Skiing / Wakeboarding

Photo of man waterskiing Waterskiing / wakeboarding and towing of inflatables is offered at two lakes in San Diego County: San Vicente and El Capitan.

San Vicente offers water-skiing, wakeboarding, and towing of inflatables. See "What's New" page for current schedule. San Vicente also has a slalom course and a wakeboard course for intermediate to advance skiers available on a first come basis. These two courses have three shifts during the day and each shift allows four boats. Cost is $10 per boat per shift. Boats more than eight feet wide or with dual motors are not allowed on the slalom course.

The number of ski boats allowed on San Vicente at any one time is 100 boats maximum. On summer weekends the maximum number of boats can be reached early in the morning, and there may be long waits to get onto the lake.

El Capitan offers skiing, wakeboarding and towing inflatables. See "What's New" page for current schedule. Only three-person PWC's may tow skiers.

General direction of all vessels is counterclockwise.
Maximum speed limit is 35 mph.
All vessels towing a skier must have an observer 12 years of age or older.
Coast Guard approved life preservers must be worn by all skiers.
Skis, kneeboards and similar devices are permitted. Inflatable and towed devices may be used in any ski zone. Use of a quick release device is recommended.
Children's tow area is designated for safe, slow (10 mph or less) tows.

Dogs are NOT permitted on any boats (rental or private). Dogs must be kept on a leash and at least 50 feet away from the water.

Canoes and kayaks are not permitted on San Vicente on water contact only days (Saturday and Sunday during summer). They are permitted on fishing days and shared activity days.

Each person (8 or older) entering reservoir property must purchase a daily use permit, which is non-transferrable. Permits are $5.00 for adults & $2.50 for children 8-15 years of age, 7 and younger are for free.

Each boat also needs a private boat use permit which is $5.00. All permits are available from lake staff at permit booths or boat docks.