Wake Surf Boat Rental for a Large Group Near Phoenix: How to Book and Plan a 16-Person Day
For a large group near Phoenix, Wave and Ridge rents a Centurion RI 245 wake surf boat that holds up to 16 passengers, with wakesurf boards, wakeboards, tubes, and tower speakers included. You pick it up in Apache Junction and tow it about 30 to 35 minutes to Saguaro Lake, and the renter must be 25 or older. There is only one wakeboat in the fleet, so big groups should book early and add jet skis if the headcount runs past 16.
Getting 16 people onto one boat for a full day takes more planning than a small outing. Here is how to book it and run the day so everyone gets time on the water, from the first headcount to the tow home.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Boat | Centurion RI 245, 24.5 feet, up to 16 passengers |
| Included | Wakesurf boards, wakeboards, tubes, tower speakers, life jackets |
| Renter age | 25+ |
| Fleet | One wakeboat |
| Pickup | 724 E Scenic St, Apache Junction (pickup only, you tow) |
| Lake | Saguaro Lake, about 30 to 35 minutes from the shop |
| Rates | See pricing |
Step 1: Confirm your headcount against 16
The boat is rated for up to 16 passengers. Treat 16 as a hard ceiling, not a target to squeeze past. Coolers, bags, and boards take up room too, so pack light and share coolers where you can. If your final list is 16 or under, one boat covers the whole group. If it is 17 or more, skip to Step 6 before you book.
Step 2: Book early
We have one wakeboat, so there is only one calendar to get onto. Once your date and headcount are firm, reserve through Booking Central. One person books and signs for the boat, and the group booking guide explains how the organizer, signer, and deposit work. If the group wants to split the cost, our wakesurf cost breakdown is the place to start.
The shop is open Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 7 PM, and closed Sunday. Weekdays are quieter on the lake, which helps if your group has flexibility.
Step 3: Pick your renter and your driver
The renter must be 25 or older. The driver should be the most experienced boat handler in the group, and that person stays sober all day because Arizona OUI laws apply on the water. Arizona does not require a boating license, and we run a full orientation on the boat before you leave the lot. Have your driver and a backup both listen to it.
Step 4: Line up the tow vehicle
Wave and Ridge is pickup only. We do not deliver to the lake or meet you at the ramp, so your group tows the boat on its trailer. We hitch it up and walk the driver through launching. For tow vehicle requirements, read the towing info page and ask us when you book so we can confirm your vehicle works. A U-Haul location near the shop rents pickups if nobody in the group has a truck.
Step 5: Plan the surf rotation
With 16 people, the day runs smoother with a loose schedule. Here is the rotation we suggest:
- Morning: surf sets. Morning water is usually the calmest, and wind is the enemy of a clean surf wave. Run sets of two or three riders at a time, so everyone who wants a turn gets one before the wind comes up.
- Midday: cove break. Anchor in a cove, swim, eat, and let the non-surfers have the swim platform.
- Afternoon: tubes and cruising. Afternoon chop is fine for tubing. This is when the rest of the group gets their turn.
Nobody needs wakesurfing experience. Most groups mix surfing, tubing, and swimming, and the ballast lets the driver shape the wave. See the wakeboat rentals page for more on the boat.
Step 6: Over 16? Add jet skis and rotate
If your group is bigger than 16, the boat cannot carry everyone at once. The fix is to add Sea-Doo Spark 3UP jet skis and rotate people between the boat and the skis through the day. Each ski carries two to three riders up to 495 pounds combined. The jet ski renter must be 21 or older, and every operator must be 16 or older.
How many skis are open on your date, and how the extra trailers get to the lake, are both worth sorting before you book. Ask us when you book, or text us your headcount. Ski details are on the jet ski rentals page, and team outings are covered on the corporate events page.
Step 7: Handle the Saguaro Lake logistics
- Launch early. On most weekends and holidays from April through October, Saguaro reaches boating capacity early and boats get turned away. The Saguaro arrival guide has the timing.
- Get a Tonto Pass. Saguaro requires one. See the Tonto Pass guide.
- No glass. Cans only, for passengers 21 and older. Glass is also banned by the Tonto National Forest at Saguaro.
- Waivers. Every participant signs a liability waiver.
- Kids. Riders under 12 wear a life jacket at all times, and tubing is best for ages 8 and up.
More about the lake is on the Saguaro Lake boat rentals page. Canyon Lake has been closed since September 8, 2026 for the dam safety drawdown, so large-group boat days run on Saguaro. The Canyon Lake closure update has the latest. Last checked: Sep 28, 2026.
Step 8: Run the day itself
- The renter and tow driver arrive at the shop about an hour before the start time for hookup, life jackets, and the walkthrough.
- Everyone else heads to Saguaro Lake and meets the boat at the ramp.
- Launch, run the rotation, and keep an eye on the weather. If storms are in the forecast, contact us before launch and we will reschedule at no charge.
- The boat goes out with a full tank and comes back full. Fuel is not included.
FAQ
How many people fit on your wake surf boat?
Up to 16 passengers on the Centurion RI 245, with life jackets for a full boat included.
Do you have more than one wakeboat?
No. There is one wakeboat in the fleet, so book as early as you can.
What if our group has more than 16 people?
Add jet skis and rotate riders between the boat and the skis. Ask us when you book how many skis are open for your date.
Does anyone need to know how to wakesurf?
No. Beginners are welcome, and most groups mix surfing with tubing and swimming.
Can we launch at Canyon Lake?
Not while the drawdown closure is in place. Plan the day for Saguaro Lake.
What does a large-group boat day cost?
Current rates are on the pricing page and the wakeboat rentals page.
Next step
Confirm your headcount, your 25-plus renter, your sober driver, and your tow vehicle. Then book the boat before someone else takes your date.