There is a growing list of luxury watersports destinations as the hospitality industry recognises guests’ nostalgic appetite for waterskiing. However, few match the experience of The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia’s newest network of ultra-premium destinations. Known for astonishing clarity and untouched coral systems, this region is rapidly attracting both domestic and international travellers seeking high-end watersports experiences.
Everyone with a phone is familiar with the marketing imagery of Saudi Arabia’s latest developments (the hyper-blue lagoons, the futuristic overwater villas of Sheybarah) and assume at least some of it must be digitally enhanced. Yet the moment you step onto the jetty at one of The Red Sea’s new luxury resorts, the truth becomes unmistakable: the water is exactly as it appears in the photographs. This took some getting used to…
For anyone passionate about watersports, it is instantly clear that these are some of the most ideal conditions in the world for wakeboarding, waterskiing, wing-foiling and paddle sports.
I visited specifically to test the WAMA watersports program, Red Sea Global’s dedicated brand designed to set a new standard in luxury resort watersports. I approached the experience with the expectations of an athlete, not a casual holidaymaker, having competed in national competitions and wakeboard tour stops growing up. Many high-end resorts offer watersports as a decorative amenity; very few deliver an experience that genuinely satisfies seasoned riders.
WAMA offers unparalleled experience and quality. It is rare to find a set-up fitting for a dedicated ski-school at a luxury resort. There is no rebuttal when you ask for a specific speed or rope length. They understand.
The driver manages the water, wind direction and boat path; the coach focuses on everything else. It creates a controlled, professional environment ideal for both beginners and advanced riders seeking progression.
At the centre of the program is WAMA’s bespoke electric tow boat, the Ski Nautique GS22E. Electric ski boats are the latest innovation in waterskiing. This form of propulsion is gaining traction worldwide, and it was my first time using it. I came with reservations but I was quickly and ultimately impressed.
The difference to a combustion-engine boat was negligible, with a slightly longer acceleration time as the only marker of change. An often cited issue for electric boats is the shorter operating time but by the end of our ninety minutes on the water, we were ready for a recharge too. The one caveat with electric boats is that wakesurfing will drain the battery faster than you can say ‘hit-it’, so we avoided wakesurfing.
Morning sessions, starting around 7.30am, offer the best conditions. The Red Sea’s lagoon becomes a near-perfect sheet of warm, glassy water, ideal for a calm ride or as a testing ground for your latest tricks.
We focused on wakeboarding. Running the boat at around 50% ballast in the rear tanks and adjusting weight forward (by placing someone in the bow lounge) produced a consistently clean wake.
Although we brought our own boards, WAMA’s state-of-the-art watersports equipment is brand new and chosen with care. No worn-out gear, no outdated equipment, nothing inconsistent with a luxury operation. Everything was sleek. I hope it stays that way.
We often find that luxury resorts do not have luxury watersports experiences. Typically, the luxury stays in the villas, the food, and the spa. This was not the case at The Red Sea. Luxury was very much on the water.
What sets The Red Sea apart in the global landscape of luxury watersports destinations is not one single feature but a combination: exceptional water quality, premium equipment and exceptional boat crew. The result is an offering that feels elevated not by extravagance, but by competence and genuine enthusiasm.
For travellers seeking the best watersports experience in the world, The Red Sea is just that. Beginners will find ideal learning conditions; experienced athletes will find a setup capable of delivering genuine progression.
In an era where “luxury watersports” is often used loosely, WAMA demonstrates what the term should actually mean. This is a serious, high-quality watersports operation supported by world-class water, thoughtful sustainability, and a commitment to excellence that only comes with years of industry experience. I truly believe The Red Sea is taking watersports to new heights.