Wakesurfing - How to Get Started
Wakesurfing. One of the fastest growing sports! This is because it's incredibly fun, easy to get started, and it's a sport everyone can enjoy. We put together a couple tips for anyone looking to get started.
Much of wakesurfing is a matter of "practice makes perfect", but if you've never done anything like it before, make sure you've got the right equipment first.
Get a Wakesurfing Rope.
Different from a wakeboarding rope, a wakesurfing rope is thicker and often has a smaller handle (or "T-bar"). A wakeboarding rope is much more thin and can leave you with a nasty case of rope burn. Also, wakeboarding handles are bigger so they can be dangerous when you fall. Not that you're going to fall a lot... Many wakesurfing ropes also have knots as handles to help you pull yourself into the "sweet spot" of the wake. Make sure you get yourself a good wakesurfing rope.
Getting the right type of rope is an important part of gearing up for wakesurfing.
Ballast System and Fat Sacs
Getting the wake just right is only possible with a good ballast system and/or several fat sacs. Generally, you want get as much weight as possible to one side of the boat, with most of the weight towards the back. Be sure not to exceed the manufacturer’s maximum weight specifications when wakesurfing!
Wakesurfing Board
It's important to get a board specific to wakesurfing. It will make the learning curve easier and you’ll be having much more fun. There are two styles of boards - "surf" and "skim". Surf style boards usually have two or more fins towards the tail of the board and look like mini surfboards. Skim style boards usually have one center fin in the back and possibly a small fin in the front. Surf style boards are good for aggressive carving and catching air. Skim style boards are usually easier to spin and do shuv-its.
How Fast Should the Boat Go?
Most people wakesurf around 10mph, but sometimes as slow as 9mph and as fast as 13mph depending on a few things including the hull, length of the boat, and amount of ballast. Additionally, each board has an ideal speed depending on length and rocker.
I have one board that I like to ride at 9.7 and another that I prefer to ride at 10.3 mph.
So, that's pretty much it for the gear and basics of wakesurfing. The next part is figuring out how to get up on one and ride that wake!
Getting Up on a Wakesurf Board
Standing up on the board is easier than it looks. Lay back in the water with your feet laying loosely on the wakesurf board, your knees bent and the rope between your legs. The driver should start slowly - just 1-2mph should allow you to dig your heels into the wakesurf board and pop it up vertically. The people in the boat should now be able to see the bottom of the wakesurf board. At that point the driver gives more throttle while you keep your arms straight and begin pulling yourself up. It is almost like when you are sitting on the floor and you reach out your hand while someone pulls you up with theirs. Once up, keep your knees slightly bent and edge away from the wake so you can get your feet into position.
Where to Put Your Feet on a Wakesurf Board
Generally you want your feet about shoulder width apart, with your back foot anywhere from 6 to 18 inches from the tail of the board. It will be different for each wakesurf board. Your feet should usually be closest to the edge of the wakesurf board that is cutting into the wake - that will allow you to hold your edge in the wake and keep you in the sweet spot. Additionally, keep in mind that shifting your weight to your front foot is like the "gas" and putting weight on the back foot is like the "brake". Same goes for moving forward on the wakesurf board and moving back. As you progress you will move your feet all over the wakesurf board while riding to recover from tricks.
Like we said, much of this sport is simply just getting out and trying it! But we're pretty certain you're going to get hooked the moment you get up on a wakesurf board for your first time. So be prepared to develop an addiction to this!
Precision Boats in Idaho Falls is all about having a good time. We would love to show you some of these new boats that are made specifically for wakesurfing. We have boats great for every water sport. Stop by and have a look around.
Our parts and accessories department has a huge selection of wakesurf boards, wakeboards, and skis. Not to mention ropes, helmets, gloves and anything else you might need. For boating families in Idaho, Precision Boats is where you go.