Wake surfing can be an exciting and challenging sport to add to the list of thing that make having a boat so much fun. Wake surfing is well known to be the oldest “behind the boat” sport, even predating water skiing. When done right, wake surfing will give you the feel of riding an endless wave (without the sharks or paddling).
What you’ll need:
Wake surfing board- It’s best to use a board designed specifically for wake surfing. Many people have tried to use old surfboards or large wakeboards with mixed success. For the best results (easiest to learn and more fun) get ahold of a wake surfing board.
Wake surfing rope/ handle- For under 40 bucks you should be able to find a wake surf specific rope and handle. Wake surf ropes are much thicker than wake board ropes because you may need to hold on to the rope to pull yourself into the sweet spot. Wake board ropes are thin, hard to hold on to and can wrap around your hands and arms.
Inboard wake boat- This one’s important. NEVER wake surf behind an outboard or inboard/outboard boat. Outboard and inboard/outboard boats have exposed propellers and can really make a mess out of you and your board if you get too close. Only wake surf behind an inboard boat. Inboard boats have the propeller tucked up underneath the transom of the boat.
Ballast- Wake surfing usually requires additional weight on the side of the boat you intend to surf (most people surf on the port/left side). Usually adding weight towards the back of the boat will help create the wake you need to surf. Each boat is different, so experiment with weight placement and the amount of weight. Make sure not to exceed your manufactures maximum weight guidelines.
Once you have your board, rope and your boat is all setup, it’s time to wake surf.
Driving the boat- When pulling up a wake surfer, you can accelerate even slower than with wakeboarding. Gradually bring the boat up to around 10 MPH (this will vary boat to boat based on boat size, type and ballast). Ideally, the boat will create a clean (without a lot of froth or white water) wake. Drive the boat straight, not in a circle.
Getting up- Lie on your back in the water and bring your knees to your chest. Allow the board to float naturally and keep it at a 90 degree angle to you and the boat. Place your feet on the board with your heels resting on the board and your toes pointing straight up. Your feet should be right on the edge of the board closest to you. Depending on the board your back foot should be somewhere around a foot from the back of the board. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart.
When the boat accelerates and the rope tightens up, put pressure on your heels which will flip the board up to meet your feet. Do not bring your feet down to meet the board. Once you bring the board to your feet, keep your arms straight out in front of you and keep your knees sucked up to your chest. Ride like this for a few seconds until you have come out of the water and the board begins to plane. Once you are out of the water straighten your legs, but keep your knees slightly bent.
Edge the board away from the boat and the wake so you can get your balance and adjust your feet. Depending on which side of the boat you are riding and which foot forward you use, you will want to adjust your feet so that your toes (regular riders and left side of the boat) or your heels (goofy riders on the left side of the boat) are closest to the edge of the board which is closest to the wake. This will allow you to “hold an edge” or keep the board in the side of the wave. Once you have moved your feet, gradually edge towards the wake. Now it’s time to move into the “Sweet Spot” of the wave
