Wakeboarding 101
Heading into spring, everyone is determined to make the most out of summer. If learning how to wakesurf is on your bucket list for this year, this might just be for you.
Firstly, while skills such as wakeboarding or surfing may be helpful, don't let lack of experience in this area steer you away from learning to wake surf. Like any new skill, wakesurfing takes practice, patience, and a bit of trial & error.
The Essentials
There are three essential tools needed to begin wakesurfing.
1. Wakesurf Board
2. Wakesurf Rope
3. Appropriate Life Jacket
Choosing Your Surfboard
Wakesurf boards are created with the size of the rider in mind, and the appropriate sized board will make your riding experience much easier. The longer and wider the board, the larger the intended rider. However, small trick boards are also made for more advanced riders. For an entry level rider, use the weight guidelines as your starting point. Then, look at fin configuration. Boards with 3 deeper fins are typically easier to control, where as single fin boards make tricks such as spins easier. Shop Wakesurf Boards Here.
Some beginner boards that we recommend include:
This board is designed for youth riders. Build wide, with a 3-fin configuration, this board is made to maintain balance while your youngsters surf.
Featuring a wide midsection and squash tail, the Haze V2 generates an incredible amount of push and speed on any wave – making it the perfect board for effortless, smooth style. Whether you are just getting into riding or are ripping airs, this stable platform will give you the confidence to push your surfing further. With all the forward drive you’ll generate from its thruster fin setup, the Haze V2 will have you racing down the line and taking to the skies with ease.
Rider Profile: Surfer Desiring a wide, floaty board to cruise i style… even on smaller waves
Wake Surf fans rejoice, again Noah Flegel has pushed the limits of Wakesurfing by adding a Foot Strap Set to his Hi-Fi skim style shape. You've seen the videos and it's amazing what is possible now that we've reinforced the deck and added inserts for foot straps. Not only is this great for advancing your skills behind the boat the Hi-Fi Party Shark is a great tool for teaching others how to wakesurf with the addition of the straps. The outstanding part is, just remove the straps and ride the deck like the Hi-Fi is meant to.
Choosing Your Surf Rope
When wakesurfing, it is easier to select a rope that is thicker then that typically used for wakeboarding or tubing, as you will be pulling yourself up the length of the rope. A thicker rope makes holding on much easier! Shop Ropes Here.
Some ropes we reccomend include:
1. The Hyperlite 20' Knotted Surf Rope
Choosing Your Life Jacket
Your life jacket is the most essential tool of wakesurfing. Not only for when you fall, but for maintaining bouyency and keeping yourself upright when preparing to get towed out of the water. If you are not sure how to select the right life jacket for adults, children, and pets, click here for more information.
Need a new life jacket? Shop Life Jackets Online
Ready Set Go
Once you have all your tools, it is time to get surfing. Wearing your life jacket, float in the water with your feet up on the board, and the board perpendicular to the boat. The nose of the board should be on the same side as your lead foot. Your heels should be close to the edge of the board nearest you. Position the rope between your knees and hold on with both hands, and straight arms.
Not sure which is your lead foot? Imagine your friend shoves you from behind, which foot would you catch yourself with?
When ready, signal the driver to accelerate. The boat should idle forward slowly, creating tension in the rope. Push down on the board and hold on tight, a steady and controlled acceleration will pull you up out of the water. Let your butt slide to your heels, leaving you in a tight ball. When the board planes the water, stand up. Maintain bent knees to absorb shock and maintain balance. Bring your rope handle to your front hip, keeping you aligned parallel to the boat. Once up on the board, balance with 60% of your weight on your forward foot, and 40% on your rear foot.
Ready to start moving the board? Start experimenting with weight balance. You can imagine your forward foot as a gas pedal, whereby increasing pressure increases speed. Your rear foot can be seen as the breaks, whereby increasing pressure decreases speed. Shifting your weight between your heels and toes will help you to move back and forth. You will know you are in the right space when the rope goes slack and you are able to maintain mobility with just the force of the wake. When you feel comfortable maintaining motion without the assistance of the rope, you can throw it into the boat!
As you become more comfortable surfing without a rope, you can begin to explore the wake. While maintaining a safe distance from the surf platform, you can explore the 10-12 feet of surf-able wake behind the boat, maintaining care to not fall to far back and lose momentum. You can practice carving up and down the face of the wake, gaining speed as you ride down the wave. It is this same method of gaining speed that will allow you to attempt tricks later!
Tips for the Boat Driver
When driving for a wake surfer, the key is to maintain speed control, as well as a straight & predictable course. The standard speed for wakesurfing is between 10-11 mph. Be sure to always maintain slow control when turning around to pick up a fallen passenger. Always be sure to have someone spotting, to allow the driver to keep eyes forward while keeping a watchful eye on the surfer.
Over all, remember that a new skill requires practice. Not everyone will pick up a new skill at the same rate, so have some fun with it. Remember, your wearing a lie jacket! So fall without fear, and have fun on the water! Should you need any guidance in wake surfing, or operating your wake surfing boat, the experts at Martin Motor Sports are keep to help, so reach out to us here! Happy surfing~!