5 Tips for Beginners to Start Wakesurfing

blazingfact

Mar 13, 2023

If you're new to wakesurfing, don't worry! We've got you covered with some great tips to get you up on your board and riding those waves in no time. Here are some important things to keep in mind before you hit the water

Equipment is Key to Safety

To ensure your safety, it's important to have the right equipment. You'll need a true inboard boat for wakesurfing, which means the propeller is located underneath the boat.

This ensures that you won't come into contact with the propeller while you're surfing. You'll also want to use a wakesurf line with a braided end that you can hold onto.

This is better than using a wakeboarding rope and handle because it reduces the risk of getting caught in the handle.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the thrill of wakesurfing.

1. Set up your boat properly

One important thing to keep in mind when wake surfing is to properly set up your boat. This means ensuring that the ballast is completely filled on the side where the surfer will be riding.

Additionally, the weight inside the boat should also be distributed to that side to create the best possible wave for the surfer. If you have friends on board, have them sit on that side to further balance the weight distribution.

2. Getting on the board

If you're new to surfing and worried about getting on the board, don't be! It's actually not that difficult. With the right technique, you'll be able to stand up on the board in no time.

Here's how to get started:

Lay on your back in the water with your board in front of you.
Put your heels on the board and lift your toes out of the water.
When the boat starts moving, the board will push against your feet.
Keep your arms straight and outside of your knees.
Let the boat pull you up onto the board. Don't try to pull yourself up.

Congratulations! You're now standing on the board.

With these simple steps, you're ready to start surfing. Just remember to have fun and stay safe out there!

3. Surfing on the board

If you're new to surfing on a board, here are some tips to help you get started. First, once you're up on the board, don't worry about throwing away the rope too soon.

The rope can actually help you find your balance and the best position on the wave. Once you're feeling comfortable, you can toss the rope either back to the boat or to the other side of the wake.

4. Finding Your Sweet Spot

To stay in the sweet spot, focus on your feet. Use your front foot to accelerate and your back foot to slow down. This movement will help you maintain balance and stay in the sweet spot, avoiding getting too close to the boat or stuck back in the wave.

With practice and patience, you'll be able to surf without the rope and ride the waves like a pro.

5. Moving on to tricks

Once you have the basic carving down, you can move on to some other beginner tricks. Here are a few tricks to get you started:

Tic Tac: This is a basic trick where you use your toes and heels to make quick turns while moving forward. It's a great way to practice your balance and control on the board.
Kickturn: A kickturn is where you pivot the board on its back wheels and turn 180 degrees. It's a simple but important trick that you can use to change direction and navigate tight spaces.
Ollie: An ollie is where you pop the tail of the board and jump into the air, bringing the board up with you. It's one of the most fundamental tricks in skateboarding and can be used to jump over obstacles, onto ledges, or to start learning more advanced tricks.
Manual: A manual is where you balance on the back wheels of the board without touching the ground with the front wheels. It's a great way to practice your balance and control on the board, and can be used to transition into other tricks.

Remember, the key to learning new tricks is practice, patience, and persistence. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away – keep trying and you'll get there! It's also important to wear the proper safety gear, such as a helmet and pads, to protect yourself from injury.