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Learning to Wakesurf

Wakesurfing is a mix between wakeboarding and surfing. Like wakeboarding, the rider follows behind the wakeboard boat, but instead "surfs" the wake using no tow rope. In order to achieve a large enough wave to wake surf on, the wakeboard boat needs to be weighted on one side with ballast, extra weights, large bags of water called "fat sacks" and even people. The boat speed of about 10-11 miles per hour also helps to increase the size of the wake.

Since the proximity of a wakesurfer is close to the boat (within 5 feet), only inboard motor boats should be used. You don't want the wakesurfer anywhere near the boat propeller.

How to Stand up on a Wake Surfboard
Standing up on a wakesurf board is very similar to standing up on a wakeboard. The main difference is the size of the board. Follow these step-by-step instructions for getting up on a wakesurf board, which include helpful rope and boat tips.

Once you are standing, adjust your weight on the board to move forward or backward. Apply more weight on your front foot to move forward and apply more weight on your back foot to move backward.

Putting more weight toward the inside edge of the board (the board closest to the wave) will allow you to cut into the wave.

Get comfortable riding in the "pocket" without any tension before you throw the rope. Rather than throwing the rope toward the boat where you might hit someone upside the head, throw the rope out to the side, and people in the boat can pull the rope back in.

What to Get: Wake Surfing Gear

• Liquid Force 5'0" Wake Surfboard
  This board is short and wide for generating more push. Good for medium to average wakes, for any rider ability level.
• CWB Tsunami Wakesurfer
  57" Short board with 3 removable tail fins, 1 nose fin and free instructional DVD. Shorter length makes it easier to do spins and shoves
• CWB Ride Wakesurfer
  63" board, comes with 4 fiberglass fins and free instructional DVD. This is a great board for doing lots of different moves and has the fastest rocker line for minimal drag (for those who don't ride behind a huge wake).
• 
  4'6" and 5'0" wakesurfer boards come with fins and foam pad top that is comfortable and sticky for easier riding.
• Compare Wake Surf Boards
• Wake Surf Rope & Handle
  Wake surf-specific rope and handle is designed for easy starts and safer falls. Yes, the rope really does make a difference.

Wake Surfing News & Tips

• How to Create the Perfect Wake Surfing Wake
  Weighting your boat correctly will make for a much better ride. Here are some tips for do-it-yourself boat ballast, including how much weight to add and where to put it.

• Wake Surfing Tricks
  Once you get going and are feeling comfortable riding without the rope, here is a wakesurfing trick list to get you out of your comfort zone.

Where to Go: Places to Wakesurf

• Where to Wakesurf
  Search by marinas and launch ramps to find a plethora of waterways you can wakeboard on. Get address, weather, nearby suppliers, information on local events and more helpful stuff.
• Wacky Wave Wakesurfing School British Columbia, Canada
• Pine Lake Ski School wake surfing lessons in Michigan
• DFW Surf wake surfing lessons in Texas
• Adam Fields' Wakeboarding School wake surfing in Florida & N Carolina
• Blue Turns Watersports wake surfing lessons in Oregon

Who to Wakesurf With:

• Find People to Wakesurf With
  Find people in your area who are interested in wake surfing, and make new friends who enjoy spending time riding waves as much as you do.

• Wake Surfing Groups
  Find a group of beginner and experienced wake surfers near you (worldwide) through a free online service called Meetup.com. Obviously, you can't do wakesurfing alone, and of course you need someone with a boat. This is a great way to network with people who have boats and want to wakesurf.

Common searched terms: wakesurf, wake surfing, wake surf, wakesurfing