Wakesurfing is a thrilling water sport that blends the excitement of surfing with the dynamic environment of a boat-driven wake. It continues to grow in popularity worldwide, attracting everyone from action sports junkies to relaxed weekend adventurers. If you’ve ever dreamed of surfing an endless wave—without the ocean—wakesurfing could be your new favorite obsession.
TL;DR: Wakesurfing is a water sport where a rider surfs the boat’s wake without being continuously connected via a tow rope. Unlike wakeboarding or waterskiing, wakesurfers drop the rope once they’re up and ride the wave produced by specialized boats. It’s relatively easy to learn and requires much less speed and impact than many other water sports, making it accessible and exciting for people of all skill levels.
What Exactly Is Wakesurfing?
Wakesurfing is a sport that involves riding a specially designed surfboard behind a boat that creates an artificial wave. After getting up on the board using a short tow rope, the surfer tosses the rope and rides the continuously forming wave behind the boat using only its momentum—much like ocean surfing, but with some key differences.
Over the years, wakesurfing has become increasingly popular not only for its fun factor but also because it’s easier on the body compared to traditional wakeboarding or water skiing. With the lower speeds involved—usually around 10-12 mph—it’s a safer alternative that still delivers the adrenaline and freedom that water sports enthusiasts crave.
How It Works: The Mechanics of Wakesurfing
To understand wakesurfing, it helps to know a little about the mechanics behind it:
- The Boat: A specialized “wakesurf boat” with an inboard motor and ballast system is used. The ballast adds weight and helps to shape a more surfable, consistent wave behind the boat.
- The Wake: The boat’s design and added weight cause it to sit lower in the water, displacing more of it and forming a large, clean wave ideal for surfing.
- The Board: Wakesurf boards are shorter and wider than traditional surfboards. They come in different shapes and styles depending on the rider’s skill level and style preference (skim-style vs. surf-style).
Equipment You’ll Need
Getting into wakesurfing doesn’t require a ton of gear—but having the right equipment makes a big difference. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to get started:
- Wakesurf Board: As mentioned earlier, boards come in two styles:
- Skim-style: Thinner, lighter, and more maneuverable—great for tricks and spins.
- Surf-style: Thicker with more volume and fins—perfect for carving and getting that traditional surf feel.
- Wakesurf Rope: A short, thick rope with a handle designed specifically for wakesurfing. Unlike waterski ropes, these are made to be dropped after the start.
- Life Vest: Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits well and allows for freedom of movement.
- A Wakesurf Boat: The boat is probably the biggest investment part of the sport. It must be a wakesurf-safe boat (inboard or V-drive motor) for safety and optimal wake conditions.
Steps to Start Wakesurfing
If you’re ready to get wet and try this sport out yourself, here’s how a typical wakesurf session works:
- Start in the Water: Sit in the water with your feet on the board and the tow rope in your hands.
- Get Pulled Up: As the boat accelerates, kneel and then stand up slowly on the board, using the handle to get your balance.
- Find the Sweet Spot: Shift your weight to find the “surf zone” of the wave, typically a few feet behind the boat.
- Let Go of the Rope: Once you’re stable and riding the wave, toss the rope into the boat. You’re now wakesurfing!
- Carve and Cruise: Use your front and back foot to control your speed and direction. Carving side to side is not only fun but keeps you within the wave’s power.
Why Choose Wakesurfing?
There are many water sports out there, but wakesurfing offers some unique advantages that continue to attract a wide range of enthusiasts:
- Low Impact: The slower boat speeds and low falls make it easier on the joints compared to wakeboarding or waterskiing.
- Great for Socializing: With several people usually in the boat, it becomes a shared group activity full of cheers, laughs, and encouragement.
- Endless Wave: Unlike ocean surfing, where catching a good wave depends on nature, the wave behind your wakesurf boat is always there and never breaks.
- Quick to Learn: Most people can stand and ride within a few attempts, making it beginner-friendly while still offering room for advanced skills and tricks.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re just starting out, here are a few helpful tips to get the most out of your wakesurfing experience:
- Start with a longboard-style wakesurf board—more stability, easier ride.
- Keep your knees bent and your arms relaxed as you’re getting up—try to feel the wave doing the work.
- Use your back foot to steer—add pressure to turn or carve the wave.
- Don’t stare at your feet; look at the boat or the water ahead to keep your balance.
Advanced Moves and Tricks
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, wakesurfing opens the door to a world of fun tricks and stylish maneuvers. Some popular advanced skills include:
- 360 Spins: Rotating completely around on the wave without losing momentum.
- Shuvits: A skim-style trick where the board rotates independently beneath you.
- Air Tricks: Going airborne off the wake’s lip and landing back into the wave.
- Switch Riding: Learning to ride with your opposite foot forward—great for building skill symmetry.
Safety Considerations
Wakesurfing can be very safe when done correctly, but there are a few important considerations:
- Always use a boat with an inboard engine. Outboard or stern-drive engines can present serious risks to the rider.
- Have a spotter: Someone in the boat should always keep an eye on the rider and signal to the driver if necessary.
- Don’t overload the boat: Check weight capacity, especially when using ballast systems.
- Use appropriate hand signals: Create hand gestures for speeding up, slowing down, or stopping for clear communication with the driver.
Is Wakesurfing the Right Sport for You?
If you love being on the water, enjoy the thrill of riding waves, and want a sport that balances relaxation with adventure, wakesurfing might just become your summer go-to. It combines physical activity with social bonding and delivers a tremendous sense of freedom once you’re gliding along the wave with nothing but your balance and a smile.
Whether you’re an avid surfer looking for a flat-water fix or a complete beginner wanting to dip your toes into water sports, wakesurfing offers a unique, satisfying, and endlessly replayable experience. So gear up, get out on the lake, and ride the endless wave!