How to Wakesurf

Are you seeking an exciting new sport you can do on the water? Wakesurfing has become extremely popular since its advent in the late 20th century, with specialized wakesurf boats being developed to make it easier and even more enjoyable. This watersports activity combines traditional surfing with wakeboarding to create a fascinating and thrilling experience. Here are our tips for novice wakesurfers to help you master this pastime.

Get Your Gear

First, you’re going to need a wakesurfing board, a wetsuit, a towing rope with a padded handle, signal flags, and a PFD (personal flotation device, also known as a life jacket). Make sure to choose a beginner-friendly wakesurf board that suits your height; a taller person will need a longer board since their stance will be wider.

Regular or Goofy?

The footing on a wakesurf board matters, as it helps you to retain your balance as you surf the waves. A “regular” stance has your left foot forward, while a “goofy” stance puts your right foot forward. Everyone has a more dominant foot; to find yours, run a short distance and then stop quickly. Look at the foot that you put forward to bring yourself to a stop; that’s your leading foot. Another way to determine this is to kick a soccer ball and see which foot feels more comfortable and achieves more accuracy.

How to Stand Upright

The most challenging aspect of wakesurfing is getting started. You’ll start with your body in the water with your feet placed about 18” apart on your board and your hands on the handle, which will be connected via the towing rope to a towing eye on the wakesurf boat. Signal to your boat operator when you’re all settled so they can start the engines and draw you forward.

As the boat speed increases, you’ll find your body moving up to a standing position, allowing you to straighten up at your own pace when it feels more stable. Find your balance by bending your knees and shifting your weight. If you want to speed up, place more weight on your front foot, and slow down by shifting your weight toward your rear foot. You should hang onto the towing rope until you feel like you’ve practiced enough to remain upright comfortably.

Stop by our Maine dealership in Naples today to view our full stock of new and used wakeboard boats for sale. New England Water Sports serves our customers around Long Lake and Sebago Lake, ME.