How to Wakesurf: Beginner Tips for Wakesurfing
Wakesurfing combines the thrill of surfing with the tricks and airtime of wakeboarding to make it one of the most enjoyable activities that you can do behind your boat. How do you start wakesurfing? It can be difficult to get up and into the wave when you first start. But with these tips, you will soon be ripping the endless waves. We'll show you how to get on and off a wakesurf board, how to maneuver around it, and how to shred the rope!
Here are the essentials for wakesurfing
You'll need a boat but what other items do you need for wakesurfing? You'll need your board shorts or swimsuit, your wakesurf board, your wakesurf rope and, most importantly, a life jacket.
What to wear for wakesurfing
It's essential to have the right equipment before you go out on the water. Step one is to know what you should wear. It's obvious to wear a swimsuit, but here are some tips. You may be eager to show off your summer body and go out on the water, but it's best to have some coverage. Also, remember that you will be wearing a lifejacket so make sure you choose a supportive, comfortable swimsuit. A wetsuit and a rash guard are good options for beginners. You'll spend more time in water as a beginner. It can get cold depending on where you live. You are also protected better against any falls that might occur.
A life jacket is probably the most important thing you will wear when wakesurfing. Life jackets will keep you safe and dry, as well as provide protection in case you get hurt. You should ensure that you get a Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket that fits your body and is appropriate for your weight. While an Impact Vest, also known as a Comp (competition) Vest, will offer very little in protection or floatation but is less bulky and allows for more movement.
How do you choose a beginner wakesurf board?
The right beginner wakesurfboard will make it easier to learn quickly and allow you to have more fun. The focus for beginner wakesurfers is stability and a predictable feeling, not speed and pop. We recommend surf shapes for wakesurf boards that have a larger surface area and stable three-fin setup. This will provide the best platform for learning the basics. Construction and buoyancy are another characteristic of wakesurfers who are beginners. For beginners, boards are made from materials that are less buoyant. This allows them to sit lower in water for faster speeds and greater stability. You can then move up to more nimble and ultra-poppy boards. You can find more information in our guide to buying a wakesurf board.
How to drive a wakesurf boat?
We recommend a three-speed start to pull a wakesurfer. This allows the rider to be pulled up gently, instead of being jerked up abruptly, which can lead to falls and bails. You can find more information about wakesurf boats in our guide for setting up your wakesurf boat.
- To tighten the rope, put the boat in gear.
- Slowly accelerate the board until it flips up at the rider's feet.
- Next, increase your surfing speed.
How do you get started with wakesurfing?
- Place your feet on the water edge, with your toes pointed up.
- When the board starts to move, allow your knees to come in towards your chest and then dig in your heels.
- Keep your knees bent until the board flips to your feet. Your weight will be over the board.
- Place your heels on the board and stand up.
New wakesurfers are often advised to relax and allow the boat to do the work. It may seem frustrating if you are struggling to get up but it is true. It all comes down to your setup and patience. You will be sitting in the water, your feet on the board. The boat will pull you up as you press your heels into it. Keep your feet on the board and keep your hands steady. Once you're in a comfortable position, bend your knees to reach for the rope. As your weight shifts over the board, your weight will be lifted into a crouched position. You can slowly stand when your feet are fully above the board.
Beginners wakesurfers make the common mistake of pushing too hard into the board instead of letting the boat pull it up naturally. A common mistake is to try to pull yourself up. This may work for a while, but it is easy to lose balance and fall as you push your way up. You need to have patience, but you don't want your gaze to wander off to the sky. Instead, bend your knees and allow the boat to pull you up.
How to get rid of the rope while Wakesurfing
After you have gotten up, it is time to jump into the wave and let go of the rope. The wave's push will keep you on the waves, so you don’t need the handle to pull your body along. Here are some tips that will help you get into the wave and drop your rope.
The first step is to be upright. If you are too stiff, you will not be able move freely and position yourself in the wave. You should stand straight and not bend at the waist. Do a "posture test" by placing your backhand (not the one that holds onto the handle) on the lower back of your body, pushing forwards, then straightening your spine.
As you learn how to move on the wave, it is helpful to have someone help with the rope. You won't be yanked from your board if you lose your slack.
You can now start to throw the rope once you feel comfortable surfing and have a consistent slack line. To avoid getting caught, you can either throw the rope back into your boat or cross the wave to the other end.
How to Control your Speed Wakesurfing and Stay in the Wave
You can control your wakesurfing speed by changing the weight of your feet. Your front foot is your accelerator. For speed, press your front foot. To slow down, shift weight to your back foot. Pressing your heels into the wave will help you speed up. Turn up to the wave and then drop down to maintain your speed.
If you have trouble staying in the wave and keep getting pushed out of the back, you might consider popping back up after dropping down. If you feel you're losing the wave, it is important to increase the wave and not decrease it. This will allow you to drop down faster and gain speed. You'll soon be surfing like a pro once you master these movements.
Want to know more about Wakesurfing?
In our Ultimate Guide To Wakesurf Boards, we go more in depth about the sport, wakesurf board types, and picking the right wakesurf board for you.
If you have questions or concerns before going to purchase your board, feel free to call or visit our San Diego Wakesports Unlimited location!
San Diego Shop: (858)-277-5757
689 El Cajon Blvd. El Cajon, CA 92020