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HOW TO WAKE SURF
It is not necessary to use 2 boats to create a surf wave or to constantly turn
the boat. Most wakeboard and water ski boats will generate a nice surf wake
if the boat is heavier on the side that you wish to surf on. A 300 to 500 pound
water ballast is typically adequate. Be careful not to exceed the weight restrictions
of your boat, and do not add so much weight on one side as to dangerously tilt
your boat. Remember, as you put more people in the boat, use less ballast so
your boat does not become overloaded.
WARNING: Only use water for ballast, not lead, steel, cement, or anything
else solid. The reason; if you have an accident and the boat takes on water,
a boat with water ballast will still float even though it is swamped. A boat
with lead, steel, cement, or other solid ballast would sink to the bottom.
Most boats create a surf wake at about 9 to 13 mph. Typically, the wake will
be smooth on one side and foamy on the other.
Beginners, you should start with a 50 to 70 foot long rope. This allows you
to get comfortable on the board before actually getting into the wave. Before
proceeding to ride in the wave, you need to learn to slow down by leaning back,
or putting more weight on your rear foot.
The typical ski boat will require a 16' rope if attached to a tower, and an
8' rope if attached to the back of the boat. Attaching the rope to a tower
makes it easier to get up; but it also creates a risk of someone in the boat
becoming tangled in, and injured by the rope. Attaching the rope to the back
of the boat makes it more difficult to get up, especially for a beginner; but
it mostly eliminates the risk of someone in the boat getting tangled in the
rope.
You start in the water on the side of the boat on which you intend to surf. Place the board in front of you with both feet upon the board. One approach is to have one hand holding the board against your feet and the other hand holding the handle. When you are ready, signal the driver to accelerate slowly. As soon as the boat starts moving, you can let go of the board and hold the handle with both hands. The force of the moving water will hold the board firmly against your feet. Now stand slowly.
WARNING: If you stand or lean too far forward, the board will accelerate towards the boat and may strike the boat; this is why you practiced first on a long line.
Be patient; unless you are an experienced surfer, you will not likely "catch the wave" your first try. Most people ride several times before they catch the wave. Just hang on to the handle and have fun. Cut back and forth, ride up and down the face of the wave, attempt side slides, 180s and 360s. There is a lot you can do while holding the handle (line riding); of course, you also want to practice catching the wave (free riding). Most beginners will catch the wave, accelerate rapidly towards the boat, and then slow down too much. That is OK because it is important that you know how to slow down. Once you feel comfortable with surfing and your rope is consistently slack, gently toss the rope to someone in the boat. At this point you will probably loose the wave and sink (most beginners do). Your initial surfing will probably consist of short rides. With practice you can get to the point where you can surf until someone in the boat makes you quit so they can have a ride.
BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS
The goal with wake surfing is to set the boat up to build a large wave. This
also means that your wave could be a nuisance to other boaters, or docks
and piers. Since you don't need smooth water to wake surf, go to the middle
of the lake so your waves have time to dissipate before reaching other boats
or the shoreline. If you are on a river, go to an area of the river where
there are few boats, docks or piers. Avoid crowds. If you do not act responsibly
with your boat wake, you could be ticketed or the sport of wake surfing could
be banned from your area.