HOW TO GET UP AND WAKESURF

Learn how to get up, stay in the wave's sweet spot, and ultimately surf the wake without needing the tow rope.

GETTING UP AND RIDING

First, you'll start by floating in the water wearing a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket, towrope in hand, and board floating perpendicular to the boat. Laying back, place your feet atop the board, heels close to the rail, and toes pointed upwards. Arms should be straight, with both hands holding the tow handle. Your driver should slowly idle forward to remove any slack in the rope.

When ready, signal the driver to put the boat into gear and push down hard on your heels. The force of slowly moving through the water will push the board flat against your feet. Ideally, your arches should be over the board’s centerline. Bend at the knees, enter a squat position, and allow your heels to slide up against your lower body. While you're in your squat position, keep your back straight – don't bend over.

Remember, let the boat do the work and pull you from the water. Stay in your squatted position as the board planes atop the water’s surface, then slowly begin to stand and let the board naturally steer outside the surf wave in the direction of your lead (forward) foot.

STAYING WITH THE WAKE

With no towrope to rely on, body position is key to staying with the wake. If you want to accelerate, drive the board forward by leaning your lead hip toward the boat and placing more weight over your front foot. Likewise, to brake or drift back, shift your weight more toward your back foot. In short, think of your front foot as the accelerator…and your back foot as the brake.

DROPPING THE ROPE

While the goal is to surf without a towrope, don’t rush it. Hanging on to the handle will keep you in position as you learn to use the wake’s momentum to keep you in the “pocket,” that sweet spot where the wave’s energy pushes you forward. You’ll know you’ve found it when the rope consistently has slack.

Now comes the fun part. Gently toss the handle toward the swim platform, or to the opposite side of the wake. A spotter should pull it into the boat. You’re surfing!

HOW TO CARVE WHILE WAKESURFING

Moving up and down the wave is key to progressing into your first tricks, but it’s also fun, mimicking the classic carving of ocean surfing.

LEARNING TO STEER

Direct, or “steer” the board right or left by digging a rail deeper into the water. More weight toward your toes will put more pressure on the board’s toeside rail and move you up the wake. Releasing that pressure will have the opposite effect, allowing the board to naturally drift back down.

As you get more experienced, use your legs to add a little push, bending at the knees to go up the wake, straightening legs at the top, and then bending again to go back down.

KEEP FROM FALLING DOWN

Again, consider keeping hold of the towrope as you first learn to carve and steer your board back and forth on the wave. It will avoid a lot of restarts and maximize your riding time.

READY TO GET ON THE WATER?

Building a solid foundation, from learning to stay in the pocket without the pull of the towrope to moving comfortably across the surface of the wake, is the key to progressing into more challenging moves.

Avoid getting frustrated. Learn one step at a time, become comfortable with the movement, and then use those skills to progress.

Stay safe, have fun, and we’ll see you out on the water!