How to Wakesurf: Guide for Beginners to Big Air | Tips & Tricks

Congratulations on owning your wakesurf setup! Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your skills, wakesurfing is an addictingly fun way to enjoy the water. This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of wakesurfing, from setting up your boat to mastering basic maneuvers and tricks.

1. Setting Up Your Boat: Weight Distribution and Speed

Proper boat setup and speed are crucial for a good wake. Every boat requires a different weight configuration, so it's essential to experiment and find what works best for your setup. Generally, most of the weight should be placed in the rear of the boat on the side you plan to surf. Some boats might need a bit of weight in the front or on the opposite side to balance things out. Dedicate a day to playing around with the weights until you achieve the optimal wake shape.

Adjust the boat speed to around 10-12 mph, which is typically ideal for wakesurfing. Different boats and rider preferences may vary, so adjust accordingly for the smoothest ride.

2. Adjusting the Rope Length

Rope length plays an important role in your learning and progression. Avoid simply tying the rope and throwing it in; instead, set the rope length so that it's positioned where the wake starts to curl. This spot allows you to get comfortable with the board while being in the sweet spot of the wake. Avoid positioning the rope too far back in the white water or too close to the boat.

3. Getting Up on the Board and Positioning

Getting up on the wakesurf board is your first big step. Start by putting on a life jacket (a CGA vest works well), grab your board, and jump into the water. Sit with your knees bent, holding the rope handle with both hands, and place your heels on the board's edge closest to you, keeping the board perpendicular to the boat. As the boat accelerates, let the board come to you and gradually stand up, keeping your knees bent to maintain balance. Don't push your feet into the board on initial acceleration - if the board shoots out from under you, then you're pushing your feet out. Keep your knees bent and heels close to your bum. Once you're up, shift into a comfortable stance with your front foot forward, and start cruising. For a visual guide, check out this video.

Board positioning is crucial; ensure your feet are slightly staggered, with your front foot closer to the nose and your back foot near the tail. This stance provides better control and balance as you get up and start surfing.

4. Finding Your Balance and Control

Balance is key to wakesurfing. Control mostly comes from your legs: putting weight on your front foot will move you towards the boat, while putting weight on your back foot will cause you to fall back. Use the rope initially to keep yourself from falling too far behind the wave. Practice finding the sweet spot where you can let go of the rope and maintain your position on the wake. Once you feel comfortable, toss the rope into the boat and start surfing without it.

Rope management is also important once you're ready to let go. Rather than simply dropping the rope, aim to toss it back into the boat or off to the side to avoid it getting in your way.

5. Learning Basic Maneuvers: Up and Down the Wake

Now that you're riding, it's time to start maneuvering. Practice going up and down the wake by shifting your weight between your feet. Lighten the pressure on your front foot when heading up the wake and press down with your back foot to snap turns off the top. Spend time practicing with and without the rope until you're comfortable navigating the wake with precision.

6. Mastering Pumping for Speed

Pumping is essential for generating speed and executing tricks. To pump, drive up the wake and push down with your legs as you descend. This action generates forward momentum and allows you to gain the speed necessary for tricks like airs and 360s. It might be challenging at first, but once you get the hang of it, pumping will become a cornerstone of your wakesurfing skill set.

7. Advancing Your Skills: 360s and Airs

Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to advance your skills. For a 360, start by moving to the back sweet spot of the wake and getting a few good pumps in. As you approach the top of the wake, lighten your front foot, dig your back hand into the wake, and push your back foot out to initiate the spin. The key to a successful 360 is shifting your weight correctly throughout the rotation. Similarly, when attempting airs, gain speed by pumping, make a solid bottom turn, and as you approach the lip, lighten your front foot to get airborne. Balance your weight evenly on both feet when landing to avoid falling back into the wake.

8. Explore Different Boards and Styles

Wakesurfing fundamentals apply across different board types. Whether you’re on a beginner board, a skim style board, or a surf style board, the basics of weight distribution, balance, and maneuvering are universal. As you progress, experiment with different boards to see which style suits your riding preferences best.

Enjoy the Ride

Wakesurfing is all about having fun on the water while continuously improving your skills. Whether you’re cruising along, carving turns, or hitting advanced tricks, remember to focus on the fundamentals of balance, weight distribution, and board control. Grab your board, get out on the water, and enjoy the ride. The possibilities are endless!

Feel free to reach out to our Product Advisors if you have any questions about the right gear for you!