What is wakesurfing?

It’s great to try out new things but one of the first issues you’re going to face is learning about them. Of course, it’s no shame that you know too little at first; you need to start somewhere after all. That’s why we’ve created this guide on what is wakesurfing and all the things you need to know before you dive into the new hobby.

When learning about wakesurfing, many beginners wonder if they’re the same or how they are related to each other. So to start off your guide, let’s clarify a few points for wakesurfing.

Wakesurfing 101

The beauty of wakesurfing lies in the fact that it can be done whether or not you’re near the ocean. This is good news for those who love watersports but aren’t anywhere near a great spot for massive waves. This new sport allows you to create your own waves. And unlike other watersports out there, it can be enjoyed with friends. (Yes, they can drink beer and laugh at you while you’re struggling to stay standing on your board.)

Despite being new, wakesurfing is known worldwide, to both beginners and experts. In fact, there are huge competitions that celebrate the sport and they are being held in different parts of the world.

How does wakesurfing work?

It involves a wakeboat that tows the rider behind as it creates wake for them to surf.

You start by lying on back in the water while holding the rope that’s connected to the boat. The wakeboat then starts. It’s important to stand up very carefully at this point. It will start to gain momentum and when the rider is on a stable surfing position, the real fun begins. You let go of the rope and start surfing with the waves created by the wakeboat.

There are different things that can be done to the wakeboat to create larger wakes. For example, you can add extra weight in it or have extra ballast, which will make the wave look bigger. Having a surf system can also provide the desired results.

Where can you wakesurf?

The best thing about wakesurfing is it can be done anywhere, as long as you have a body of water to move a boat around. You don’t need to be in the ocean, or to be in popular watersports spots where the waves are magnificent. It can be done in inland lakes or other bodies of water suitable for wakesurfing.

What do you need for wakesurfing?

To get started with wakesurfing, you need to secure several things. First and foremost, you need a wakesurfing instructor who can teach you the ropes (no pun intended).

Next thing you should into is getting your gear. This includes the board, life jacket, and rope.

“My friend, who’s quite a veteran in this field already, has their own personal wakesurfing board. Can I just use that?”

It depends. Most professional wakesurfing boards have nuances in their design and structure that might not fit right with beginners. These are minute things that you may not be able to notice at first glance. You’d want to find boards that are perfectly made for novices.

For the life jacket, when buying, you’d want to focus on the fit, comfortability, and safety features. You will also need a wakesurf handle which is different from wakeboard handle to get started,

So now that you have a general idea of what wakesurfing is and how it works, it’s time for you to jump in!