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Using a specially designed surfboard ranging from 4′-6′, wakesurfing allows a rider to surf on one side of the wake generated by a ballasted inboard towboat (where the propeller is safely located underneath the boat).
To get started, a rider holds a tow rope to pull themselves out of the water and using the ‘push’ created by the wave, will find the ‘sweet spot’ and ultimately drop the rope to surf the steep face below the wave’s peak generated by the boat. Unlike ocean surfing (where a wave only lasts 12-16 seconds), wakesurfing allows you to surf the endless wave until your legs give out or the boat runs out of gas, whichever comes first! Most runs average 10-30 minutes or longer, depending on your level of experience. Boat speed is much slower than traditional water sports ranging from 10-12 mph, so there is very little impact or chance of injury! Depending on your stance (regular or goofy) will determine the side of the wave you ride.
Surf style is closer to ocean surfing with respect to the style of riding and board, and it also incorporates some of the same tricks. A surf-style board usually has more fins (Thruster/Tri Fin Quad Fin, 5-Fin, Twinzers, etc) for added traction, which allows for more aggressive turns and airs, but more challenging to spin. They are mostly constructed with fiberglass and a wood stringer (like ocean surfboards) which makes the board lively, but also more susceptible to dings and damage.
Skim style uses mostly flat boards with very little rocker that spin very easily. The boards are compression molded making them very durable, but also less lively. These boards are very similar to ocean skimboards where riders toss the board onto the shallow shores of the beach and run into the ocean snapping 180º off the oncoming wave and riding it to shore. Skim style tricks combine skateboarding & wakeskating including technical spins, shove-it and airs.
We are open early May through late October. With that said, we’re known to be out there as early as beginning of May (with wet suits and warm clothes on the boat) and into end-October. If you’re as hyped on wakesurfing as we are, we’re happy to get out early/late season! During the summer months, we can continue to surf into the sunset.
Regular Foot = wakesurfing with your left foot forward on the PORT (left) side of the wave; the majority of right-footed people will surf regular foot!
Goofy Foot = wakesurfing with your right foot forward on the STARBOARD (right) side of the wave; the majority of left-footed people will surf goofy foot!
If you have ever set foot on a skateboard, snowboard, single water ski, wakeboard/wakeskate or any other sport where you stand sideways…you’ll want to surf with the same foot forward that you did with any of these sports. Ideally, you want your strongest leg in the back position of the surfboard. If you have never set a foot sideways on a board, try this simple test (you’ll need a partner):
Stand up straight with both of your feet together
Standing behind you, have your partner gently push you forward by the shoulders, enough to require you to take a step forward to catch yourself.
Whatever foot steps forward is the foot you should place on the FRONT of the surfboard.
On average, riders drop the rope on the first session, but loosing the wave fast due to the small experience of the sensation of pushing the wave, every session you will stay on the wave longer.
This all depends on the level of experience you may have with any board sports combining balance and muscle memory in some capacity such as skateboarding or snowboarding. Experience with water-related sports isn’t required but helps to understand what it feels like to be towed. We’ve seen surfers get up on their first pull, and we’ve had some individuals that need more time to get their feet under them. No matter how quick you pick it up, our coach will work with you to make sure you’re digging in your heels and letting the boat/driver do the rest of the work!
