FAQ

QN: Can anyone wakesurf ?

A: Yes. Provided you have an inboard motor boat (NO EXPOSED PROPS), a wakesurf board and a rope and handle, you should comfortably be able to lineride. Getting out of the water is similar to a wakeboard start but slower. My young daughter was able to surf on her first attempt and has been hooked ever since. 

Wakesurfing behind a boat is believed to predate even traditional watersking. I remember in the early 80's using a small shaped board with bindings called a skirfer. As I lived by the ocean I ocean surfed and also used my wave board behind my ski boat. This however, was on a long line.

QN: What equipment do I need ?

A: YOU MUST HAVE AN INBOARD MOTOR BOAT. (NO EXPOSED PROPS), a wakesurfboard, adequate rope and handle (preferable a wakesurf rope) and compliant safety vest. Refer to Getting Started for more info.

QN: What is "Freeride" ?

A: Freeride is where your boat creates enough of a wake to generate enough forward momentum so you are able to let go of the rope and handle and ride the wave created by your boat unaided. Typically the available riding zone is approximately between 2.5m to 5-6m behind the transom of your boat. Refer to Wakesurfing Terminology link on the left for more information.

QN: Can my boat generate enough of a wave to Freeride ?

A: This is dependant on your boats beam (Width), weight, size, number of passengers and the shape of the wake you are looking for. Obviously the larger the boat, such as a Centurion Enzo, will create a larger wake than say a 17' inboard. If the wake is relatively small, then a larger board will be required and tricks become more difficult. The larger the wake, the greater the surfing zone and the more attainable tricks become.

QN: How do I know when I have achieved the right wake ?

A: Each boat will be different. Generally you commence to form a wave when the wash out the rear of the boat begins to move away from the transom. That is, the whitewater (soupy wash) becomes flowing water directly behind the transom. Generally around 8-10mph you will see this starting to form. The wake is also dependant on the volume of water your boat displaces. Introducing ballast is the best and simplest way to improve your wake.

QN: What form of ballast is best and how much will I need ?

A: Ballast can be in many forms. Lead, water containers, people (body weight) and fat sacks are all used. The key to this is to ensure you do not OVERLOAD your boat and exceed the maximum weight limit of your vessel. The most convenient form I have found is by the use of fat sacks. These water 'bladders' come in various sizes from 50lt to 250lt sacks. The sacks are filled with a water pump that runs from your boats 12v charge. Placement of the ballast for each boat is by experimentation but traditionally you load the rear to gain height in the wave. Load the side to form the wave and load the front of your vessell to produce a longer sweet spot in the wake. IT IS ADVISABLE NOT TO HAVE YOUR BOAT SIT IN THE WATER PAST YOU RUB RAIL.

I have a 2001 Lewis Outback and I load 250lt fat sack along the rear seat, 250lt along the side I want to form the wave on and 150lt in the bow of the boat. This produces a clean wall and decent sweet spot.