17 Useful Practical Tips for First-Time Wakesurfers

Are you excited to try wake surfing for the first time? This exhilarating sport has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Before you hit the water, there are a few things you should prepare beforehand to make your experience more enjoyable. Here are 17 practical tips to help you get ready for your first wake surfing adventure.

Practical Tips for first time wakesurfers

Preparing For Your Wake Surfing Session

1. Stretch Before You Go

Wake surfing can be a little strenuous on your body, especially if you're new to the sport. To avoid injury, make sure to stretch beforehand. Take a few minutes to warm up your muscles and get your body ready for the physical demands of the sport.

2. Listen To Your Instructor

Your instructor will be there to guide you through your first wake surfing experience. Make sure to listen to them and follow their instructions. They have years of experience and can help you stay safe and have fun.

3. Choose The Right Board

Choosing the right board is important for your wake surfing experience. Make sure to talk to your instructor about the best board for your skill level and body type.

4. Practice Your Balance

Wake surfing requires good balance. To prepare, practice balancing on one foot at a time. This will help you stay steady on the board when you hit the waves.

5. Start Slow

When you first get on the board, start slow. Take your time to get comfortable and find your balance. Don't be afraid to start with small waves and work your way up.

6. Keep Your Eyes On The Boat

When you're wake surfing, make sure to keep your eyes on the boat. This will help you stay in the sweet spot and ride the wave for longer. Remember to relax, have fun, and enjoy the ride.

What to Bring When Going Wakesurfing

7. Pack Warm Clothes

Even if you are going in the summer, it's always a good idea to pack some warm and dry clothes. The wind out on the water can make it feel colder than it actually is, especially when you're wet. If you get cold easily, consider bringing a sweatshirt and extra clothes just in case yours get wet.

8. Bring Extra Towels

It's always a good idea to pack extra towels, just in case. You'll want to dry off and stay warm between your turns on the board.

9. Pack Snacks and Drinks

Wake surfing is a fun sport, but it can also be a bit of a workout. You'll want to stay hydrated, so pack plenty of water, sports drinks, and snacks. Even if your instructors provide some, it's always nice to have the snacks and drinks you enjoy.

10. Don't Forget Sunscreen

Spending time out on the water means being exposed to the sun for extended periods. Make sure to pack sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. Even if the boat has a sun cover, it's always best to bring sunscreen just in case.

What To Expect Before You Go Wakesurfing

Before you hit the water, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure your safety and maximize your enjoyment.

11. Boat Safety

One of the most important factors in wakesurfing safety is the type of boat you use. You should never wakesurf behind a boat with an outboard motor, which has an exposed engine and propeller that can pose a serious risk to surfers. 

Instead, you should use a boat with an inboard motor that's specifically designed for watersports like wakesurfing.

12. Wakesurfing Safety

Another essential safety item for wakesurfing is a life jacket. You should always wear a life jacket while wakesurfing, and make sure you have all the necessary safety gear before you hit the water. Your wakesurfing instructor or boat owner should be able to provide you with all the necessary equipment.

A swim platform is another important safety feature that can make wakesurfing much safer. These platforms are located at the back of the boat and allow you to get out of the water and back onto the boat safely.

13. Falling Safely

While wakesurfing, it's important to know how to fall safely to avoid injury. Falling at speeds of 10-15 mph can be dangerous, so it's essential to know how to drop the rope and fall gently into the water.

When you feel yourself about to fall, drop the rope immediately to avoid any arm or wrist strains. Try to fall gently into the water and cover your head to protect it from the board or any shallow areas.

Practical Tips for first time wakesurfers

What to Expect While Wakesurfing

let's talk about what you can expect while, Wakesurfing is a great way to have fun on the water and challenge yourself physically.

14. Decide if you are a Goofy or Regular Stanced Rider

One of the first things you'll need to do before you start wakesurfing is to determine if you're a goofy or regular stanced rider. This will help your instructor set up the wake in the best possible way for you to ride.

To determine if you're a goofy or regular stanced rider, imagine yourself sliding on ice. Which foot do you put forward? If you put your right foot forward, you ride goofy. If you put your left foot forward, you ride regularly. Let your instructor know which way you ride so that they can set up the wake accordingly.

15. Getting Up for the First Time

Getting up for the first time can be a bit challenging, but with practice, you'll be able to do it easily. The first thing you'll do is sit in a semi-fetal position in the water. Then, grab onto the rope and position your feet onto the board with your knees bent. Let the boat do the work of pulling you up to a decent speed before standing straight up and enjoying the ride.

16. Maneuvering Once You Get Up

Once you're up and riding the wake, you'll have the ability to gas and brake. To gas, simply put weight on your front foot. To brake, shift your weight to your back foot, and you'll slowly drift backward. This gives you control over your ride and allows you to adjust your speed and direction as needed.

17. Finding the Sweet Spot

The sweet spot of the wave is where you'll be able to ride without using the rope. This is the best part of wakesurfing and makes you feel super free while out on the water. To find the sweet spot, you'll need to be positioned in a spot on the wave where the water is pushing you forward with the boat. Once you get the hang of gassing and braking, you'll know when you find the sweet spot because you'll feel that you no longer have tension on the rope. Once you feel that tension stop, go ahead and drop the rope and enjoy the ride.

Conclusion

Wakesurfing is a fun and exciting water sport that can be enjoyed by anyone with the determination to learn. With these practical tips, you should have no problem getting up and riding the wake with ease. Remember, it takes practice to master wakesurfing, so don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep trying, and soon you'll be riding the wake like a pro.