The short answer is: No, you can’t. You can wakesurf when the boat creates an endless wave as the boat hull displaces the water. This means that you can’t wakesurf if the boat has an outboard or IO motor.
Just because you have a surfboard, you can’t just go behind any boat to wakesurf. If your surfboard goes faster than the board, you can accidentally hit the propeller on the boat, causing a severe injury or even death.
Unless your boat has an inboard propeller, it will be hazardous to surf the waves. A board with an outboard engine, where the engine is mounted outside the body of the boat, is not appropriate for wakesurfing. You need to stay close to the boat, which can be extremely dangerous in the case of an outboard engine.
Moreover, you need to pay attention to the rope you’re using, as any rope won’t just work. A thin rope can cause rope burns and might accidentally snap due to your weight and the drag. Moreover, the handles shouldn’t be too big if one accidentally flies and hits the surfer in the face.
Which Boat is Best for Wakesurfing?
There are several boats for racing, cruising, and fishing. Not all of them are suitable for wakesurfing, as the boat should be able to hit a certain speed to create a wake.
Cruising and sporting boats are lightweight and speedy, so they’re more capable of creating a surfable wake. Other boats like pontoon boats won’t be able to generate enough power to create the wake for your surfboard.
Any inboard direct or V-drive boat will be suitable for wakesurfing. In this case, the propeller will be located beneath the boat, so it’s safer for you because you’re unlikely to come in contact with the propeller. In outboard boats, the propeller is exposed and is a serious hazard, even if you’re an advanced user.
How to Get on a Wakesurf Board?
Learning to get on the wakesurf board will guarantee your safety as you have fun. There are multiple ways to master wakesurfing, even if you’re a beginner. Here is how to do it like a pro:
From a Kneeling Position
- Start as if it’s a kneeboard and maintain your balance. You should start to take one hand slowly off the rope while staying balanced on the board. This might take some time in the beginning, but eventually, you will learn to do it properly.
- Pull up the rope and move forward the foot that corresponds to the hand that still holds the rope.
- Keep your other hand low and try to stabilize your body while maintaining balance.
- Slowly get up while staying balanced on the board.
From a Sitting Position
- In this technique, you will start from a sitting position. Sit on the surfboard in a straddle position with your feet on both sides of the board.
- Wait until the boat accelerates until there’s tension.
- When you feel the tension, move your feet to the front of the board and maintain your balance.
- Use both hands stay balanced and try to stand up slowly and gradually.
From the Boat
- This technique is suitable for more advanced users and those who have previous experience with wakesurfing.
- Keep the surfboard on the boat in a perpendicular position.
- Stay behind the board, and wait until there’s tension.
- The rope will pull the board forward, pulling you up to your feet. It will pop up and then go sideways, allowing you to carve the wave.
Which Factors Affect the Wake?
Wakesurfing isn’t an easy task, and several factors affect your ability to wakesurf behind the boat.
- The ballast is where the boat stores water or any heavy objects. It’s usually located towards the rear of the boat, increasing the drag, and eventually producing a higher wake. If there are ballast bags, you should place them towards the corner from where you will be wakesurfing.
- The presence of a wake shaper can help create a better wake for wakesurfing. This is a simple device that attaches to the boat’s stern. You can use a wake shaper if the ballast bags aren’t giving you enough wake. If you ride from the driver’s side, the wake shaper should be placed on the opposite side of the rider.
- The tow rope is another factor that affects how good your wake will be. Wakesurfing ropes are usually shorter than wakeboarding and skiing ropes. They also have knots to allow you to position yourself better for the wake.
Tips to Become a Better Wakesurfer
Here are some tips to help you become better at wakesurfing.
- Pay attention to the type of boat.
- Think about the space available on the boat and the drag it provides.
- Consider the position of the propeller to make sure that it’s not exposed.
- Be careful about the type and length of the tow rope.
Wrap Up
Every boat is different, and the wake created will depend on several factors. Wakesurfing is a trendy water sport, and if you have the right gear, you will be able to do it successfully.
You can’t wakesurf behind any boat, because some boats might not be able to create the wake you need. Moreover, if the propeller is exposed, it could be extremely dangerous.
Make sure that you’ve picked a boat with an inbound motor to protect yourself from potential accidents. You should also practice balancing on the surfboard, so you can master the art of wakesurfing.