If you’re new to wakesurfing, or just curious about what it’s all about, you’re in the right place. Wakesurfing is an exciting water sport where you ride the wave made by a boat, kind of like surfing but without needing the ocean. It’s a fun way to ride across the water, carve turns, and even do tricks once you get the hang of it.

In this guide, we’ll explain how wakesurfing works in simple terms, what you need to get started, and some basic tips to help you begin your first ride.

What Is Wakesurfing?

Think of wakesurfing like surfing, but the wave you ride is created by a moving boat instead of the ocean. You start by holding a rope attached to the boat, which pulls you up onto the wave behind it. Then, once you’re balanced, you let go of the rope and surf the wave freely, just like riding a real surf wave.

Unlike wakeboarding, where you’re pulled the whole time, wakesurfing lets you drop the rope and enjoy the feeling of surfing on calm water.

Do I need to know how to swim to wakesurf?
Yes, being comfortable in the water is important for your safety. Always wear a properly fitted life vest when wakesurfing to help keep you safe and buoyant.

How Does the Boat Create a Wave?

When a boat moves through water, it pushes the water aside, creating waves behind it called a wake. The shape and size of this wake depend on:

• How heavy the boat is, adding extra weight (called ballast) makes bigger waves,
  
• The design of the boat’s bottom, some boats are made to push water in a way that creates nice, surfable waves,
  
• How fast the boat is going, usually between 10 and 12 miles per hour is just right for wakesurfing.
  

Can I wakesurf behind any boat?
Not really. To get a good wakesurf wave, you need a boat designed or modified for wakesurfing. One key detail is that the boat’s propeller must be located underneath the hull rather than hanging off the back. This setup helps create a clean, powerful wave without dangerous turbulence or exposed propellers in the surf zone. Boats with ballast tanks and hulls shaped for wakesurfing also help produce the best waves to ride.

The goal is to create a smooth, surfable wave that you can ride over and over.

What Keeps You Riding the Wave?

Once you’re up on the wave, several forces work together to keep you moving:

• Gravity pulls you down toward the water,
  
• Buoyancy pushes your board up so you don’t sink,
  
• Water flow moves around and under your board, helping you glide and turn.
  

When you drop the rope, your board “locks” onto the wave, and the water’s energy carries you forward. Your body’s balance and small movements help you stay on the wave and steer.

How fast does the boat need to go?
Most riders find about 10 to 12 miles per hour works best, it’s fast enough to create a good wave but slow enough to keep you safe and balanced.

How to Start Wakesurfing: Step by Step

1. Hold the rope and get pulled up, the boat slowly pulls you up onto the wave behind it. Keep your knees bent and stay relaxed.
   
2. Find the sweet spot, move yourself where the wave is steady and clean, this is the best place to surf.
   
3. Let go of the rope, when you feel balanced, gently drop the rope and start riding the wave on your own.
   
4. Balance and steer, use your body weight to stay steady and turn your board by shifting your hips and feet.
   
5. Practice, don’t worry if you fall a few times, that’s part of learning. Keep trying, and soon you’ll be carving and having fun.
   

Why Understanding How Wakesurfing Works Helps You Learn Faster

Knowing the basics behind how wakesurfing works helps you:

• Build confidence on the water, understanding the wave and board takes away guesswork and helps you feel in control,
  
• Choose the right gear, you can pick boards and boat setups suited to your skill level and style,
  
• Make better moves, knowing how forces like gravity and water flow affect you helps you balance and steer more smoothly,
  
• Fix mistakes faster, understanding why you fall helps you improve more quickly.
  

A little knowledge goes a long way in making your wakesurfing experience safer, smoother, and more fun.

Ready to Ride?

Wakesurfing is a great way to enjoy the water, get some exercise, and have fun with friends and family. Whether you’re just starting or want to learn more, understanding how wakesurfing works gives you a solid foundation to build your skills.

At Smith Board Co., we offer beginner-friendly boards designed to help you catch your first wave and progress smoothly. Check out our beginner boards and start your wakesurfing journey today!