wake surfing....i just don't get it

[DaveH]

having grown up in CA and spent many years surfing real waves...I can understand the interest in wake surfing.

yet...at the wake last weekend, some friends took us out on their wake boat...all I can say is what a joke.

if you think wake surfing is "cool" and akin to real surfing.....than obviously you have never surfed a real wave.

what struck me was the comments were how they really liked wake surfing because "it took so little effort".

You can get up very easy and just stand there in the wake, and with a little bit of decent balance, yet no physical effort at all, ride as long as you wish.

my GF who hasn't really been boating or into water sports, got in and popped right up the first shot. Granted she is in excellent physical condition and is very athletic, yet never once been on any sort of board or ski.

if wake surfing is your thing and you have fun good for you...but try a real wave and you will realize how pathetic it actually is.

 

[Pivot]

and really enjoy both. Have you paddled out in the last 5 to 10 years? Try it when theres the slightest clean day and attempt to catch a wave alone. You will then like wake surfing

 

[J DUNN]

I totally agree. My kids tried it this summer on my brothers boat at Powell. They said they had fun but they looked bored. I don't surf, ski, wakeboard or anything else behind a boat but speaking from the observer/driver position I just really don't get what people see in it, it looks boring and you can do a lot more tricks that require a lot more levels of skill on a wakeboard, or real ocean surfing for that matter. My only hunch is that it was born in Utah or AZ where there is no real surfing.

 

[Always Floored]

It definitely cannot compare to a real ocean wave. I grew surfing all over from Hermosa to Ventura. I like wake surfing though. To just stand there is boring, but to pull airs and spins is where it gets fun. You can't compare the ocean wave to the boat wake, they are completely different.
Gonna get a little hokie here, but an ocean wave is a spiritual thing, a boat wake is just for fun. [emoji106]

 

[DaveH]

and really enjoy both. Have you paddled out in the last 5 to 10 years? Try it when theres the slightest clean day and attempt to catch a wave alone. You will then like wake surfing

sure have. surfed in Hawaii just last year....

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Haven't tried it, would like to just to see what all the fuss is about. I have been REAL surfing since I was 10 and nothing will ever come close to a real wave. At the lake though, nothing will ever beat throwing up walls on a single ski.......:cool

 

[SJP]

Haven't tried it, would like to just to see what all the fuss is about. I have been REAL surfing since I was 10 and nothing will ever come close to a real wave. At the lake though, nothing will ever beat throwing up walls on a single ski.......:cool

View attachment 509646

I enjoy water skiing as well - unfortunately the newer boats you either have a ski boat or a board/surf boat. My boat would not be that fun to slalom behind.

 

[Rivrat]

People who wake surf are the guys who paddle out at pipeline and sit in the line up, you didn't ACTUALLY surf

 

[footer]

Even though I live in Wisconsin I've been lucky enough to surf a few times, in Santa Cruz, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Korea, and Florida. It's the most awesome sport I've ever gotten to do. And way more of a workout than I would have guessed. My first time I spent three hours paddling around in the water and rode two waves for about 10 seconds total.

But there's a lot of people who live far away from an ocean. Where there is no ocean wake surfing is just fun. The best thing is that it's a great beginner water sport. Low speed, low effort, low skill level, close to the boat so you can yell instructions or take pictures. And the conditions can be a lot rougher than is needed for a beginner to learn to ski or wakeboard. I've been skiing, wakeboarding, and barefooting for over 40 years, and have seen many people struggle, get frustrated, and never try again. Almost anyone can get up wake surfing on their first day and have a lot of fun.

 

[Waffles]

I think youre over analyzing the concept of what wake surfing is or isnt suppose to be. Its like knocking The Wave house in SD. Its literally steps away from the real beach yet people flock to it every summer anyways. Just have fun man.

 

[Old Texan]

I've grown to old and out of shape to participate in anything behind a boat. But from observation don't understand why folks prefer wake surfing over something as invigoratiing as water skiing. Learning to ski is harder but far more rewarding in the long run. And it damned sure doesn't get boring cutting back and forth on a slalom ski.:thumbsup

 

[pkbullet]

The attraction for us, is that when the water gets rough you can still wake surf. Skiing, kneeboards, and wake boarding are better with good water conditions.

 

[X-rated]

having grown up in CA and spent many years surfing real waves...I can understand the interest in wake surfing.

yet...at the wake last weekend, some friends took us out on their wake boat...all I can say is what a joke.

if you think wake surfing is "cool" and akin to real surfing.....than obviously you have never surfed a real wave.

what struck me was the comments were how they really liked wake surfing because "it took so little effort".

You can get up very easy and just stand there in the wake, and with a little bit of decent balance, yet no physical effort at all, ride as long as you wish.

my GF who hasn't really been boating or into water sports, got in and popped right up the first shot. Granted she is in excellent physical condition and is very athletic, yet never once been on any sort of board or ski.

if wake surfing is your thing and you have fun good for you...but try a real wave and you will realize how pathetic it actually is.

Pics of said girlfriend????

 

[DC-88]

I've grown to old and out of shape to participate in anything behind a boat. But from observation don't understand why folks prefer wake surfing over something as invigoratiing as water skiing. Learning to ski is harder but far more rewarding in the long run. And it damned sure doesn't get boring cutting back and forth on a slalom ski.:thumbsup

Some of the best S swells hit the California coast from storms near New Zealand. Big waves and wakes carry such long distances that boats designed to make them beyond a certain height should be limited. I've got no problem with anyone having fun screwing around on any board of any kind behind a boat in general and I've done it plenty of times myself. Real slalom skiing + trying to get better and real wakeboarding + trying to get better involve hard work, dedication, falling hard, and a certain amount of "balls " that seem to be missing nowdays. Back in the day growing up even a lot of the Moms shore started and got their daily ski runs in. I sat on the beach at the river a lot this weekend and of the dozens of wake boats only 2 guys could roll/flip and one could get big grabs. Everything else coulda' been done behind an 18' Bayliner with a tower/speakers . I did see two big boats taken out by rock bars though so the herd is probably thinned out a little for next weekend I live at the beach and still surf a lot so concept of buying a $120,000+ boat to butt wiggle behind is pretty foreign to me. For landlocked people or skateboarders I see the attraction but it's time for HT. limits on the manufacturers IMO. If we're gonna protect the ALL the endangered species the low profile 22' and under boat crowd needs to be included too

 

[Kylemenz1]

Some of the best S swells hit the California coast from storms near New Zealand. Big waves and wakes carry such long distances that boats designed to make them beyond a certain height should be limited. I've got no problem with anyone having fun screwing around on any board of any kind behind a boat in general and I've done it plenty of times myself. Real slalom skiing + trying to get better and real wakeboarding + trying to get better involve hard work, dedication, falling hard, and a certain amount of "balls " that seem to be missing nowdays. Back in the day growing up even a lot of the Moms shore started and got their daily ski runs in. I sat on the beach at the river a lot this weekend and of the dozens of wake boats only 2 guys could roll/flip and one could get big grabs. Everything else coulda' been done behind an 18' Bayliner with a tower/speakers . I did see two big boats taken out by rock bars though so the herd is probably thinned out a little for next weekend I live at the beach and still surf a lot so concept of buying a $120,000+ boat to butt wiggle behind is pretty foreign to me. For landlocked people or skateboarders I see the attraction but it's time for HT. limits on the manufacturers IMO. If we're gonna protect the ALL the endangered species the low profile 22' and under boat crowd needs to be included too

I believe the correct term would be "fanny swish". [emoji2][emoji106]

 

[Babyback]

I enjoy water skiing as well - unfortunately the newer boats you either have a ski boat or a board/surf boat. My boat would not be that fun to slalom behind.

Mastercraft XT23:cool

 

[DC-88]

I believe the correct term would be "fanny swish". [emoji2][emoji106]

Goes hand in hand at the lake with what in surfing would be called "bad style" ( uncoordinated , arms flailing the opposite direction of momentum)

 

[nowski]

Everyone's situation may be a little different when it comes to wake surfing. BTW, I don't make those massive rollers when I wake surf that's not how I roll. I love to waterski and have been doing so skiing since I was 14 years old. I also started surfing when I was 15 years old. I'm currently 56 years old and the amount of strain waterskiing puts on the body is too much for this old guy. Wake surfing to me is an old guys sport and by the way I'm an old guy. I can do it all day long and come back for more. Skiing on the other hand, one or two good sessions and I'm done for 3 or 4 days. Surfing (in the ocean) and fighting go hand in hand and it's a pretty common sight especially at the zoo. I'm to old for that shit anymore as well. So when you see this old guy surfing at the river you'll say damn that old guy can shred...

 

[Englewood]

On a side note - Why do these boats feel the need to leave their tanks full when not towing anyone? Do they think it makes them look cool?

 

[Cole Trickle]

On a side note - Why do these boats feel the need to leave their tanks full when not towing anyone? Do they think it makes them look cool?

lol....good question:eek

I launched on Saturday at 9:30am and there was only 3 wake boats on the water and it was already rough.

By noon I was back on the trailer and it looked like an ocean out there. I never understand towing kids on a tube mid day on a holiday weekend.....its just suicide

 

[Abc123]

On a side note - Why do these boats feel the need to leave their tanks full when not towing anyone? Do they think it makes them look cool?

It's like the people who rev their Harley Davidson at red lights. 100% pointless and irritating to others.

 

[Cole Trickle]

It's like the people who rev their Harley Davidson at red lights. 100% pointless and irritating to others.

Or the guys that lift truck or install train horns

 

[Abc123]

Or the guys that lift truck or install train horns

TH are necessary so the big rigs on the 40 can hear you and move over.

 

[Raffit78]

I've got a wakeboard boat. We take up to 10-12 people when we go out to the lake. Some want to wakeboard, some want to wake surf, some like to tube, some like to ski. We offer a whole variety of water sport events for everyone.


We ride with kids that can get 3-4 feet off the top of the surf wake and can do backside turns that look sweet. Some can go "surf to surf" with a push of a button, you can ride from regular to goofy instantly.


One thing I am certain of. We are not riding with our ballasts full. That's approximately 3800 pounds of water and the boat going about 12-15 mph max. I highly doubt anyone is "cruising" at those speeds for the hell of it. It's a hell of a slow ride and a ton of maneuvering so you don't bring in water from the bow of the boat.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I've got a wakeboard boat. We take up to 10-12 people when we go out to the lake. Some want to wakeboard, some want to wake surf, some like to tube, some like to ski. We offer a whole variety of water sport events for everyone.


We ride with kids that can get 3-4 feet off the top of the surf wake and can do backside turns that look sweet. Some can go "surf to surf" with a push of a button, you can ride from regular to goofy instantly.


One thing I am certain of. We are not riding with our ballasts full. That's approximately 3800 pounds of water and the boat going about 12-15 mph max. I highly doubt anyone is "cruising" at those speeds for the hell of it. It's a hell of a slow ride and a ton of maneuvering so you don't bring in water from the bow of the boat.

I see people cruising at those speeds with very apparent full ballasts all the time. Specially when the water is rough. They don't give a shit as long they're comfortable.

 

[Raffit78]

I see people cruising at those speeds with very apparent full ballasts all the time. Specially when the water is rough. They don't give a shit as long they're comfortable.

That's insane, We don't do much of anything when the water is rough. Your boat sits lower then a flat bottom boat when you have 10 people and ballasts full. So thinking the boat is riding better, it's not. It can also be that they are emptying their ballasts. I know mine take a good 7-10 minutes to empty all. Or maybe they think they are cool? I have 0 clue. Neither me nor anyone I know would do such a thing. I don't think there is much to gain.

 

[Bigbore500r]

:champagne:

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

They don't give a shit as long they're comfortable.

How is that different than any other person in any other situation?

 

[Jimmy]

As long as they're having a go I don't care what they do out the back
It's the people that don't try or have a go that annoys me.
If ya no good we'll just throw u on the hotdog at least ya out there.

 

[94Nautique]

Drove by the lagoon in Carlsbad on Saturday and someone was wakesurfing. What, it's like 1/4 mile to REAL surf and they fock up that totally small lagoon. Shit for brains.

 

[rvrrun]

It's like the people who rev their Harley Davidson at red lights. 100% pointless and irritating to others.

Everyone knows HD's lack the ability to idle, thus the needed revving at lights.

 

[Jimmy]

It's like the people who rev their Harley Davidson at red lights. 100% pointless and irritating to others.

I would be that guy if I had a Harley.

 

[cofooter]

I don't get why people keep hating on the wake surfers or make fun of them because they don't surf real waves. Most of them are out enjoying the river with their family like the rest of us. Whats wrong with that? Some people don't like 100 mph performance boats ripping around, wrapped up skiers doing laps in traffic or flat bottoms at 6AM. Sure there are some disrespectful douchebags out their that give all the above a bad rap, but most are not. If you are at the river on any summer weekend, its just something you have learn to co-exist with.

 

[BrettLee3232]

I have a wakeboat. I grew up wake boarding behind eliminators, DCB's & Ultras. Then I bought my boat & have yet to touch my wakeboard lol. Falling from 5-10' in the air going 22mph hurts. It especially hurts when you have to go to work on Monday. Surfing is fun. Gets you out on the water with friends and family having a blast. That's what boating is about, as long as your on the water having fun & being a fellow safe boater then who is everyone to judge?

All Boats Matter! [emoji1305]

 

[stokerwhore]

It looks sooo gay:eek rollerblades are way cooler

 

[RiverDave]

I always wanted to try wake surfing.. lol. now I'm thinking some of you guys might Lynch me if photos surfaced.

 

[coz]

I always wanted to try wake surfing.. lol. now I'm thinking some of you guys might Lynch me if photos surfaced.

You are the leader Dave, lead the way and they will follow

 

[94Nautique]

Wake surfing is like rippin a huge fart in an airplane. Sure, it legal, feels GREAT and anyone can do it regardless of skill or age. It does however wreck the air for a fair bit of time, and all are forced to endure the byproduct of the fun.

 

[Riverbound]

I don't get why people keep hating on the wake surfers or make fun of them because they don't surf real waves. Most of them are out enjoying the river with their family like the rest of us. Whats wrong with that? Some people don't like 100 mph performance boats ripping around, wrapped up skiers doing laps in traffic or flat bottoms at 6AM. Sure there are some disrespectful douchebags out their that give all the above a bad rap, but most are not. If you are at the river on any summer weekend, its just something you have learn to co-exist with.

The hypocrisy of many of the members on the site is baffling to me. The same person bitching about the wake surfer, is the same person with illegal exhaust hauling ass up and down the river drunk. Yet it's OK for them to be inconsiderate of others. Lol

 

[DaveH]

I don't get why people keep hating on the wake surfers or make fun of them because they don't surf real waves. Most of them are out enjoying the river with their family like the rest of us. Whats wrong with that? Some people don't like 100 mph performance boats ripping around, wrapped up skiers doing laps in traffic or flat bottoms at 6AM. Sure there are some disrespectful douchebags out their that give all the above a bad rap, but most are not. If you are at the river on any summer weekend, its just something you have learn to co-exist with.

never said wake surfing was gay. but do stand by my statement there is no comparison to the real thing.

I can't comprehend spending huge sums of cash on a boat for doing something that has 1/10 the thrill of the real thing. To me it would be like having the fanciest inflatable doll and thinking that's good sex and being satisfied.

I am wondering if there are any wake surfers that have tried real surfing after trying it behind the boat. I realize many live in locations where that isn't possible, but lets face it...most people visiting the river or lake are west coast folks who live within the reach of the ocean.

and yes Dave you should try it.

 

[SJP]

I always wanted to try wake surfing.. lol. now I'm thinking some of you guys might Lynch me if photos surfaced.

You know RD - anytime you want to go I will take you guys out. You could be like Rick Cain in North Shore. Someone insert movie clip...

Here is the thing if you snowboard, paddle board,wakeboard, ride a quad, skate board, drive a utv, wake surf, target shoot guns if you are not Leo or military, own a jeep post 1990, stand up jet ski, etc someone is going to gripe and bitch at you. There are purists everywhere - I think just being respectful of surroundings and accountability is where a lot of people fall short. The incessant whining has turned into white noise .

 

[rvrrun]

I wonder if sky divers feel the same way about para-sailing.

 

[SJP]

I wonder if sky divers feel the same way about para-sailing.

I am sure the guys that BASE jumpers with flight suits and no chutes sit around the camp fire and call out the sky divers for being soft. I mean why the hell would you need a chute anyway.

 

[Wheeler]

I can't comprehend spending huge sums of cash on a boat for doing something that has 1/10 the thrill of the real thing.

Roll Bar Boats Suck!

 

[Wheeler]

I don't get why people keep hating on the wake surfers or make fun of them because they don't surf real waves. Most of them are out enjoying the river with their family like the rest of us. Whats wrong with that? Some people don't like 100 mph performance boats ripping around, wrapped up skiers doing laps in traffic or flat bottoms at 6AM. Sure there are some disrespectful douchebags out their that give all the above a bad rap, but most are not. If you are at the river on any summer weekend, its just something you have learn to co-exist with.

Get back to us when you get that Sanger done.

 

[cofooter]

Haha, Wheeler, people be hatin' me, just like the early morning foot'n runs!!! Guilty!

 

[cofooter]

never said wake surfing was gay. but do stand by my statement there is no comparison to the real thing.

I can't comprehend spending huge sums of cash on a boat for doing something that has 1/10 the thrill of the real thing. To me it would be like having the fanciest inflatable doll and thinking that's good sex and being satisfied.

I am wondering if there are any wake surfers that have tried real surfing after trying it behind the boat. I realize many live in locations where that isn't possible, but lets face it...most people visiting the river or lake are west coast folks who live within the reach of the ocean.

and yes Dave you should try it.

To the wake surfers, what they're doing to them is Kewl, nothing wrong with that! By the way, not my bag either but to each his own.

 

[Zack @ Bling Sauce]

Surfing can be a lot of fun, just depends on the crew onboard, time and place. It also offers a great way to get new people exposed to watersports who may otherwise be uneasy about the speeds required for wakeboarding and skiing. Personally, I get bored just hanging out all day and enjoy some activity plus it's so damn hot in Phoenix during the summer that I'd rather be in/out of the water vs sitting in the boat drinking beer. I'm far from a pro but have a blast trying new tricks and progressing. As a spectator sport, wakesurfing is pretty boring so I make sure my falls entertain by throwing impromptu back flips off the wave when I know a trick is going to end poorly.

About 5 years ago we began sponsoring Wake the World events. Currently there are events in 26 states which provide a day on the water for foster children, those with special needs and more recently an adaptive program for wounded vets. I got involved personally a couple years in. It's tough to get some of these participants comfortable at wake/ski speeds due to any number of issues but if they're willing to put in some effort, we can usually get them riding a surf board on day 1. For me, seeing the participants accomplish something they thought was impossible just a few hours prior is a huge win.

Moving forward, I'll be picking up at least one of these HO RAD ski disks. Can't wait to see what kind of fun our crew will have on these, especially riding doubles. May even throw my dog on the board with me :thumbsup

[video=youtube_https;1jPUq4zbQgE]https://youtu.be/1jPUq4zbQgE[/video]

-Zack

 

[Wicky]

I hate wakeboard boats as much as Hillary. And that's alls I gots to say bout dat.

 

[traquer]

Wakeboard boats are like the "import tuner" cars of the river. Everyone outside their group thinks they're dumb