Wakesurfing: you saw it in movies but can try it yourself

Surfing is an extremely popular sport, which has many fans from different parts of the world. Had its creator but known it, that this discipline will fascinate so many people. Due to its popularity, nowadays, there are many varieties of surfing. One of them is called wakesurfing and is known from American movies. This discipline involves riding on a surfboard on the waves created by a runabout. What else should you know about wakesurfing?

Peculiarities

Wakesurfing is an outdoor activity, in which amateurs can take part. It is often chosen as a way to relax, have fun and get many new emotions. Wakesurfing differs from other sports, although they may look similar to each other. The main differences are concerned with the lack of requirements regarding the availability of special equipment. Wakesurfing is a sport that is available in almost all regions. It is possible to rent the equipment or even make a board for wakesurfing from a snowboard.

Wakesurfing does not require using the foul all the time. It is need only at the beginning. Some ballast is attached to the side of the boat to create a wave. Riders use a foul to get up on the board. Then the foul is released and the movement continues on the wave coming from the boat.

Glossary

While being the basics of all surfing sports, the following terms were adapted specifically to wakesurfing.

• Regular is riding on the left side of the boat.
• Goofy is riding on the right side of the boat.
• Toe side is facing the wave.
• Heel side is riding with the back to the wave.
• Lineride is skating while holding the rope.
• Freeride is pure surfing without ropes and handles.
• Front side turn is turning to face the boat. This movement is done if the rider is on the left side of the board, facing the wave. The rider spins and keeps moving on the left side of the boat.
• Back side turn is a back side turn to the boat. The rider is on its left, facing the wave, and turns to the right, with his back to the boat.

To perform the tricks, riders need to move away from the moving watercraft, turn around, and head towards one of the waves.

Requirements for the boat

Wakesurfing is impossible without a boat. Not any boat can be used to perform various tricks while surfing. The boat must be able to create proper waves. The boat must maat the following requirements:

• Its engine power must vary from 300 to 450 horsepower;
• It must reach up to 50 kilometers per hour’ speed in a short time;
• It must have a propeller, which must be placed deep under the stern (an outboard motor creates dangerous conditions for the life of the athlete);
• Cruise control must be present to keep the set speed at a constant level;
• The position of the starting platform is outside the stern (used for starting, finishing and securing the board);
• The wave that is created by the boat should be V-shaped, so that the competitor can comfortably perform tricks and jumps.
• Sometimes it is necessary to change the shape of the wave by making it asymmetrical. To do this, the ballast on the boat is shifted from the center to one side.

Equipment

First things first, apart from the boat, you will need a wakesurfing board to take part in this activity. There are two types of wakesurfing boards. The first one is a rounded board with sharp edges. Its length varies from 135 to 160 centimeters. As for its thickness, it is approximately 2-3 centimeters. The fin is either small (3 cm) or absent at all. Wakesurfing boards of this type are very fast and maneuverable. They are perfect for rotational elements and jumping.

Another type of wakesurfing board is elongated in shape and has rounded edges. It is longer (150-170 cm) and thicker (3-7 cm) than the board described above. Such boards have two or four fins, each of them can reach 15 centimeters in height.

As for the outfit for wakesurfing, you should wear a swimsuit or shorts. Such clothes will come in useful for riding in warm water. It is possible to wear it under a wetsuit to keep warm.

The wetsuit may be short or long. Its length depends on the air and water temperature. It is possible to get a wetsuit for the first training session at the wakesurfing club. Yet, those who want to practice wakesurfing more often might set their hearts on buying wetsuits of their own. A wetsuit should be tight, otherwise it will immediately flow into the cold water and the rider will quickly freeze. When trying on, you should squat, make sure you can move your arms freely, turn and bend. Water will make the material softer, but you should be able to perform the basics in a dry suit. It means that the wetsuit was chosen correctly.

Water sports vest is an extra layer of protection for the rider. The vest will keep you on the water in case you fall into the water. Professionals never practice wakesurfing without the vest. The vest must be both tight to serve its functions and maintain the freedom of movement at the same time.

Advantages of wakesurfing

Wakesurfing has become a favorite hobby for many people for the following reasons:

• You do not have to have any special sports training. Almost anyone can get up on a wave in his or her first training session. Once you get it right, you’ll want more.
• You will not have to look for the opportunity to ride a wave. There are many wakesurfing schools and coaches in almost all big cities.
• Wakesurfing helps you relax. This activity involves chatting with friends and competing with other riders.
• Injuries are practically excluded. Riding speed is low – 15-18 km/h, falling into the water is soft and not painful. If a person falls in the water, the boat swims up so him or her so that the rider can climb aboard. If you follow all safety rules, there will be no accidents.
• You can start at any age. Wakesurfing does not have any age restrictions. If you are willing to compete, you can participate in different tournaments.
• You can enjoy wakesurfing with friends or the whole family.
• Spectacular photos are guaranteed.

History

The pioneers of the movement were Tim Lopez, Jerry Price, Rick Lee, Mark Sher and others. They came up with the idea of loading one side of the boat, right or left, based on the preferences of the rider, with some ballast to create proper waves. In 1996, the first wakesurfing competitions were held in Minchin Bay in the United States. In 1997, Alfonso Corona received the first wakesurfing patent. This is how the history of wakesurfing began.

As you can see, wakesurfing is a discipline that is available almost everywhere. There are not so many restrictions concerned with the age of participants. This sport is an amazing way to relax an get unforgettable emotions.