Wakesurfing is a water sport in which a person surfs the wake that is created by the boat. Wakesurfers ride without rope, they use it only to be pulled by the boat from the water. [1] After getting up on the wake, typically by use of a tow rope, the wakesurfers will drop the rope, and ride the steep face below the wave's peak in a fashion reminiscent of surfing. Wakesurfers use special boards, designed specifically for this sport.
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The origins of wakesurfing are a subject of contention, as various individuals and companies lay claim to its inception. Some assertions trace the roots of boat-surfing or wake-surfing back as far as the 1920s, but there is a lack of credible evidence to support these claims. Visual records and written media from the 1950s and 1960s depict surfers actively riding surfboards behind motorboats in ocean settings. During the mid-1960s, numerous surfboard manufacturers began asserting their involvement in crafting boards specifically designed for riding wakes.
The trend of riding surfboards behind boats persisted throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The boards used in this practice gradually evolved into shorter forms, mirroring the progression of shortboards in traditional surfing. As boards became shorter, practitioners drew inspiration from windsurfing and sailboarding by introducing foot-strapping devices on the boards to secure their feet. Utilizing tow ropes and making sharp turns and jumps off wakes gave rise to sports like skurfing, skiboarding, and eventually wakeboarding.
The increasing popularity of wakeboarding prompted advancements in watercraft technology to amplify the size of wakes. This development subsequently paved the way for wakesurfing to step into the spotlight. Numerous trailblazers in the sport, including but not limited to figures like Tim Lopes, Jerry Price, Jeff Page, Rick Lee, among others, are recognized for their pivotal roles in shaping modern wakesurfing. The first US design patent for a wakesurf board was granted to Alfonso Corona in 1997.
In wakesurfing, there are 2 different disciplines, divided by the board type that the rider uses (which affects the style and tricks that are or could be performed). Riders can surf behind the boat using a skim or surf board.
Skim style wakesurf boards are characterized by their smaller size, typically featuring a narrower profile and less buoyancy compared to surf style boards. These boards are designed to mimic the feel of skimboarding and are favored by riders who enjoy technical tricks, limitless spins, and shove maneuvers. This style of riding is probably even closer to skate boarding than historical ocean surfing. [2]
Surf style wakesurf boards were originally designed to emulate the feel of traditional surfing, with a focus on carving and riding the face of the wave. Modern surf style wakesurfing has evolved beyond traditional carving techniques, with riders now incorporating diverse stances and aerial maneuvers from various board sports disciplines. Surf boards are typically larger and more buoyant than skim style boards, offering better stability while riders push the boundaries of aerial tricks. [3]
Boats without proper exhaust routing can expose the rider to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Inboard ski-style boats direct exhaust beneath the hull, reducing CO risk.” [4] With the rise of wakesurfing in recent years many individuals have attempted surfing behind boats ill-equipped to wakesurf. Boats with outboard motors or sterndrive propulsion are not suited for wake surfing and lead to heighted risk, possible maiming or even death. [5] The only types of boats safe to surf behind are direct drive or V-drive boats, this is because the propeller is located far beneath the boat rather than behind the boat. [6]
Another risk associated with ill-equipped boats is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Boats designed for wake surfing direct the boat exhaust downward into the propeller stream, pushing the exhaust far away from the rider.
The U.S. Coast Guard requires all wakesurfers to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs). Many jurisdictions mandate Type III or higher PFDs for wakesurfing activities. Proper safety equipment also includes a designated spotter in the boat and adherence to minimum water depth requirements of at least 9 feet." [7]
Inboard ski or wakeboard boats [8] are the most popular choice for this sport as the propeller is under the boat, and is less likely to make contact with the rider. Owners of inboard boats place ballast, such as water, lead weights, concrete, or other heavy objects in different sections of the boat in order to weight the boat down and create a larger wake. The best weight configuration for wakesurfing is to place the majority of the weight near the back corner side the surfer is surfing on. [9] The deeper the boat is in the water, the bigger the wake will be overall. In addition, one will want to place a larger amount at the stern of the boat on the side which the rider is riding. This will ramp the wake up on the side the rider is riding and wash out the opposite side. [10] A rope length of 2.43 to 3.04 meters (8.0 to 10.0 ft) is recommended. Wakesurf-intended ropes are generally 6.1 meters (20 ft) long, making it ideal for boats that have a tower set-up. Long ski and wakeboard ropes can become hazardous for wakesurfing, because it usually involves winding up the rope or tying unnecessary knots.
Wakesurfing has faced increased regulatory scrutiny due to environmental concerns. The larger wakes created by ballasted boats can cause shoreline erosion and disturb aquatic ecosystems. Many jurisdictions have implemented restrictions requiring wakesurfing to occur in deeper waters and at specified distances from shore. [11]
Some areas have seasonal restrictions during fish spawning periods, and ballast systems require cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species between water bodies.
Recent World Wake Surfing Championship winners include competitors from the 2020-2024 events, with the sport continuing to grow internationally through organizations like the Competitive Wake Surf Association. [16]
The sport has seen increased participation from professional athletes across multiple disciplines, including former skimboarders and traditional surfers adapting their skills to boat-generated wakes.
“* Ashley Kidd, pro women’s skim world champion, 2014 & 2015. [17] ”
Many riders perform a wide array of maneuvers or specifically named 'tricks' while wakesurfing, with most owing their origins to surfing, skating (both vert and street) and snowboarding, Some of the most well-known tricks are:
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In 2013, Canadian musician Chris Hau recorded a video in which he plays a song on an acoustic guitar while wakesurfing. [18] [19]
In February 2015, Hunter Sims, a professional wakesurfer, received a world record for doing 106 shove-its. [20]
Many celebrities have taken up the sport with P!nk, Julianne Hough, and Gus Kenworthy among the ones spending their summers trying the activity. [21]
World Champion Skimboarder Austin Keen [22] launched an interview series with celebrities wakesurfing in 2020. His first guest was Diplo. [23]
Kim Kardashian has tried wakesurfing in 2024 with a legendary rider Austin Keen. [24]
4 July 2024 Mark Zuckerberg posted on his social media video wakesurfing with USA flag to celebrate Independence Day. [25]
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