WAKE SURFING 101:

​Wake surfing has quickly become one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world — and for good reason.

It’s fun, social, easier to learn than many people expect, and something the entire family can enjoy together. Whether you’re brand new to boating or looking to get into surf boats for the first time, this guide will walk you through the basics of wake surfing and help you understand what you need to get started.

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What Is Wake Surfing?

Wake surfing is a water sport where the rider surfs the boat’s wave without being directly attached to the boat once they get up. Unlike wakeboarding or water skiing, wake surfers ride the endless wave created behind a specially designed surf boat.The rider starts with a tow rope, gets into the wave, and then lets go of the rope while surfing freely behind the boat. The result: a smooth, endless-wave surfing experience right on your local lake.

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What Kind of Boat Do You Need for Wake Surfing?

The best wake surfing experience comes from a dedicated surf boat. Modern surf boats use ballast systems, surf tabs, wake-shaping technology, and specialized hull designs​ to create large, clean, customizable waves.

Brands like Tigé and ATX are specifically engineered for wake surfing performance. While some other boat types can create surfable waves, true surf boats provide larger waves, more push, safer setups, and a much better overall riding experience.

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Is Wake Surfing Hard to Learn?

One of the reasons wake surfing has become so popular is because it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly. Many first-time riders can get up and surf successfully on their first day with proper instruction and the right boat setup. Surfing allows for slower speeds, softer falls, and an easier learning curve, making this sport ideal for kids, adults, seniors--everyone!

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What Equipment Do You Need?

Getting started doesn’t require a huge amount of gear. The best part, beginner wake surf boards are much more universal than other water sports equipment, so sharing between family and friends is easy to make happen!

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Basic Wake Surfing Equipment (besides the boat, of course!):

• Wake surf board

• Life jacket

• Surf rope

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As riders progress, they may experiment with:

• Skim-style boards

• Surf-style boards

• Long boards

• Foil boards

• Fin Configurations

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What’s the Difference Between Surf Style and Skim Style Boards?

There are two primary styles of wake surf boards, surf style and skim style.

Surf-style boards:

• Feel more like traditional ocean surfboards

• Have larger fins

• Generate more speed

• Often easier for beginners to learn to throw the rope

• Great for carving and big flowing turns

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Skim-style boards:

• Smaller and looser

• Small fins, if any

• Often easier for beginners to deep-water start since they are less buoyant

• Designed for spins and tricks

• More advanced riders often enjoy skim boards because they’re highly maneuverable

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How Fast Do You Go Wake Surfing?

Most wake surfing speeds range between 9–12 MPH. This slower speed is one reason wake surfing feels approachable for many beginners. Speed depends on boat size and weight, water conditions, rider style, and personal preference.

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Is Wake Surfing Safe?

Like any water sport, wake surfing should always be done responsibly and with proper safety precautions.

Important safety tips include:

• Always wear a life jacket

• Use an experienced driver

• Keep proper rider distance

• Surf behind a proper boat and never near the propeller

• Follow local boating regulations

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Best Tips for Beginner Wake Surfers

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1. Let the Boat Pull You Up

Don’t try to stand immediately. Picture yourself sitting on the floor and having a buddy grab your hand and helping you up, except the boat is your buddy. Let them do all the work!

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2. Keep Your Knees Bent and Your Arms Straight

Bent knees help with balance and stability. Straight arms allow the boat to do the work by preventing you from pulling. Stay relaxed and in that position as long as you need to.

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3. Look Forward, Up At the Boat

Many beginners look down at the board. Instead, focus your eyes forward toward the boat and horizon. 

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4. Stay Relaxed

Wake surfing is all about smooth movements and balance. Trying too hard often makes learning more difficult. Remember, let the boat do all of the work! 

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5. Use the Rope Correctly

The rope is only there to help you get up and then get into the wave. Once you feel the wave pushing you, it's time to let go or toss the rope. Make sure your boat crew is ready to assist with the rope throughout your time surfing!

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Why Wake Surfing Is So Popular

Wake surfing has become incredibly popular because it combines boating, surfing, music, family time, and lake lifestyle

into one experience. Unlike some water sports that can feel intimidating or physically demanding, wake surfing is accessible to almost everyone. That’s why more families than ever are investing in surf boats and spending entire weekends on the water together. Wake surfing is low resistance, easier on the body, and the most efficient tow sport to do in rough water.

Wake Surfing in Colorado

Colorado offers incredible wake surfing opportunities with beautiful mountain scenery and growing lake communities. However, elevation can affect boat performance, ballast setup, and prop selection. That’s why working with an experienced surf boat dealership matters. At WWS Boats, we help riders and families choose the right setup specifically for Colorado conditions and lakes.

Final Thoughts

Wake surfing is one of the most fun, social, and beginner-friendly water sports available today. Whether you’re looking to spend more time with family, learn a new hobby, or upgrade your weekends at the lake, wake surfing offers an experience unlike anything else in boating. The best way to truly understand it is to experience it firsthand on the water!

FAQs
 

Can beginners learn wake surfing?

A: Yes. Many beginners can successfully get up and ride on their very first session with the right instruction and boat setup.

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Do you need a special boat for wake surfing?

A: Dedicated surf boats provide the best and safest wake surfing experience thanks to specialized hulls, ballast systems, and surf technology. Safety is also of the utmost importance and this tow sport takes place so close to the back of the boat. Surfing behind anything besides a true inboard boat (or jet boat) has another set of risks that are generally not recommended due to prop/out drive location and proximity.

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How fast do wake surf boats go?

A: Most wake surfing happens between 10–13 MPH depending on the rider and wave setup.

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Is wake surfing easier than wakeboarding?

A: For many people, yes. Wake surfing typically has a gentler learning, lower riding speeds, and is lower resistance.

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What’s the best wake surf boat for beginners?

A: The best boat depends on your family size, budget, riding goals, and lake conditions. Surf boats like Tigé and ATX offer excellent beginner-friendly wave customization and technology. Simplicity for new captains setting up a surf wave regardless of conditions is also a huge plus.

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Ready to Experience Wake Surfing?

If you’re interested in learning more about wake surfing or finding the right surf boat for your family, the WWS Boats team is here to help. Contact us today or schedule an on-water demo to experience the difference for yourself.

Written By: Whitney Bistline (General Manager)​​​