How to Wake Surf

You've seen our sick Tige boats. Have you seen this video of our guys wake surfing behind one?



If you've always wanted to surf but don't have access to great waves, then perhaps wake surfing is for you. How does surfing one endless wave sound? Sounds like a lot more time surfing and a lot less time paddling or waiting to us! Wake surfing is a cool water sport, though not as accessible as water skiing or wake boarding or tubing because you can only wake surf off an inboard boat. But more on that in a bit. If this looks like something you'd like to try, check out these tips.

WARNING: ONLY USE AN INBOARD TO WAKE SURF. Stern drive or outboard engines are not appropriate for wake surfing. If you can see the propeller, do not wake surf off the boat. Exposed props can cause severe injury or even death. Only wake surf off a boat with an inboard engine set up where the propeller is tucked under the hull or rudder.

Get a wake surf board and rope. "Surf style" boards are recommended for beginniners because they are larger and thicker, and therefore stay on the wake a bit better. An old surfboard probably won't get you the results you want. A wake surf rope is a bit different than the ones you are used to - they have knots along them in case you need to pull yourself up or over to a great spot in the wave. It's also thicker than your typical wakeboard rope for this reason. Rest assured - we have all of the eqipment you need, so stop by to check it out.

Prepping the boat. Most boats will need additional weight on the side of the boat the person is surfing off of. This is most often the port (left) side of the boat. Perhaps your spotter can sit in the back and be that weight, but know you might need to play around with it for a bit to see what helps you create a larger and better wake.

Accelerate slowly and stand up slowly. The driver of the boat needs to accelerate and move slowly - 10-11 mph is preferred. The speed will depend on your boat. Find the sweet spot that gives you a crisp wake. When wake surfing, don't stand up too quickly! You'll lose your balance. Instead, stand with knees bent at first to get your balance, and then slowly straighten up.

But how do you get up, you ask? Check out this video:



When will you try wake surfing?

Free Boating Safety Course

Just as a reminder: we are hosting a free boating safety course here at Lighthouse Harbor Marina on Saturday, May 18 from 9-5. A complimentary lunch is included!



Why should you take a boating safety course? Well there are lots of things that these types of courses can teach you to make you a better - and of course safer - boater. Topics often include:

• boat handling
• reading the weather
• right of way on the water
• state boating laws and regulations
• how to set an anchor
• the crucial components of any boat
• what to do in capsizing, swamping or man overboard situations
• best docking and casting off practices
• best practices when overtaking another boat
• knot tying

All boaters, whether they use sailboats, power boats or PWCs (personal watercraft, like jet skis) can benefit from these courses. They generally cover broad issues that apply to all of us. Nearly every boater we know has felt better prepared and qualified to boat after taking one of these courses. In addition, completing a boating safety course can often get you discounts on your boat insurance (sort of like safe driver auto insurance discounts).

Boating safety classes are great for new boaters, but are also great this time of year for any boater looking to brush up their skills before summer begins. Please make your reservations in advance, as we have limited seating and it will fill up quickly. Call to reserve - 570-857-0220.

We hope to see you there!