The most important thing to remember is to only ever
wakesurf behind inboard boats. Outboard and I/O boats have exposed propellers,
and are extremely dangerous to wakesurfers. They should never be used.
New riders that haven’t yet developed a preference should
ride on the side of the boat that the other members of the crew are. That way
there won’t be any need to shift the ballast. Knowledge of one’s foot dominance
is important to developing a good stance on the board.
While ballasting the boat for a wakesurfing outing, be sure
to avoid exceeding the weight guidelines established for it. The United States
Coast Guard requires that boats under twenty feet long be given maximum weight
ratings. Exceeding the maximum weight rating is both illegal and foolish. Moreover,
be sure that no more than a quarter of the overall ballast weight is solid. Of
course, gear, passengers and animals count towards this weight limit. The
majority of the ballast should come from sacks of water, unless the boat has
internal ballast.
Also, keep in mind that the wakes of other boats can quickly
overwhelm your own wake. Likewise, don’t create large waves near boat ramps or
piers. Find an area on the lake that won’t disrupt the activities of other
people.
There are many other rules to be learned, and it’s important
to learn alongside people who have experience with the sport. Keep in mind that
there are important pieces of equipment to have on hand, such as a bilge pump.
Of course, always remember that life vests need to be worn at all times to
ensure safety.
