Wakesurfing etiquette

[Ronnie]

Don’t Be A Kook!” – A Quick Guide To Wakesurfing Etiquette

By Alliance Wake

 

Just like surfing in the ocean, wake surfing has an inherent set of rules that we all need to consider in order to all get along and have the most fun together. Sure, having an entire glassy lake to yourself is the thing we dream about, but most of the time, that is not a reality. So what can we do to keep everyone on the water happy? Step one is to share the space and be conscious of other riders and local property owners. That’s pretty obvious…but to help you with the rest, we’ve come up with a little list so you can maximize the good times on the water and minimize the bad.

MIDDLE RUNS ALL DAY – If you can, surf in the middle of the lake in order to give your wakes time to dissipate before landing on shore or smashing someone’s boat against their dock. That’s day 1 stuff.

SHORELINE COURTESY – If the conditions are no good out in the middle of the lake and you need to run a shoreline, make sure you run down as far as you can and don’t keep riding the same short run over and over again.

KEEP THE TUNES DOWN – We’re sure your boat has some big, shiny speakers on it that could drown out the whole lake if you wanted to but do you really need to be bumping your tunes that loudly? The answer is no. We all like to enjoy some music while out on the water but unless there are no other souls around, try to keep the volume down a bit. Maybe not everyone around likes Metallica as much as you do…

BACK OFF – This is a no-brainer but don’t follow another wakesurf boat (or any boat for that matter) too closely. Whether it’s behind or on the side, just keep your distance. Simple as that.

LOOK FORWARD – It’s definitely tempting to look over your shoulder while driving to watch your buddy kick up some buckets on the endless wave but this makes it easier for accidents to happen. If you’re going to be the captain, keep your eyes forward and the crew will thank you for it.

TRIM IT LOW – This might not go for everyone out there depending on the boat you have but if your vessel has trim tabs, make sure you keep them where you can still get a clear view of what lies ahead. If you can’t see where you’re going, you’ll hit something eventually and that will put a little damper on your surf session.

NO WAKE – Every boater knows the buoys that mark off spaces where wakes are not welcome. Be aware of them whether you’re out on your home lake or a new spot and make sure that you follow them. Also, try not to run right next to them. There’s no easier way to get somebody upset then to rip through their spot that’s supposed to be wake-free.

BE RESPECTFUL – Giving respect gets you respect. Use your brain while on the water and don’t be the guy that makes someone dislike all wakesurfers. 

If you follow this list and use some common sense, you’ll not only have a solid day on the water, but the other people on the lake will too. Be cool and share the lake

[Kojak]

If only the tubers and lake lice would adhere to this list....

[UWSkier]

Add:

If people are up early for disciplines requiring flat water such as slalom and barefoot, remember your wake ends their day and most lakes are big enough to share without your wake ever reaching their line. 

[bkearney]

So, why the middle of the lake? We surf on an unhiabited lake, so there is no issue with docks, boats, etc on the shore line. We try to surf with the big wave hitting the shore so that we do not send rollers across the lake. I am sure this is bad for erosion, but seems nicer to other folks on the lake.

[UWSkier]

5 hours ago, bkearney said:

So, why the middle of the lake? We surf on an unhiabited lake, so there is no issue with docks, boats, etc on the shore line. We try to surf with the big wave hitting the shore so that we do not send rollers across the lake. I am sure this is bad for erosion, but seems nicer to other folks on the lake.

As a dawn slalom guy I don't really care that much if you're surfing along a shoreline or 500 yards out.  If you're surfing a line that's sending rollers my way, my day is done regardless.  However, there are ways to share lakes.  If someone is skiing in a cove, don't surf across the mouth of the cove.  If someone is skiing on a N-S line and you're on a wide lake E-W, surf E-W but don't "cross the T."

[shawndoggy]

22 minutes ago, UWSkier said:

As a dawn slalom guy I don't really care that much if you're surfing along a shoreline or 500 yards out.  If you're surfing a line that's sending rollers my way, my day is done regardless.  However, there are ways to share lakes.  If someone is skiing in a cove, don't surf across the mouth of the cove.  If someone is skiing on a N-S line and you're on a wide lake E-W, surf E-W but don't "cross the T."

On public lakes, though I'd like everyone to be respectful and courteous to what's going on, it's just not really realistic.  Fisherman who anchor in your line, jet skiers doing donuts everywhere, joe sixpack towing his tuber through the glass, etc.  I've kindof given up on moving around to be extra courteous, because some doofus yahoo is going to rip right through there anyway.  And who says that a skier has better "dibs" on glass than an 8 year old on a tube getting pulled behind grandpa's I.O.?

The best advice I've heard for flat water is just to be there when others aren't.  

Also on unpopulated public lakes, I agree that running a shoreline is probably a little more courteous than running the middle of the lake, where you effectively send rollers on both sides forever.

[jjackkrash]

1 minute ago, shawndoggy said:

On public lakes, though I'd like everyone to be respectful and courteous to what's going on, it's just not really realistic. 

This is what drove competitive waterskiing to private lakes and private lakes (IMO) helped kill off waterskiing as a mainstream sport.  It sucks but it is what it is.  

[wdr]

It is a lot easier to be courteous on a lake than it is on a river. Like @shawndoggy mentioned,I kind of had to give up trying to be uber courteous when my line is only a couple hundred yards wide in a wet year. As mentioned, compound that with lake lice circling you like vultures trying to jump your wave,  boats anchored center mass of the channel fishing and the cretins who want to be mad because I didn’t see their camo boat tied up in the trees when I was trying to avoid a 60 mph bass boat skipping across the water like a rock and it’s a wonder I haven’t come back to a trashed truck and trailer. Forgot to mention all of the crap that collects on the high side of the dam to eventually make its way down stream in massive piles that I have to try to avoid. Avoid one to upset another. Seems to be true that no good deed goes unpunished.

[Sixball]

We ski early. We make the effort to get out and done before most activates start on the lake. The one thing a skier can not beat is fishermen. For the most part they are not an issue. Skiing at the level many serious slalom skier ski will only ski a short time and give the lake back to the rest. To ski the level we do we need good water. For the most part I don't think most people do not understand the need for slalom skiing! 

[UWSkier]

1 hour ago, shawndoggy said:

On public lakes, though I'd like everyone to be respectful and courteous to what's going on, it's just not really realistic.  Fisherman who anchor in your line, jet skiers doing donuts everywhere, joe sixpack towing his tuber through the glass, etc.  I've kindof given up on moving around to be extra courteous, because some doofus yahoo is going to rip right through there anyway.  And who says that a skier has better "dibs" on glass than an 8 year old on a tube getting pulled behind grandpa's I.O.?

The best advice I've heard for flat water is just to be there when others aren't.  

Also on unpopulated public lakes, I agree that running a shoreline is probably a little more courteous than running the middle of the lake, where you effectively send rollers on both sides forever.

During the day, yeah.  I'm talking early morning though.  If you must surf before 8 am, most lakes have plenty of space to share.  Slalom guys will run up and back the same 3/4 mile stretch.  Most lakes are longer than that.  Just go the other way.

I've found good luck simply talking to folks if we're out early.  If I'm out skiing and I see a wake boat roll up, I'll have my driver drop me right by them and have a chat.  "You guys go that way, we'll go this way, and we'll both turn around before getting to each other's lines.  I won't send any rollers down your line and you won't send any down mine that way."  I've found most folks are really cooperative if you simply talk to them politely.

[NWBU]

1 hour ago, wdr said:

It is a lot easier to be courteous on a lake than it is on a river. Like @shawndoggy mentioned,I kind of had to give up trying to be uber courteous when my line is only a couple hundred yards wide in a wet year. As mentioned, compound that with lake lice circling you like vultures trying to jump your wave,  boats anchored center mass of the channel fishing and the cretins who want to be mad because I didn’t see their camo boat tied up in the trees when I was trying to avoid a 60 mph bass boat skipping across the water like a rock and it’s a wonder I haven’t come back to a trashed truck and trailer. Forgot to mention all of the crap that collects on the high side of the dam to eventually make its way down stream in massive piles that I have to try to avoid. Avoid one to upset another. Seems to be true that no good deed goes unpunished.

Yeah, rivers are nice in that most waves dissipate to the shore, and you don't get as much of the kids playing in a bathtub type water that lakes get in the afternoons but the full force of your wave is going to be closer to more boats. I'm still trying to be courteous and will drop a rider most days we're out to avoid being seen as a jerk, especially for any low-riding aluminum boats with old guys that act like they've never seen a wake boat before or for early morning skiers.

But when there's >150 miles of navigable waterway here, and we're only given a couple mile stretch of the river to legally surf on, I'm going to surf on by if the boat can handle it, it's after 9am and I'm giving them the required separation. Go fish the other 148 miles.

[Cole2001]

Some people just have zero respect. If someone is skiing keep you distance especially if it's early morning and there is room to go elsewhere. But also realize its ok if surfers take the some calm water too, I'm constantly out on the water with pro surfers all the way down to first timers and there is a time and a place for each. 

Was out this past weekend on lake pleasant which is a huge lake, been surfing in this smaller sheltered area tucked inside an island. After being there for a couple hours this older Mastercraft comes along and starts surfing in circles around one of the further out islands, sending all its waves right into us. Completely ruining the water for both my group and himself. I would understand if it was a crazy windy or busy day but it is Arizonas coldest time and the lake is dead. Sometimes all it takes is a little common sense. 

 

[Sparky450]

5 hours ago, UWSkier said:

I've found most folks are really cooperative if you simply talk to them politely.

The early morning crew yes. The late afternoon crew. Not so much. I am not a early morning person, however I could align with them very easy. I am also the first boater to drop off plane. NO WAKE when I see a skier coming or a wakeboarder doing flips coming down the channel. I just love to see either of these ride.  😎

Edited January 7, 2020 by Sparky450

[Pnwrider]

4 hours ago, NWBU said:

Yeah, rivers are nice in that most waves dissipate to the shore, and you don't get as much of the kids playing in a bathtub type water that lakes get in the afternoons but the full force of your wave is going to be closer to more boats. I'm still trying to be courteous and will drop a rider most days we're out to avoid being seen as a jerk, especially for any low-riding aluminum boats with old guys that act like they've never seen a wake boat before or for early morning skiers.

But when there's >150 miles of navigable waterway here, and we're only given a couple mile stretch of the river to legally surf on, I'm going to surf on by if the boat can handle it, it's after 9am and I'm giving them the required separation. Go fish the other 148 miles.

Looks like you guys are getting forced into taking a class and throwing a decal on your boat just to be able to surf and wakeboard? 

[NWBU]

6 hours ago, Pnwrider said:

Looks like you guys are getting forced into taking a class and throwing a decal on your boat just to be able to surf and wakeboard? 

Yes, they’ve set up several surf zones in a 20 mile stretch of the river and you’ll have to display this decal on both sides of the boat to use them. Same requirement for wakeboarding but that entire area is opened back up to wakeboard now.

The whole idea is still being challenged at the legislative level by groups that want to see all wake boats go away. They’ve learned you can shut anything down in this state by saying there’s an environmental impact. Which is why I’m ok with the class as long as we can keep a compromise.

[granddaddy55]

we are lucky that we have lots of lesser used poor mans rivers or commercial intercoastals ( all if which are much less wide than what you all are describing but always less busy than the money rivers yo the north of our unusable lake).  

down here the biggest complainers are surfers in wakeboats they cant/wont wakeboard behind that are pissed your surfing or riding on “their” section of the river,  spoiled rotten and they cant surf well or ride at all

Edited January 7, 2020 by granddaddy55

[asnowman]

17 minutes ago, NWBU said:

Yes, they’ve set up several surf zones in a 20 mile stretch of the river and you’ll have to display this decal on both sides of the boat to use them. Same requirement for wakeboarding but that entire area is opened back up to wakeboard now.

The whole idea is still being challenged at the legislative level by groups that want to see all wake boats go away. They’ve learned you can shut anything down in this state by saying there’s an environmental impact. Which is why I’m ok with the class as long as we can keep a compromise.

This is honestly about the dumbest thing i have heard yet. What stops the fool in he cabin cruiser from plowing along at 10 mph throwing a giant wave in both directions. On our lake we have cruisers up to 40' long now, they always seem to go about 10 mph, and are usually looking at shore from about 250' off shore. We have plenty of surf boats on our lake now, and most of them prefer to stay away from shore, which is great. From what i have seen, its the weekend or transient boaters that cause the biggest issues, and most aren't surfing, yet.

How does your course and sticker help with these idiots?

[jmack]

As some here have already said, it all comes down to courtesy and respect. Whether surfing, boarding, fishing, tubing, cruising - whatever you're doing on the water, just be aware and respectful of others. The problem is that so many on the water are either ignorant, or just don't care.

Several years ago on vacation, I was in the water with my 4yr old trying to get him up on a wakeboard. It was windy and rough, so we were in a cove sheltered from the wind that also had a slalom course in the back of it. A boat came into the cove headed for the course and realized we were trying to get a kid up. They backed off and watched us - clapped and cheered for him when he got up on the board. After his one run, we pulled over and thanked them and chatted, and then moved on so they could have the course to themselves. I wish I saw this more often - mutual respect for others on the lake, but it seems it's only a handful of folks that demonstrate it anymore......

[COOP]

On 11/26/2019 at 9:51 AM, Kojak said:

If only the tubers and lake lice would adhere to this list....

Plenty of surfers dont adhere to this list. 

 

[Kojak]

28 minutes ago, COOP said:

Plenty of surfers dont adhere to this list. 

 

Everyone is probably guilty of one of these things at one point or another. But if most people would at least try to follow this list when they're on the water, it would make for a better experience for all of us.

Edited January 7, 2020 by Kojak

[SpaceSurfer]

I only surf in the mornings mainly because I'm too drunk to try in the afternoons

[kerpluxal]

2 hours ago, jmack said:

As some here have already said, it all comes down to courtesy and respect. Whether surfing, boarding, fishing, tubing, cruising - whatever you're doing on the water, just be aware and respectful of others. The problem is that so many on the water are either ignorant, or just don't care.

Several years ago on vacation, I was in the water with my 4yr old trying to get him up on a wakeboard. It was windy and rough, so we were in a cove sheltered from the wind that also had a slalom course in the back of it. A boat came into the cove headed for the course and realized we were trying to get a kid up. They backed off and watched us - clapped and cheered for him when he got up on the board. After his one run, we pulled over and thanked them and chatted, and then moved on so they could have the course to themselves. I wish I saw this more often - mutual respect for others on the lake, but it seems it's only a handful of folks that demonstrate it anymore......

This, This and This ... I am fortunate like @granddaddy55 with a river system that is rarely used. They have recently dredged and is plausible now to surf more of the river. However I retain myself to a the same area that was always used for surfing (where water is deepest). I have friends that say they are going to surf the whole river now, because they can. I always remind them, want me to plow through there while you are boarding? 

Last weekend we were out surfing (to cold to wakeboard for me lol), and there was a cleanup crew boat out parked on beach.. cut my line short so I would not pummel him with my wave. 

It is about courtesy, no matter what type of boat you are in. If I am not pulling a rider and I see someone who is, or person fishing, or boat on beach, I will come down to no wake speed and let them enjoy the butter.

Goes both ways though, if I am surfing in an area where no is, or others are, and you decide to beach or whatever there, please remember first come first serve and not yell at me...

Order of hierarchy lol:

1. Tubers yell at no one
2. Surfers yell at tubers
3. Wakeboarders yell at 1 and 2
4. Slalom skiers yell at 1, 2, and 3
5. Barefooters yell at 1, 2, 3, and 4
6. Fisherman yell at everyone even themselves lol

[Michigan boarder]

Last summer my daughter comes running in the house "hey can we go tubing?!?" with two friends (that she likely wants to show off to).  It's light out, but the sun has just gone over the trees on the west side of the lake, not much time left.  I said "sure, you guys suit up, grab the vests and tube and I'll meet you at the boat".  So I get it uncovered/lowered/warmed up, they arrive and I attach the tube, look around as I'm pulling out and there isn't a soul on the lake.  As I make my first run 200 yards later I see a boat at the shore, it's my buddy with the rope uncoiling and he is in the water getting ready to slalom.  I wave.  He does not.  I know he's got to me a little mad, likely waiting/hoping for that end of the day calm water and here I come along.  I texted him later apologizing and he admitted that he was like "really?  REALLY?", cuz he knows that I know the struggle as a barefooter.  I used it as a teaching moment to my daughter, and told her next time we let the slalom guy have the lake, just like I'd like it if I had my barefoot suit on.  She totally understood.

[Sparky450]

7 hours ago, NWBU said:

hey’ve learned you can shut anything down in this state by saying there’s an environmental impact. Which is why I’m ok with the class as long as we can keep a compromise.

They learned that 20 yrs ago here in Cali. Don’t count on the permit or whatever helping. They will still shut it down. Don’t make the mistake we have hear. Go to every meeting. Call your legislatures. Be vocal. Be the louder voice. They shut down a large portion of Glamis many years ago over The Milk etch plant that no one had done any research on. After many years of research and lots of money they finally got a great portion reopened and left some closed for a compromise. Some of the SoCal boys will be way more knowledgeable on this than myself. 

[UWSkier]

1 hour ago, Sparky450 said:

They learned that 20 yrs ago here in Cali. Don’t count on the permit or whatever helping. They will still shut it down. Don’t make the mistake we have hear. Go to every meeting. Call your legislatures. Be vocal. Be the louder voice. They shut down a large portion of Glamis many years ago over The Milk etch plant that no one had done any research on. After many years of research and lots of money they finally got a great portion reopened and left some closed for a compromise. Some of the SoCal boys will be way more knowledgeable on this than myself. 

When we successfully lobbied the state of Wisconsin to kill their antiquated spotter laws, what helped was data data data.  Data on the impacts of a spotter (usually a young kid) on safety (it's actually negative).  Data on lost revenues by people who would boat elsewhere (my wife and I don't have kids and to be legal would have had to go to Minnesota instead of vacationing on Wisconsin lakes) etc.  Good luck!