Kevin Baker

When you wakesurf behind a boat, how do you keep moving forward and avoid falling behind the wake? The essential skill every wakesurfer should master is pumping, a technique used to generate speed and maintain momentum without being towed.

Below, we show you step by step how to “pump” while wakesurfing, so you can surf for longer without holding onto a rope.

What is the Pumping Technique?

Pumping combines shifting your body weight and using the momentum of the wave to propel your board forward. For example, when you push down on the wakesurf board with your front foot, you can accelerate and create speed, using the wave’s energy.

In other words, you can create momentum all on your own without having to rely on the tow rope to pull you.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pumping:

Follow these steps to perfect your pumping technique and maximize your wakesurfing experience:

1. Position Yourself Correctly:

Start by positioning yourself on the sweet spot of the wake, where the wave’s energy is strongest. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with your front foot slightly angled towards the boat and your back foot parallel to the board’s tail.

2. Bend Your Knees and Get Low:

Maintain a low and athletic stance with your knees bent. This gives you more stability and control while you pump the board.

3. Generate Momentum:

As you approach the peak of the wave, crouch down and apply pressure on the board using your back foot. As the wave begins to carry you forward, shift your weight to your front foot to generate momentum.

4. Shift Your Weight:

Once you feel the wave’s energy pushing you, start shifting your weight from your front foot to your back foot while extending your legs. This movement transfers your weight and propels the wakesurfer forward in the water.

5. Use Your Arms for Balance:

As you pump, use your arms to help maintain balance and control. Keep them slightly extended and use them as counterweights to stay stable.

6. Repeat the Motion:

Continue the pumping motion, shifting your weight from front to back foot, and back again, to maintain speed and momentum. (Like the rhythm of pumping on a skateboard or a swing.)

7. Read the Wave:

Adapt your pumping technique to the wave’s size and shape. Adjust the timing and intensity of your pumps to match the wave’s rhythm and maximize your speed.

FAQ for How to Pump Wakesurfing:

Q: Is pumping only suitable for advanced wakesurfers?

A: Not at all! Pumping is a fundamental skill for all wakesurfers – beginners or advanced. Once you feel comfortable riding the wake without a rop,e you can start learning to pump.

Q: How long does it take to master the pumping technique?

A: The time it takes to master pumping varies from person to person. With consistent practice and focus, most riders can start to feel comfortable with the technique within a few sessions.

Q: Can I pump on any type of wakesurf board?

A: Pumping is possible on most wakesurf boards, but some board designs may perform better than others. Boards with a more pronounced rocker and buoyant tails tend to respond well to pumping.

Q: Are there any safety precautions I should take while practicing pumping?

A: Always wear a properly fitted life jacket while wakesurfing, and ensure there is a spotter on the boat to keep an eye on you. Practice pumping in a clear area away from other boats or obstacles.

Summary:

Pumping allows you to generate speed and maintain momentum without relying solely on the boat’s pull. Shift your weight and take advantage of the wave’s push, and you can propel yourself forward and enjoy longer rides on the wake.

Remember to maintain an athletic stance, use your arms for balance, and read the wave to adapt your pumping technique.

Wakeboarding and wakesurfing share similarities but have distinctive characteristics that set them apart. Below, we explain the key differences between these 2 board sports and offer valuable tips for wakeboarders venturing into wakesurfing…

Wakesurfing: Riding the Endless Wave

Wakesurfing is the art of surfing the wake created by a boat. Unlike traditional surfing, wakesurfers ride a smaller, specialized board close to the boat, without the need for a towrope once they’re up and riding.

This is because the wake’s size and shape provide enough push to keep the rider gliding along indefinitely.

This allows riders to perform various tricks, jumps, and maneuvers in the boat’s relatively calm wake. It’s a sport that often emphasizes style, creativity and a laid-back vibe.

Wakeboarding: Skimming the Surface

Wakeboarding, on the other hand, involves riding a narrower board with foot bindings while being towed by a boat. The rider uses the boat’s wake to perform tricks, jumps and aerial maneuvers, often reaching impressive heights. Unlike wakesurfing, wakeboarders are continuously towed by a rope, which provides the necessary speed and tension to execute tricks.

In addition, wakeboarding involves a combination of balance, strength, timing and coordination. For instance, riders use the boat’s wake to launch themselves into the air, performing different stunts, spins and flips before landing back on the water.

Tips for Wakeboarders Learning to Wakesurf

If you’re a seasoned wakeboarder intrigued by the prospect of wakesurfing, transitioning to this new sport can be a breeze. Here are 6 simple tips to help you start surfing:

1. Select the Right Wakesurf Board: When it comes to wakesurfing, the type of surfer you use can make learning easier – or more difficult. Opt for a larger, more stable board with a grippy deck pad. These features will give you the stability you need as you get accustomed to riding the wake without being towed.

2. Body Positioning: Unlike wakeboarding, where you’re pulled by a rope, wakesurfing requires you to rely on the boat’s wake for propulsion. Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight centered over your board. Gradually shift your weight forward or backward to adjust your speed and position on the wave.

3. Start Slow: As a wakeboarder, you might be used to a faster pace. However, wakesurfing is all about finesse and finding the sweet spot in the wake. Plus, driving the boat at a slower speed (typically around 10 mph) generates a larger wake.

4. Practice the “Ropeless” Technique: To get the hang of wakesurfing, practice surfing without the rope. After you feel more steady on your feet, keep the rope hanging loosely rather than taught. Over time, as you gain more confidence, you can throw the rope into the boat and surf “ropeless”.

5. Perfect Your Turns: Wakesurfing offers the opportunity to perform stylish turns and carves on the wake’s face. Use your back foot to apply pressure and initiate turns while keeping your body centered over the board.

6. Safety First: Always wear a life jacket while wakesurfing and ensure that there’s a spotter on board to keep an eye on you.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use my wakeboarding board for wakesurfing?

A: Wakesurfing boards are specifically designed for the sport and differ from wakeboarding boards. For example, surfers have a wider, lightweight design that enables them to float better on top of the water.

Q: Is wakesurfing more beginner-friendly than wakeboarding?

A: Wakesurfing is often considered more beginner-friendly due to the slower speeds and close proximity to the boat, allowing for easier communication with the driver. However, wakeboards have bindings which keep your feet securely in place – making people feel more stable.

Q: How do I generate enough speed to wakesurf without being towed?

A: The boat’s speed and wake shape play a crucial role in generating enough push for wakesurfing. Start the boat slow, around 9 to 11 mph and weight one side of the boat (either with people, ballast or a wake shaper) to increase the size of the wave. If you need to, gently place more pressure on your front foot to speed up your board.

In Summary:

Wakesurfing provides the freedom of gliding on the wake without being towed, emphasizing creativity and style, while wakeboarding offers the opportunity for impressive aerial tricks and maneuvers with the help of a tow rope.

If you’re a wakeboarder new to wakesurfing, keep in mind that you’ll want to focus more on balance and body position. Learn to use your body to speed up, slow down or turn your board instead of pulling on the rope.