Wake surf, also called wake surfing, is an engaging and thrilling water sport performed by numerous adventure enthusiasts and interested people all across the globe. The activity requires an individual to ride a specific kind and type of board called a wakeboard or a wake surf board.
In the sport, the riders have to control the wakeboard’s balance and maneuver it appropriately on the waves or wakes created by a boat, generally a speed boat. In other words, the participants must follow behind the vessel and ride on the water surges to enjoy the activity. However, the wakeboards do not remain attached to the boat with any object, not even a tow rope, like the ones used in various other sports.
Thus, wake surf, or wake surfing, resembles generic surfing in more ways than one. However, the most significant point of distinction is that the former gets done on the wakes generated by a boat. On the other hand, the latter gets performed on the waves created naturally by the sea or ocean.
Why are Safety Practices and Precautions Essential in Wake Surf?
Wake surf is an activity in which the rider’s wake surf boat does not remain attached to the vessel it follows. It implies they must ride the waves using their talents, skills, experience, and expertise. In other words, accidents may occur owing to inexperienced beginners, careless people, or sudden and unforeseen circumstances. It may be because the sport is quite demanding.
The best scenario would end with them falling into the water and sustaining minor injuries. However, severe cases may even lead to irreparable damage to the body and mind. Thus, it is crucial to remember and follow various safety practices and precautions when engaging in wake surfing. They exist to prevent accidents and protect the rider in undesirable instances.
Generally, the safety practices and precautions concerning wake surf do not only extend to the participants. They also concern the attendant and boat’s pilot the riders follow. Hence, the preparations and trainings comprise supervision drills, signaling systems, wake surf board controls, equipment verification, etc.
What are the Best Practices and Precautions an Individual Should Follow for Wake Surf?
Individuals should follow various practices and precautions to ensure the best experience. A few of them entail the mentioned points:
Safety Equipment
Safety equipment is one of the most essential parts of any water sport. The riders must wear their Personal Floatation Device (PFD) during wake surfing, irrespective of their expertise and experience, a helmet is also a wise choice, especially for beginners. It protects them when they fall into the water, and the PFD will keep them afloat till help arrives.
Appropriate Wake Surf Gear
Appropriate gear determines the safety of a rider to a considerable extent. It is especially the case for a wake surf board. Not all wakeboards are equal; thus, getting one should depend on the rider’s requirements and preferences.
The wakeboard’s length should depend on the rider’s height and weight. Generally, a 111 cm wake surf board is suitable for a child with a weight within the 45 kg limit. On the other hand, a 140 cm one is appropriate for adults within 100 kg and with heights less than 180 cm. When someone does not fall within the mentioned limits, they should go for a personalized or customized wakeboard. It helps prioritize their needs and safety.
On top of that, shorter wakeboards enable faster rotation since they are more responsive. Conversely, a longer wake surf board allows for slower speed and smoother landing. Thus, the rider can choose depending on their preferences and requirements.
Wake Surf Signs
Safety during wake surfing comes about due to the collective effort and understanding of the entire team, including the rider, boat operator, and attendant. Thus, communication between them remains essential through several signs and signals, comprising the following:
- Thumb up: Speed increase
- Thumb down: Speed decrease
- Index finger and thumb creating a circle: Continue at the current speed
- Palm’s face in the boat’s direction: Stop
- A hand kept flat over the head: Return
- Hand directed towards the left direction: Left turn
- Hands joined above the head: Rider remains safe after a fall
- Hand directed towards the right direction: Right turn
- Both arms in the air: Rider requests others to fetch them
Fall Practices
Often, a rider may find themselves toppled over their wake surf board and into the water. In such instances, they must follow specific practices to ensure their safety. Firstly, they must ensure they do not remain under any cable line. Furthermore, they must move away from the modules to prevent collisions with the other riders on the water.
On the other hand, the boat operator and attendant must keep a lookout for the fallen rider to prevent them from getting injured or drowning. Generally, the latter signals indicate their condition and desires. Nonetheless, the former two must remain mindful of their surroundings and keep the fallen rider on the driver’s side before picking them up.
Boat Selection
Boat selection is as essential as choosing a wake surf board to ensure safety during wake surfing. It is primarily because ill-equipped vessels put the well-being of the riders, operators, and attendants at risk.
For instance, boats with sterndrive propulsion or outboard motors are ill-matched to wake surf. They increase the risk of injuries, maiming, and in the worst cases, death. Furthermore, it is crucial to check the exhaust release system of the boats. In the past, some vessels have caused irreparable damage due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Thus, boats designed for wake surfing in recent years use a more appropriate arrangement. They direct the exhaust into the propeller stream. It, in turn, allows it to get pushed far away from the rider and their wake surf board, ensuring their safety.
Speed Limit
The speed limit is something all individuals should follow, be it on land or water. Thus, the riders and the boat operators must follow their vessel’s advised and permitted pace to prevent and avoid all types and kinds of accidents.
Robin is an avid boating enthusiast with a deep-rooted love for Supra boats. With a pen as his oar and words as his waves, Robin expertly navigates the realm of literature, crafting captivating stories and engaging content that reflects his unwavering devotion to the world of boating.
