You probably had a lot of fun as a kid getting towed behind a boat on an inner tube, and maybe you also learned to use a kneeboard or water skis. But that’s not all there is!
These days, there are also some other watersports you can try when you’re out on the lake, which were inspired by ocean surfing: wakeboarding and wakesurfing.
If you don’t live near an ocean, this may be your best opportunity to surf close to home.
Wakeboarding and wakesurfing are similar in that they both feel a little bit like ocean surfing, but they are different. While a wakeboarder is towed behind a boat for the entire ride, in wakesurfing you only use the tow rope to get up on the board – and then let go and ride the wave.
One benefit of surfing on a lake instead of on ocean waves: Whether you’re wakeboarding or wakesurfing, you get a longer ride.
Of course, the biggest challenge for a beginner is learning how to get up on the wakesurfing board. Just like with water skis, it can take a little bit of practice. But once you get the hang of it, both can be a lot of fun!
One consideration is the kind of boat you use. In theory you can surf behind a lot of different boats, but specialized surf boats make it a lot easier. They’re designed to create a wake that’s ideal for surfing, with weight in the back and an ability to control the direction of the wave without anyone having to move around on the boat.
Carefree Boat Club has specialized surf boats available to members on all three lakes in the area: South Holston, Watauga, and Boone.
Here are some tips to remember when you’re learning how to get up (and stay up!) on the wakesurfing board:
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Contributor: Carefree Boat Club of Tennessee