Surfing?

[dhskier19]

We made the big leap this fall from a 206 with a tower up to a 2012 230 with NSS. I've surfed a bit, but want to get some general opinions on:

Board Selection (I'm 6ft, 190. Wife is 5'5 115)?
Speed?
Ballast configuration (boat has stock ballasts + FlyHigh 750's plumbed in both rear compartments)?
Any pointers or ideas for getting a 7 year old on a surf board?

Thanks for your feedback!
Seth

[nyryan2001]

We made the big leap this fall from a 206 with a tower up to a 2012 230 with NSS. I've surfed a bit, but want to get some general opinions on:

Board Selection (I'm 6ft, 190. Wife is 5'5 115)? Speed?

there is a lot of persoal preference here. Surf/Skim?

recomend you get a good board right off the bat and be done for a while. Cheap out on the board purchase and you'll repeat and spend more int he long run. Look at the Inland Surfer Flyboy. Thats a pro-level board that will keep you busy for years to come. if you are mroe into skim... look at the new 2014 Phase 5 carbon... their top of the line board.

Your wife. Thats easy... as my wife and kids both ride the Inland Surfer Ooze. Its a terrific stable and light board for anyone up to about 150lbs. I ride it and i'm 200, and can do 360s on it and some airs. I will keep this board forever, great board to have on the boat.

Ballast configuration (boat has stock ballasts + FlyHigh 750's plumbed in both rear compartments)?

NSS seems to do well with a 60/40 to 70/30 cheat to the surf side. So dpeending on how big of a wave you are looking for... max all stock ballast. max the sac in the surfside trunk. Then another 200-500lbs in the other trunk. Scale up and down in this type of ratio for how big of a wave you want. For my boys, stock ballast only is plenty big for them. Depending on how heavy you go with ballast, it may make seense for you to prop down in pitch to make it easier carrying more weight. What engine do you have? I run 11.6-12mph and 11.4-11.8 for the wife.

Any pointers or ideas for getting a 7 year old on a surf board?

Yep... have them start on their stomachs kind of like a knee board.... then up to kneeling on both knees.....then into a 1 leg up then stand. My youngest started at 5yrs old... this summer he started getting small airs in September.

Someone should sit back there with them ad push on the rope to keep them out of the whitewash to coach and encourage them.... 11.4mph for kids.

..


This pic is in 2007 when he was 3yrs old:

[F725]

Follow what Nyryan suggested for weight ratios (for max surf wave size and length). Boat can be weighted evenly especially for a smaller surfer. Don't forget to add bow weight! I run a piggy backed sac under the seats in the bow. This allows you to slow down a bit. We usually surf around 10.4 - 10.6 depending on the size of the rider. Kids are usually at 10.2 mph. We've taught a lot of kids from age 5-8 over the years... each one learns through a different method.

[awakewilson]

We ride at 9.4. Every boat is different. You need to mess around with it to find out where you get that sweet spot in your wake. Good luck!

[wakeslasher69]

Nyryan is a wealth of knowledge and his surf setups are right on. I do have to say it is very tough to get a general board that everyone can ride. Different weights, different levels of ability, different surf styles, etc. I just went to an Inland Surfer swallow tail and I thought I was pretty good (advanced intermediate) and this board is TOUGH to handle, fun but tough. So no way my beginner friends could have any fun on that board. My advice is to buy a couple used boards through Craigslist or ebay, ask your dealer to rent you some boards, ride friends boards and figure out what you like THEN spend the big bucks on what you like. BUT always have an easy beginner board that newbies can jump on and have fun with!

[dhskier19]

Thanks all for the detailed reply's. I've updated my "shopping list" accordingly. Looking forward to posting some pics and updates next spring when it warms up in MN. Until then pictures and daydreams will have to do.

Thanks Again,
Seth