2017 Nautique Wake Open

[a0128]

Just finished watching the 2017 Nautique Wake Open. Some pretty spectacular competition which got me thinking, does the boat(s) pulling the riders carry any additional ballast than what comes standard from the factory? Do competition rules allow it?

[wongulla]

That's a good question that I debate with my friends about a lot. You would think on one hand the manufacturers would like to be able to advertise their Wake is Competition ready straight out the box. On the other hand I guarantee that all the pro athletes ride with additional ballast when practicing for events regardless of the boat they ride behind.
I'm certainly not aware of any rules regarding additional ballast.

[tachudda]

I assume pros try to do a couple sets behind the boat they will be riding the competition behind before any competition. They seem to mostly be friends and if they differ in boat sponsorships, they probably align on some other product between body glove, fox, red bull, monster... David O'Caoimh is pretty open about it on his youtube channel. He rides whoevers boat since he did not have a boat sponsor until recently, and still, as a rider based in Ireland, does not have a boat there. Still manages to be pretty competitive in some world competitions.

[Wake.BC]

I competed at a local one in Vancouver and I think it’s basically up to the dealer who is supplying the boat. The boat was an rzx and it had over 800 pounds of lead mostly in the bow.


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[jphdrake]

On the WWA website for each competition the schedule for the event lists 3 basic ballast changes for the competitors. The younger and more novice divisions are "Unweighted" no ballast added. The more intermediate to advanced riders have a Factory weight (2850lbs) of ballast. The more advanced and pro divisions are weighted "Pro". Ballast is added on top of the factory (2850lbs). The additional weight compensates for not being at full capacity 16 persons or (2500lbs). Exact amounts of weight/ exact placement of ballast/ and lead vs. water I am not sure about.