Pics of surf wake - looking for feedback

[TigeMike]

Alright, got out this weekend. First off, the tips on form from my other thread really helped, wider stance, getting low and standing on the board closer to the wake, I got slack in the rope a bunch of times and stopped putting so much weight on my back foot.

Here are a couple pics of the wake at 10.5 with taps at 4. I have a 500# bag in the rear locker and another 500# bag on port side of the engine box, towards the rear seat, and just my wife and I in the boat. Oh and about 3/4 tank of gas...thought putting $40 would fill it up but still came up short.

So, is this enough wake that I should be able to free ride by just improving my form/get a bigger board, or do I legitimately need more weight?

[tnvolgrad]

It looks reasonable from the first photo to go wireless. More ballast always helps, but it takes lots of practice to go wireless regardless of the wave. I run 1100 lbs in the rear, 400 in the locker, and 400 lbs up front with typically 2-3 people in the boat. The board also makes a big difference - what kind are you riding?

[jbort]

Also size/wt of rider is a factor. wave looks decent but bigger is better if u can swing anymore ballast on rider side. We started w factory double rear factory tanks @ 250 lbs ea plus 400 lbs manual ballast fatsac in rear locker and the wave was okay but then borrowed buddies bags and really liked that wave. we now run 1100 on port side in the locker/under seat and 250 factory tank and wave is great. I'm a big guy at 250 and 5'10" and need bigger wave. Sometimes we add the manual 400 lb bag on the seat but rarely now. Took me a yr to get wireless. This wave is sloppy til 1:50 and cleans up to about mid thigh and I can go wireless.

[wallacmc]

I have found that going just a few tenths slower gives a big push. I have gone as slow as 9.8 mph when at my fattest with a smaller wave and lesser board. That did the trick.

[TigeMike]

I'm 6'1, 210lbs and riding a Hyperlite Coex. I should also mention I'm trying to get the best wake with the least amount of weight. I don't like spending so much time filling and emptying all the bags and like to have the floor space. And I'm scared to put any weight up in the bow, we've already taken a few rollers over the front without any added weight up there.

I'll try slowing it down a little more. I started at 11 and recently bumped it down to 10.5. Will test it out between 9.8 and 10.5. The tips I got on form really made a difference too, so I'm pumped to get back out there and try again.

[murphini]

I do 9.8 and have done 9.6, TAPS @ 3.
On taking waves over the bow (avoiding taking waves over bow) here is what I do:
When the rider falls, driver puts boat into neutral and let the wave pass you by/push you other direction--if goofy it'll pass to right, if regular it'll pass to your left. Let it pass and slowly go back to rider.

More weight is better, but the right board will be your key.

[TigeMike]

Murphini - plenty of experience with picking up riders (and not powerturning), even the wife is getting better at not taking water over the bow when going to pick up a fallen rider. But I took some over a couple weekends ago when we were putzing around the lake at about 10 mph. It was choppy and next thing I know, a small wake came over the front.

That was one of the biggest complaints I heard about the boat (98 2200i) when I was looking and figured I'd eventually get used to being careful.

[chpthril]

Alright, got out this weekend. First off, the tips on form from my other thread really helped, wider stance, getting low and standing on the board closer to the wake, I got slack in the rope a bunch of times and stopped putting so much weight on my back foot.

Here are a couple pics of the wake at 10.5 with taps at 4. I have a 500# bag in the rear locker and another 500# bag on port side of the engine box, towards the rear seat, and just my wife and I in the boat. Oh and about 3/4 tank of gas...thought putting $40 would fill it up but still came up short.

So, is this enough wake that I should be able to free ride by just improving my form/get a bigger board, or do I legitimately need more weight?

Where is the one 500# sac in what rear locker? I dont see 1K wake. Looks clean, but small in height.

What brand and model number sacs are they? Im not sure you're getting anywhere near 1000 Lbs of ballast. I may be wrong, just doesn't look like.

[TigeMike]

They are Launchpad, and they're actually 540# each and I got them with a sumo pump as a package deal. The rear locker is pretty big and fits it.

However I will say that air does get trapped in the bags and I'm probably not filling them to 100% capacity.

[jrobertson]

I would have to agree with chpthril. THat doesn't look like a 1000# wave. That also isn't a wave that needs any weight in the front at all. Front weight will lenghten the wave. You don't need that. You need more wave height. The other thing I am noticing is there doesn't seem to be all that much lean. However lean keeps the wave clean and you DO have a clean wave. I think I would try slowing down or adding weight, or both.

Very nice wave.....just needs to be a little bigger to keep you in with less effort.

[ragboy]

More lean will also help get ride of the double lip, so you have one clean face. Agree on no weight up front, you need all in the corner, especially with that DD.

[AdaminMN]

I agree with everyone. More weight in back. We run three or four 450# sacs in the back of my friend's pre2150. Taps at 3-4, speed is 10.1-10.3, and no weight upfront, except the beer cooler.

[malarson]

TigeMike, A 210 lbs guy on a Hyperlite Coex is pushing its limits. Especially for a beginner. I know it's tough to buy new gear but you'd be happier with the Hyperlite Broadcast.
I own the Hyperlite Landlock & Broadcast. We use the landlock to teach beginners and the kids love it. I ride the Broadcast.
Last summer Hyperlite had a demo day and I was able to demo the coex. The thing was like riding a beach ball. Plus, all my weight on such a small surface area makes the edges of the board cut into the wave slowing me down and making it harder to stay in the pocket. I'm sure I could get used to it but at this stage in my progression I'm getting my fun-quotent with the Broadcast.
Good luck with the wave, buy the Broadcast. You won't be sorry.

[TigeMike]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm glad to hear the wake is respectable. I'd actually rather have to buy a new board than add more ballast. The one random thing I really liked about the coex is that it fits in the compartment behind the spotter seat.

I had read that the smaller boards are better for doing tricks and bigger boards are for cruising. Now this is making the assumption I do get better and everything...but what can I expect to be able to do on a broadcast in terms of tricks/moves?

[skippabcool]

I think you will be limited based on the board. Which length are you considering? I have the 5'6". I surfed my Lakewakes yesterday, it is 4'6" and it is a much different board then the Broadcast. For the value of the LWB board you might consider that to see what you can do, it will be much more trick friendly than the Broadcast.