Those just starting out in watersports need to sort out many differences between the different disciplines. Boat speed, boards, bindings, boots, and more, will vary in seeking the optimal experience. Ropes–often called “Handles”– are part of that process of discovery. 

In this article, you’ll learn the basic differences between a wakeboard rope and a wakesurf rope.

Wakeboard Rope

• Length: Typically 65–75 feet long (sometimes longer).
• Stretch: Usually low-stretch or no-stretch (e.g., Spectra or Dyneema) to give the rider consistent tension for tricks and jumps.
• Handle: Similar to water ski handles, about 13–15 inches wide, with a comfortable grip for two hands.
• Purpose: Designed for riding at higher speeds and performing aerial tricks behind the boat at a distance.

Read Next: How to Buy Wakeboard Bindings

Wakesurf Rope

• Length: Much shorter — typically 20–25 feet.
• Stretch: Often slightly stretchy for smoother pulls.
• Handle: Usually a smaller, padded handle or a thick braided section to prevent injury (e.g., no long handlebar to avoid arm entanglement).
• Purpose: Designed for low-speed riding close to the boat (in the surf wake) — once you’re up and riding, you often toss the rope.

The post Wakeboard Rope Versus Wakesurf Rope appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In this video, see Noah Flegel, pro rider for Team Nautique, reveal how he sets up his boat. Watch Noah Flegel ride as he narrates the settings that help him achieve greatness while wakeboarding, wakesurfing and foiling. All of this takes place aboard Flegel’s own Nautique Boats G23 Paragon. Noah Flegel is known as a waterman, and this video showcases his expertise and versatility. Learn pro set up tricks from Flegel!

The post How to Set Up Your Boat for Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing and Foiling with Noah Flegel appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

What caught on as a rough-water activity for wakeboarders and water skiers, wakesurfing has undeniably driven new participants and wake boat buyers to experience riding the energy of a wave. The deep history of passionate ocean surfers speaks to just how drawn we humans are to the push that wave energy can create. It would be a tough stance to argue that anything that involves gliding across the surface of the water is not one of the branches of the surfing family tree. From traditional slalom skiing to flatwater skimboarding to modern-day foiling, nobody forgets their first time using one of mother nature’s most valuable resources as the medium that surely brought a smile to their face. 

So how exactly does the tree trunk of these various disciplines relate to the heaviest newly grown branch? How do we compare surfing with wakesurfing?  Is it similar?

More fun? Easier? Do the skills cross over? While it would appear at first glance that the answers would be obvious, a deeper dive with elite athletes in each, or in some cases both, disciplines reveals more to the story. 

Tatiana Weston-Webb: Even Olympic Medalists Wait Their Turn

Growing up in Kauai, Tatina Weston-Webb, “Tati,”  lived in the optimal surfing environment longing for nothing else. However, “in ocean surfing, the wave doesn’t always come to you, or you are not next in the line-up” she admits. Tati finds that when those elements finally do line up and it is your turn, the wave itself isn’t always perfect. 

While taking her skills to wakesurfing she realized, “you can count on the wave doing pretty much the exact same thing” to which she found the benefit of being able to try new maneuvers without putting too much stock in capitalizing on the one of few waves caught in a day.  

The “infinite wave” as she calls it, wakesurfing did not initially mirror her surfing experience from a technique standpoint. Thinking that she would charge the wave and make the turns she would in the ocean, Tati needed just a few tips to make the right adjustments which she believes will allow people of all abilities to enjoy the close cousin to surfing.  

“Wakesurfing is just so much more accessible to people anywhere that doesn’t have an ocean,” Tati shares as one of the coolest things she sees about wakesurfing . Tati, who is sponsored by Body Glove, and others, continued, “Anyone can try wakesurfing, it is a great workout and you have a great time with your friends and family.” High praise from the 2024 Olympic SilverMedalist and 3^rd overall finisher on the Women’s Championship Tour. 

Alyssa Spencer: From Ocean Surfing to Wakesurfing 

Alyssa Spencer, currently ranked #16 in the Championship Tour, shared her insights into transitioning from the vast, unpredictable ocean to the controlled environment of wakesurfing.”I have been a surfer my whole life, only been introduced to wakesurfing a couple times in the past few years,” she said. “I began with ocean surfing; it is my profession, so I surf in the ocean almost every day, but am super new to wakesurfing behind a boat.”

Alyssa noted the distinct differences between ocean surfing and wakesurfing. “It (wakesurfing) has such a different feel to surfing in the ocean because the power of the wave comes from the boat. I was expecting a bit of a challenge the first few waves because learning how to get up and get going was new for me. Once I got the hang of it, it was so fun which I was definitely expecting!” she explained.  

“The atmosphere on the boat was my favorite part of the experience! Everything from riding the wave, to having music blaring, and your friends to cheer you on as you surf is all pretty cool. It makes the experience of a day on the lake a lot of fun.” 

Mirroring Tati’s experience, Alyssa emphasized the predictable nature of wakesurfing, highlighting, “Wake surfing is a much more controlled environment; the wave is pretty similar every time so you can expect what you will get. In the ocean, it is less controlled because you are dealing with mother nature, and you have to paddle into your waves. I felt like surfing on the wake was a challenge for me just because it feels so different to the ocean. The more time you put into something, the easier it gets.” 

When asked if Alyssa found wakesurfing to be beneficial for her ocean surfing she responded, “I actually went straight from wakesurfing one day, into a surf competition the next day and won the competition! So,  I think it helped get me get warmed up to surf in small waves. I think having the controlled environment in wakesurfing could give you the opportunity to get repetitions of learning new maneuvers and airs that could be translated into the ocean.” 

Reflecting on the broader experience, she added, “The wake surfing and boating experience is more of an all-day experience, while ocean surfing can be an hour or two. If you don’t have access to the ocean, wakesurfing is a great alternative to learning how to surf and getting a similar adrenaline rush. Both are easily accessible depending on where you are located.” 

When asked what might surprise ocean surfers about their first time wakesurfing, Alyssa offered an enlightening response.

“The biggest thing that surprised me was how long the wave was; I was able to ride for 1-2 minutes! In the ocean, your rides aren’t ever much longer than 10-20 seconds. So,  it’s pretty cool to ride such a long wave and also a custom wave. On the Volvo Penta Forward Drive boats, the Water Sports Control lets surfers personalize settings and create custom waves, so experiencing the ability to create my own perfect wave was something I could never experience when ocean surfing.” 

Noah Flegel: Blending a Life on Water 

Noah Flegel, an accomplished wakeboarder and many-time world wakesurf and foil champion shared his journey and insights from growing up on the water. “I’ve been on the water my whole life. It was like coming out of the womb and water was a part of it all. My first memories were my parents pushing me into waves and being on a boat at 3 years old,” he recalled. His introduction to surfing was naturally intertwined with family beach days and the convenience of having the intercoastal as his backyard. 

Known as the single most versatile towed watersports athlete on the planet, Noah’s transition to wakesurfing began early, driven by the desire to continuously improve his board skills. “We would tow behind my friend’s dinghy, long-line on a surfboard. Every day it felt like I was getting better, learning airs, carving harder.” The time spent up on the board mastering the nuances of board control is what Noah credits his ability to translate his skills to the other disciplines. 

He noted the differences between wakesurfing and ocean surfing, particularly in terms of ease and consistency. “For sure wakesurfing is easier. Consistent wave, endless attempts. Have a coach right there to help you. With surfing, you are at the mercy of mother nature instead.” 

Despite the controlled environment of wakesurfing, Noah still appreciates the unique pleasures of ocean surfing. “Walking out into the waves is a simple pleasure of life, a blissful experience with mother nature.” 

Sean Silvera: Lake Life Advocate 

Four-time Pro Wakesurf Tour Winner, Sean Silvera, has a unique perspective with his background in skateboarding, ocean surfing, flow riding, and wakesurfing.

“I started surfing at 13 years old with my first surfboard and later got into flow riding at 17-18 years old. I started wakesurfing 10 years later,” he recounted. His move to Florida was driven by the desire for consistent wakesurfing access, something he found challenging in California. 

Sean finds that there are technical differences between the disciplines. “The tricks felt the same, but the balance is different. Manipulating your weight forward and back was different. It actually took a while to break old habits but having the board control helped me a ton.”

When it comes to teaching someone who has never ocean surfed or wake surfed, Sean sees value in both experiences. “Teaching someone I would do both! You are going to have good time either way. I would probably push someone into a few mellow waves in an ocean surfing set first, then head out for a boat session since learning a deep water start can take a few tries.”  

Sean finds that the “lake life” culture that wake surfing is encompassed by is the reason he keeps coming back to it. “Boating with people who love the same things that you do provides for lifelong friendships.”  

Elite athlete, or first-timer, all can agree that time on the ocean and time on the boat are both an experience that we should all feel so lucky to have. Add in the exhilaration and challenge of surfing a wave made by nature or a boat and you have two activities that drive passionate life decisions like living near the ocean or buying that new wakesurf boat. Making memories and learning a skill crosses over to another fun activity is what keeps everyone coming back.

Moving Forward

In the video above, check out what professional surfers and wakesurfers, like Parker Payne, Alyssa Spencer and Tatiana Weston-Webb have to say about comparing wakesurfing to ocean surfing, and about their experiences riding behind boats powered by Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive. Know that ocean access is available to these three, yet they still enjoy wakesurfing. Learn what these professionals have to say.

The post Wakesurfing vs. Ocean Surfing appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Video by Sean Kilgus/BFY Action Films

In this video, Matt “Miracle Matt” Manzari, provides instructions for learning to perform a pop shuvit. Also known by various iterations such as shove-it, shove, or simply shuv, this trick is fun to do and is the act of spinning the board underneath you and then re-landing. And, you can learn to do it using the tips provided in this video by Manzari. What foot is key? What part of the wave should you start on when learning the pop-shuv? Check out the video, in which Manzari rides behind his own Centurion Ri230 then head out on the water!

The post How to Perform a Shuvit With Matt Manzari appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Video: Sean Kilgus/BFY Action Films and Media, LLC.

In this video, professional wakesurfer and two-time World Champion, Whitley Stewart, describes how to perform a Switch Body Varial. Stewart, riding behind her own Centurion Boats Ri230, takes you step-by-step through the phases of this trick. Watch this video for insights and tips about how you can perform a Switch Body Varial.

Read Next: How to Set Up Your Boat for Wakesurfing With Whitley Stewart

Be sure to visit our YouTube channel for more videos like this one!

The post How To Perform A Switch Body Varial with Whitley Stewart appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Video: Sean Kilgus/BFY Action Films and Media, LLC.

In this video, Centurion Boats pro wakesurfer Whitley Stewart provides pro tips for setting up a boat for wakesurfing. Learn how Whitley Stewart, two-time World Champion, sets her speed, tabs, ballast, and more for competing in wakesurfing at the very highest level aboard her Centurion Boats Ri230. View this video and learn how to set up your wakesurfing boat like Whitley Stewart.

Look for a video in which Whitley Stewart teaches trick tips aboard her Ri230, coming soon.

The post How to Set Up Your Boat for Wakesurfing With Whitley Stewart appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In this video, we joined Centurion Boats pro athlete, Matt Manzari aboard his Ri230 for a day of wake school out on the lake. Manzari shared his time and considerable expertise to, show you how a wakesurf trick can be conceptualized, developed, and practiced as a progression of three tricks. He not only tells the story, but he shows you how, complete with slow-motion footage.

Learn why the most important thing about performing a 180 Shuvit concerns rotating your back foot. Learn when to stay on your front foot. Learn how you can practice with a skateboard without wheels. All this and more, told and shown to you by Matt Manazari himself, using his personal Centurion Ri230.

Learn More About Centurion Boats

Learn More About Matt Manzari

The post How to Do a Backside Big Spin Wakesurfing appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In the video, Wildman describes what a floater is, and why he likes teaching this entry-level wakesurfing trick. For one thing, frontside and backside floaters help generate speed for your following trick.

Check out this video featuring Beaux Wildman. And, look for more Pro Tips videos from the world’s best watersports athletes.

The post How to Do Frontside and Backside Floaters appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

The 2022 Centurion World Wake Surfing Championship is launching on October 6th-8th at Lake Norman, North Carolina. This is the 26th running of this renowned event, held once a year for the most elite wake surfing athletes in the World. This event will be the final destination for some of the best riders in the world to compete at the pinnacle of their sport.

This year’s in-person competitors will be pulled behind the all-new 2023 (Military Green Metal Flake) Centurion Ri230. Who would have thought the biggest news in wake surfing this year would be generated by the smallest of the Centurion Ri Series. The W¬orld’s best waves, wakes and ride have gotten even better with the evolved running surface of the Ri230’s Opti-V Hull. The look of the Centurion Ri230 merges the depth of the Ri Series with the sharp lines of the Fi Series achieving an aggressive, head-turning style. Centurion engineers have added a number of lake life-improving refinements to the Ri230 for as many as 14 people. The 2022 Centurion Ri230 includes Centurion’s Remote Engagement Continuous Optimization Network (RECON) telematics by Osmosis, Lay-flat Sun Pad Lounge Seats, Revo 12-inch by 12-inch side by side touch screens, all new available RAMFILL2 or as we call it the “Baller” ballast system, the available Range of View (ROV) bow to stern camera system with live fuel usage data, and the available upgraded Centurion Shift Thruster System by CMI. The Ri230 is revolution innovated. Witness this reality on the Centurion World Wake Surfing Live feed! Or learn more at centurionboats.com.

This year Centurion WWSC is hosting 150+ riders from 15 different countries.  The Centurion Boats Team is representing in multiple divisions. Centurion Pro Male Skim riders including Sean Silveira, Keenan Flegel, Tyler Stewart, Jarret Scribner, Chad Hudson and Nick Parros. Centurion Pro Male Surf including Keenen Flegel, Zane Montgomery, Jake Breedlove, Connor Burns, Tyler Stewart, and Sammy Goncalves. Centurion Outlaw Male Skim riders including Brian Scolari, Cole-Tucker Reed, Evan Hudson. Centurion Pro Female Surf riders Rylee Steffen, Ashley Kidd. Centurion Pro Female Skim Sara Tallon, Nicole Hudson, Tracy Wright, and Caro Villeneuve. Centurion Outlaw Pro Skim Zoey Montgomery and Ava Stewart. Centurion Outlaw Female Surf Zoey Montgomery.  

Everyone is encouraged to come out to Lake Norman to watch the best of the best throw it down and support your #1 riders in the world. If you can’t join us in person, you can catch all the action live on our website starting at 5:30am PST/ 8am EST each day of the competition @ centurionsupreme.live

About Correct Craft
Celebrating 97 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Bryant boat companies, Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Group, Watershed Innovation and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit correctcraft.com

The post Centurion World Wake 2022 appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Waiting on the arrival of your new Centurion boat? Or maybe you’ve had yours for a while. Either way, Centurion team riders, Taylor McCullough and Nick Parros are walking us through how to set up and take care of your Centurion just like the pros do.

Are you or someone in your crew new to getting behind the boat? Here’s how to set up your Centurion boat for wakeboarding with tips from professional wakeboarder, Taylor McCullough.

Here’s how to pull your boat into the lift and dock it with professional wakesurfer for Centurion Boats, Nick Parros.

Here’s how to set up your Centurion boat for wakesurfing with tips and advice from Nick Parros, professional wakesurfer and team Centurion rider.

Here’s how to hook up and launch your Centurion properly with professional wakeboarder for Centurion Boats, Taylor McCullough.

For more information on Centurion and to check out their newest rides, visit centurionboats.com.

The post Centurion Owner’s Manual appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.