Perhaps the only thing better than a day spent on the lake and riding is a night spent aboard your boat with family and friends to view Fourth of July Fireworks. Towards that end, we are re-publishing these tips from our colleagues at Boating.

1. Check out the Local Notices to Mariners for your area for any special Coast Guard instructions for boaters during the event.

2. Make sure your running and anchor lights are working properly, and that you have all the required safety equipment aboard.

3. Get to your anchorage early, downwind of the show, if possible. Anchored upwind, you may not be able to hear the full sonic power of the fireworks.

Read Next: Wake for Warriors

4. Don’t let the kids or landlubbers play with flashlights, and don’t use your spotlight to “see if that’s Billy’s boat over there.” Doing so can ruin night vision. Use the VHF or your phone.

5. Take your time leaving the event. Let all the revelers get going before weighing anchor. This avoids a … let’s just say some folks enjoy themselves too much sometimes.

For a list of 4th of July fireworks displays you can view from your boat, click here.

You’ll also find these links useful for rafting up with friends while viewing fireworks by boat.

The post View Fireworks From Your Wakeboat 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.

In watersports, change through progression is a constant. Ever-improving technology, mind-blowing athletic advancements, and the search for the newest iteration of water gliding go on. Foiling is the newest big thing, providing a vehicle for progression without the impact.

If you’re interested in ­foiling behind a boat, then read this ­article. In it, wakeboarding legend and early foil adopter Jeff ­McKee and three-time Wakeskate World Champion—and the poster child for a Red Bull athlete—­Brian Grubb offer five key areas you should focus on when getting started.

Prerequisites: ­Experience and Board Control

McKee shares: “I recommend that you have at least beginner ­experience in wakeboarding or wakesurfing. However, the preference would be intermediate experience so that you’re comfortable riding a board ­sideways behind the boat.”

The key here is balance. Because foiling introduces an extra layer of complexity (the lift of the foil), mastering basic board and body control is essential.

Start Slow: Rope and Speed Control

McKee opines that foiling is not like wakesurfing and advises starting slow. “A big mistake is to start with a wakesurf rope and a wakesurf wave, and let go of the rope and surf the foil the first day. That’s ­jumping too far ahead.”

Instead, keep a long rope in hand, start at the slowest speed possible, and gradually increase to around 11 to 13 mph. This will give you the time and stability to focus on controlling the foil ­without worrying about flying too soon. Treat the ­initial deepwater start like ­pulling up a child who has never wakeboarded ­before.

Positioning: Mastering the Stance

For beginners, foot position and weight distribution on the board are keys to control.

McKee uses an aviation comparison. “You’re standing on an airplane, so leaning forward over and putting weight over the nose will hold the plane on the runway, and leaning or standing back on the board forces the plane to take off at a slower speed. You’re flying a plane with your feet.”

Make sure you keep your body upright and avoid bending over too much, “like you would when standing on stilts,” McKee states. Stay tall and centered, with your chest up, bending only at the knees when necessary.

Grubb adds: “You want to have your back foot in front of wherever the mast is set up. A wide stance is not helpful while foiling, so start at about shoulder width or slightly wider.”

Board Setup: ­Equipment Matters

Start with a ­­beginner-friendly board, around 4 feet 6 inches in length, with a shorter mast and a larger wing for ­stability.

Grubb says: “Start with a bigger wing, such as a 1,000-square-­centimeter (150-square-inch) if you weigh up to 200 pounds. If you have an option to use a ­bigger stabilizer, or “rear wing,” do so, because it will help stabilize the foil in the beginning. Also, ensure that the foil mast is positioned as far back as possible to reduce the amount of lift, making it easier to control the board during initial start-up.” 

Read Next: Foiling the Biggest Wakes in the World

Flight Control: Practice Patience

“You’re flying a plane with your feet; you’re standing on top of the fuselage. I always tell people, when you start flying, don’t change a thing. Don’t even breathe. Don’t move a muscle. Be a statue and enjoy the ride,” McKee says.

Final Thoughts

By mastering these foundational skills, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the ride and progressing as a foiler.

The post 5 Keys to Wakefoiling Behind a Boat appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In this video, Noah Flegel, professional rider for Team Nautique, rides behind his own Nautique Boats G23 Paragon to share his experience and expertise. A great teacher, Flegel describes here how to perform a Backside 180 while wakeboarding. Flegel’s lesson starts with the foundation of possessing a good wake jump and having the switch down, before advancing to mid-air techniques such as arm position and handling the handle. Should you switch hands? Should you land wrapped? Where should your weight be? Learn all these and more from Noah Flegel in this video.

Read Next: Noah Flegel History

Flegel bills himself on Instagram as a “Rider of Boards,” and that he is. This native of Lighthouse Point, Florida, wakesurfs and wakeboards professionally. According to his bio, Flegel spends his off-time,  “surfing in the ocean, spearfishing, and pretty much anything involving the water.”

Look for more how-to video content from Noah Flegel, as well as pro tips from other pro riders, right here.

The post How to Do a Backside 180 Wakeboarding With Noah Flegel appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Brian Grubb is a force of nature, thrilling audiences, and especially watersports enthusiasts, worldwide. 

In this video, Brian Grubb takes you on his own @malibuboats  Wakesetter 23 LSV to show you how to set your boat up for wake foiling, wakesurfing and wakeskating. Learn Grubb’s speed and ballast settings. Learn how this world-class athlete uses the Malibu Power Wedge to advantage when setting up for these sports. See Grubb ride on his own @LiftFoils.

Read Next: More Pro How-To Tips

Look for more videos featuring Brian Grubb, coming soon!

The post How to Set Up Your Boat for Wake Foiling, Wakeboarding and Wakeskating With Brian Grubb appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In this video, pro rider Gunner Daft shares his tips and techniques for performing a toeside backroll. Gunner rides behind his own Montara Boats Surf Boss 2.0 to break down this wakeboarding trick so that you can learn it.

Advance your wakeboarding skills! Watch this video to learn about your approach, your edge, how to hold your chest, the handle, when to open-up and more.

See more of Gunner Daft on Instagram at: @gunner_daft.

Read Next: More Pro How-To Advice!

The post How to Do a Toeside Backroll appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Dylan Miler (@dylanmiller) has been riding professionally for 12 years.

In this video, this veteran pro rider shares his tips for learning to perform a Backside 180 while wakeboarding. Topics Miller covers include how to initiate the trick using the start-up roller of the wake, edging out, controlling your speed and where you should be looking while doing a Backside 180. Learn about the importance of your shoulders, where your weight is, timing the rotation, incorporating a grab,  and more. All footage shot using Dylan Miller’s Heyday Wake Boats H22.

Enjoy learning this trick.

Read Next: Get More Pro Tips

Watch Now: Check out the Heyday Wake Boats H22, the Boat Dylan Miller Rides Behind

The post How to Perform a Backside 180 Wakeboarding With Dylan Miller appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Gunner Daft is a long-time professional rider with loads of experience and wisdom to share. In this video, Daft, describes some of the settings he uses to wring top performance from his Montara Boats Surf Boss 2.0, which our sister media outlet, Boating, named Boat of the Year for 2023.

In the vid, Daft describes the use of profiles, tab percentages, speed and more. Shot aboard Daft’s own Montara, you will also see him riding in this video. Enjoy and learn!

Read Next: How to Set Up Your Boat for Wakeboarding With Taylor McCullough

The post How to Set Up Your Boat for Wakeboarding and Wakesurfing With Gunner Daft appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In this video, world champion wakesurfer and @MasterCraftBoats pro rider, Jett Lambert (Instagram: @jettshreds) breaks down how to perform a backside Alley Oop. In the vid, shot aboard Jett’s own Mastercraft XT 24, the pro speaks about your position on the wave, the desirable speed, when to turn your head, and more. 

With advice from from a pro like Jett, you get insights such as how this trick is similar to a stalled 360 and why you may find this trick easier to learn if you are comfortable riding switch. 

Check out Jett Lambert’s advice, hit the water and learn this trick!

The post How to Do a Backside Alley Oop appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.