How to Get Up on a Wakesurfer

Before hitting the water, the first step to success starts on dry land—or more specifically, at the back of the boat. The key is positioning the person correctly to set them up for success as they enter the water. The initial position is a relaxed, leaned-back stance, where they are almost sitting, like in a cannonball pose. 

From the cannonball position, the next step is to shift into what’s called the "baseball catcher position." This is where the rider is ready for movement, mimicking the stance of a baseball catcher preparing for action. Pause here for a moment to allow the boat to build up enough speed, and once the momentum is right, it's time to stand up slowly and confidently.

Now, let’s take the rope out of the equation entirely. At this point, the goal is to let the rider float comfortably in the water and get used to the feeling of the board beneath them. A simple trick to speed up the process is to have them float with their heels on the board, almost like a footstool. This position makes it much easier to get them up without multiple attempts.

Make sure the rider’s heels are close to the edge of the board. This allows the board to "fold up" to their feet when they start moving forward. A common mistake is having the heels placed in the middle of the board, which causes the board to drag along the surface. The closer the heels are to the edge of the board, the more the board naturally moves with the feet, making it easier to stand up.

As the boat begins to move, the driver’s role is crucial. Rather than using brute force or excessive torque, focus on technique. The goal is to gradually pull the rider into the right position while maintaining a steady speed, not trying to yank them out of the water too quickly.

For the rider, once the boat starts moving, the key is to engage in small, incremental movements. In the cannonball position, as the boat accelerates, they should begin to shift their body into the baseball catcher position. To do this, think of pushing their rear under them while slowly starting to rise up into a standing position.

If you’re the driver, here are some safety tips for pulling a wakesurfer.  

Now that the rider is up and on the wave, it's time to start looking for the sweet spot—the wave's "pocket." This is where the rider can ride effortlessly. The rope length plays a major role in this process. The goal is to adjust the rope so that the rider is just ahead of where the wave curls, typically about half a foot to a foot in front of it.

At this point, the rider should focus on finding a balance between being pulled by the boat and being pushed by the wave. Many beginners make the mistake of trying to over-correct, either dragging too hard or accelerating too quickly. Instead, the rider should focus on rocking their center of gravity forward or backward, rather than just pushing on the front or back foot.

Learn more about dialing in your surf wave here. 

Once the rider has found the right position, the next step is to find the balance point. Rather than constantly shifting weight, the rider should try to "stretch" the feeling of balance and let the rope go slack. This signals that they’re in the "pocket" of the wave, where the wave’s power is guiding them along without the need for the rope. If you need help finding the sweet spot, watch this video here. 

At this stage, they’re ready to drop the rope entirely and surf freely. With the rope slack, the rider should have developed an understanding of how much weight to shift onto their front or back foot to stay in the pocket and maintain a smooth, consistent ride.

Now that the rider is surfing freely in the wave’s pocket, it's time to drop the rope. This is the ultimate moment of success in wakesurfing—riding the wave without relying on the rope. As they continue to ride, they can experiment with adjusting their weight distribution and refining their technique to maintain their position and stay in the pocket.

Teaching someone to wakesurf requires patience, proper technique, and a bit of practice. By focusing on the right body position, starting on dry land, and gradually progressing to the water, you’ll make the process much easier for the rider. Remember, technique matters more than power—slow, controlled movements are key for both the driver and the rider.

Once the rider has mastered the basics and can ride the wave without the rope, they’ll be ready to move on to more advanced maneuvers. Until then, continue practicing these fundamental steps and enjoy the journey.

MasterCraft dealers often host demo days and training sessions—check with your local dealer for opportunities to refine your skills on the water.