How to Wake Surf: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide with Nautique Boats
How to Wake Surf: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide with Nautique Boats
Master the waves with the industry’s leading wake surf technology—right here on Lake George.
Whether you're brand new to wake surfing or looking to help someone else get up for the first time, having the right boat and technique makes all the difference. At Yankee Boating Center, we’ve taught countless riders the thrill of riding an endless wave—and we believe the best way to learn is behind a Nautique.
Why? Because Nautique isn’t just a boat. It’s a wake-surfing machine, purpose-built to create the most consistent, customizable, and rider-friendly wave on the water.
Why Choose Nautique for Wake Surfing?
Nautique boats, especially models like the G23 and Paragon, are packed with features designed specifically for wake surfing success:
Nautique Surf System (NSS) with WAVEPLATE® Technology: Instantly shape the perfect wave on either side of the boat.
Surf Switch: Let the rider transfer from one side of the wave to the other at the push of a button—no need to stop or shift weight.
LINC Panoray Touchscreen: Easy-to-use helm control lets your captain dial in the ideal speed, ballast, and wave shape for every rider.
Telescoping Flight Control Tower®: Gives surfers the perfect tow point, while still offering unmatched visibility for the driver.
Ballast and Hull Design: Nautique’s deep hull and integrated ballast create clean, powerful surf waves even with a small crew on board.
These innovations make Nautique the best boat to learn on, teach on, and progress on.
Step-by-Step: How to Wake Surf Behind a Nautique
Whether you're the rider or helping someone learn, follow these steps to get up and riding like a pro:
1. Get Geared Up
Wake surf-specific board (not a wakeboard!)
Surf rope with a thick handle
Life jacket or impact vest (U.S. Coast Guard approved)
2. Set Up Your Nautique
Choose surf left or surf right on the LINC Panoray
Fill ballast tanks based on rider weight (usually 80–100%)
Adjust the WAVEPLATE® and Surf Switch to shape the wave
Set speed to 10.5–11.5 mph
Pro Tip: Use the Nautique “Wave Presets” to save time and match the wave to rider skill level.
3. Rider Positioning
Start in the water with your heels on the board’s edge and knees bent
Hold the rope with both hands, arms straight, and elbows relaxed
4. The Start
Driver gives a slow, steady throttle up
Rider lets the board “push” them up without pulling with their arms
Keep your weight centered and let the boat do the work
5. Finding the Wave
Once standing, shift your weight slightly to your front foot
Stay about 8–10 feet behind the boat, carving gently left and right
When ready, toss the rope to the boat and ride the endless wave
6. Helping New Riders
Offer hand signals or a helmet speaker for communication
Remind them to stay relaxed and centered
Celebrate small wins—standing up is a big first step!
Bonus Tips for First-Time Wake Surfers
Practice in calm water—Lake George mornings are ideal.
Use Nautique’s “Steady Pull” setting for smoother starts.
Record their first ride—it’s a moment they’ll never forget!
Why Lake George + Nautique = Surf Paradise
There’s no better place to learn wake surfing than Lake George. With crystal-clear water, endless space, and the support of Yankee Boating Center, your surf season starts strong and safe. And when you're riding behind a Nautique, you're not just catching a wave—you’re joining a legacy of performance, innovation, and stoke.
Ready to Ride?
Come visit Yankee Boating Center and schedule a Nautique demo today. Whether you're shopping for your first boat or just want to try wake surfing with the best equipment out there, our team is here to help you make unforgettable memories on the water.