2024 AR250 New to wake surfing

[ChrisX]

As new wake surfers what do we need as a set up? My thought was a ballast bag in the ski locker and one on one side of the swim platform. (and a pump and hoses to fill them) Do we need a wedge? Most importantly, any advice is appreciated because at this point I don't know what I don't know.

 

[Cambo]

Depending on the surfers weight a bag under the side seat as well.

Speed control for the motors Ride steady will help dramatically lock in the correct speed

Water conditions need to be flat and depth at least 18 feet these are two very critical items that are easy to overlook, this is a weekday sport or on a very quite lake. If the conditions are not optimal practice using a long rope 40 to 60 feet and large skegs on the board and ride the surf board like a wake board but at lower speed and practice carving. I almost find this as fun as surfing the pocket gets boring

 

[ChrisX]

I had no idea about the depth. We are in the keys, I'll have to do some searching to find a spot that deep.

I am assuming an old fat guy like me will need more weight?

 

[MNJets]

I had no idea about the depth. We are in the keys, I'll have to do some searching to find a spot that deep.

I am assuming an old fat guy like me will need more weight?

Congratulations on the boat and getting into surfing. I owned a 2019 212X which had the built in ballasts (2 in the rear adjacent to engines, 1 in center ski locker). I also purchased the Wakeboost specific for the the model boat. If I had 6-7 people in the boat and the proper ballasts filled along with the Wakeboost installed, then I could surf without the rope pretty easily. But if it was only 2 people in the boat with the same setup then it was nearly impossible to drop the rope - simply not enough weight to throw a good wave.

The GPS install will be a game changer. I operated the boat for 1 season with the Yamaha setup before I installed the aftermarket Ridesteady and it was laughable how easy waterskiing, wakeboarding and surfing became with the "cruise control" after year #2. I also purchased a 725# FatSac designed to fit on the transom of our Yamaha boat (Wakemakers is one site) so I could surf with only 2 people in the boat - added more weight to the surf side.

I sold the 2019 212X and purchased a 2024 222XD. I miss the "manual" portion of my old 212X but enjoy the ease of the 222XD. Yamaha stubbed their toe with this lineup (Trailer bunk voluntary recall, Software update required) but I will say surfing has been pretty consistent, I enjoy not having to attach the Wakeboost and pulling me out of the water on a slalom ski is slightly better. Cambo made a good point on the water depth. I've seen 10'+ be decent; 18' is great if you have it.

I'm 200# and use a Hyperlite Landlock 69" board. It doesn't offer a lot of carving options but I can always drop the rope with this board. I recently purchased a 60" Slingshot Coaster but haven't had it on the water yet. I'm expecting good results from this new board.

 

[ChrisX]

The GPS install will be a game changer.

Is this the ride steady?

I suspect that it will be two people on the boat most of the time. I will look for more ballast.

 

[MNJets]

Is this the ride steady?

I suspect that it will be two people on the boat most of the time. I will look for more ballast.

Yes, Hydrophase Ridesteady system on my old 2019 212X. I believe I purchased it from one of the members on this site. Extremely helpful and knowledgeable group of boaters, mechanics, cleaners... Here's a photo of each "Node" placed in the engine compartment. I used commercial grade double sided tape to attach versus actually screwing holes into my boat. Never had an issue for 4 years (I no longer own that boat). . I purchased

 

[Ridesteady]

Is this the ride steady?

I suspect that it will be two people on the boat most of the time. I will look for more ballast.

@ChrisX Happy to answer questions you have!

 

[anmut]

10/10 recommendation for RideSteady - great product, great support. As previously mentioned, it's game changer in the way the boat handles towing or just cruising.

 

[highway76]

If the conditions are not optimal practice using a long rope 40 to 60 feet and large skegs on the board and ride the surf board like a wake board but at lower speed and practice carving. I almost find this as fun as surfing the pocket gets boring

I do this exact same thing. I fell into the idea by accident because I was trying to teach my wife how to drive and just jumped in with the board and rope, no set up, nothing. Something to be said for just jumping in and getting up on the board. Lots of fun. Also a good patience exercise trying to teach someone how to drive for board sports...

 

[ChrisX]

I do this exact same thing. I fell into the idea by accident because I was trying to teach my wife how to drive and just jumped in with the board and rope, no set up, nothing. Something to be said for just jumping in and getting up on the board. Lots of fun. Also a good patience exercise trying to teach someone how to drive for board sports...

I watched a video about foil surfing behind the boat and one of the big benefits was that you can get back there and foil. I would like to get to the point of foiling.

 

[ChrisX]

Curious about the wedge, no one has mentioned one?