If you are just getting familiar with wakesurf boards, you might be wondering about optimal foot positioning, especially if you are accustomed to a wakeboard with bindings. When you are positioning your feet on a wakesurf board, it is helpful to keep some foot positioning guidelines in mind. Remember that each wakesurf board is different, so not only may your foot position vary a tad, but your distribution of weight on each foot can change the movement of your board against the wake. A surf style board might demand a slightly different foot position than a hybrid or skim wakesurf, and you can tweak your foot position based on the board. But to get you started, remember these tips.
Goofy or Regular?
Just like wakeboarding, the first step in this process is determining which foot is your lead foot. There are two riding positions- regular or goofy. Regular means that your left foot is your lead foot, and goofy means that your right foot is your lead foot. So how do you know if you are regular or goofy footed? Well, one common way to figure this out (assuming you have never ridden a board sport before) is to imagine that you are running on a wood floor in your socks. Then imagine sliding on this wood floor. Which foot did you lead with? If you said your left foot, then you are likely a regular footed rider. If you said right foot, then you will likely feel more comfortable riding goofy-footed.
Stance Width
In general, keep your feet just outside of shoulder-width apart on a wakesurf board. Maintaining a good distance between your feet will allow better board control and balance as you ride. Too close, and your board may feel wobbly or out of control. Too far, and you can actually lose the ability to turn and move your board around on the wake.
Side Matters
Stand with your leading foot closer to the side of the wakesurf board that is cutting into the wake. This position will help you hold your edge and maneuver your board in and out.
Slow and Fast
Putting more weight on your front foot speeds you up while putting more weight on your back foot slows you down. Keep this in mind while working your way around the water. If you start falling behind the curve of the wake, put more weight on your front foot to drive your board forward and catch back up. If you speed too closely to towards the boat, readjust your weight to the back foot to balance back in the middle creating a safe distance between you and the boat.
Remember to start with the basics! By understanding how to stand on a wakesurf board, you should be able to build your confidence and successfully ride those wakes. Also, all of this takes some time and practice. You may not be able to get it right the first time, but with continued perseverance and practice, you’ll be jumping wakes, and having a great time. Have more questions about wakesurfing? Come see us in-store or online at your local Sun & Ski Sports.