Prep for surf newb?

[Midlake Crisis]

Been riding the lake for one season, and have been planning a trip to try some surf. What do I need to buy or do to my ski to make it ocean worthy? I do have a bilge pump. What else?? Saltaway, a hose to rinse with, a tow rope, . . . ??

 

[Vumad]

A tow rope is just part of being legal.

A flush kit is a must. Salt away isn't all that necessary but it never hurts to go the extra step and use that and WD40.

Other than cleaning the ski, I don't do anything different b/t fresh and salt.

Edit: wear a helmate in big surf. Goggles are nice on the super windy days.

 

[WDKfan]

I caot the engine with wd40 or silicone spray, and if you do run a bilge make sure your wiring connections are sealed good. tow loops on the bow and stern eyes are good too.

 

[2006superjet]

ya

make sure you bring a weatsuite i went out last sat and it was cold and a lil windy. you never know. and its not fun if you dont have a nice warm suite make sure you can put the life vest on over it and also that you can move with it all on. a suite helps for the water impact to.
i used to use wd40 but it breaks down the plastics and wires after awile now i am doing silicone spray. wd 40 takes off stickers and it isnt needed just use silicone. also spray the crap out og pump and impeler housing to protect there. a flush kit needs to be instated ust te a hose barb of somwhere on the cooling line. i use salt away. its expensive imo but so is a superjet and a new engine. i got my helmet from walmart in the kids section its a downhill bmx helmet. you can also make or buy copy blowsions hood straps and pole limiter.
i also got a water seperator to not worry about sucking up small chunks of anything and messing up my cooling lines.
have fun be safe and always keep your head on a swivel oh and strech b4.

 

[FLY6584]

http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/23788

 

[LBE]

Where in Cali are you?

 

[brett]

pole rope rope for sure. i spray wd40 on my pipe bolts, battery terminals, hose clamps,and chamber. been at pismo almost every weekend for 9 mos, and no problems yet

 

[Speleopower]

I just got a ski this summer and started riding in the ocean on my 3rd session with the ski. I would suggest front and rear tow loops and a tow rope with clips at both ends. You've got the bilge so your good there. The first few times you won't be in big surf (hopefully) so hood straps and pole rope really aren't needed just yet.
Tow loops, tow rope and the bilge are the main things for the ski. If you want to keep riding in the surf then add the hood straps and pole limiting rope before venturing into bigger surf. Don't forget to wash the ski down really well after riding and use TC11, WD 40 or silicone all over everything.
Oh yeah, wear a helmet for sure.

See ya-Scott

 

[oxnard111]

I just got a ski this summer and started riding in the ocean on my 3rd session with the ski. I would suggest front and rear tow loops and a tow rope with clips at both ends. You've got the bilge so your good there. The first few times you won't be in big surf (hopefully) so hood straps and pole rope really aren't needed just yet.
Tow loops, tow rope and the bilge are the main things for the ski. If you want to keep riding in the surf then add the hood straps and pole limiting rope before venturing into bigger surf. Don't forget to wash the ski down really well after riding and use TC11, WD 40 or silicone all over everything.
Oh yeah, wear a helmet for sure.

See ya-Scott

Thats bull. Put a limiting rope and hood straps on anyways. I've had my pole break in crazy small surf.

 

[WaveDemon]

I agree with the hood straps. Dual bilge pumps and hood straps should keep you from sinking on your first few trips out.

 

[oxnard111]

I also suggest you and your buddies have a little system worked out to let each each other know if you are in distress. Also make sure you all get tabs on each other at all times. Look for every rider every minute or so. This is for two reasons; you'll know if anybody needs help, and it helps you from colliding with each other.

 

[thegoldenboy]

Look for every rider every minute or so. This is for two reasons; you'll know if anybody needs help, and it helps you from colliding with each other.

That is key for lake or surf riding. Surf more importantly though, as the ocean is usually less forgiving than the lake.

 

[Idok]

tow loops (front AND rear)
limiting rope
hood straps
bilge or scupper along with a WELL SEALED hood

 

[Mike W]

Here is some good info on the Wavejunkies website:

http://www.wavejunkies.com/riding-tipstricks/46-surf-survival-launchinglanding-on-the-beach
http://www.wavejunkies.com/riding-tipstricks/59-surf-survival-tow-rope

 

[Vumad]

I agree with the hood straps. Dual bilge pumps and hood straps should keep you from sinking on your first few trips out.

It has been said that the Kawi 750 electronics can get over loaded with two large bilges. Does anyone know if this is accurate (actual researched/tested information)? I want to run two 500's but I heard I could put the electrical system close to overload.

 

[Midlake Crisis]

Bakersfield

Where in Cali are you?

I am in Bakersfield, I almost always ride by myself at Buena Vista. I have a WRIII that guests or family ride on occasion, but I am solo 90% of the time, especially this time of year.
Ventura is the easiest drive for me, but I have a free place to stay in Morro Bay if I decide to do an overnighter.
I have the suit, helmet, shoes, gloves, etc. sounds like the limiting rope and hood straps are all that's stopping me now.

 

[WaveDemon]

It has been said that the Kawi 750 electronics can get over loaded with two large bilges. Does anyone know if this is accurate (actual researched/tested information)? I want to run two 500's but I heard I could put the electrical system close to overload.

get a decent battery and don't worry about it.

 

[oxnard111]

We ride out of ventura all the time. a couple of us have our skis down right now being rebuilt, but come january/february we'll back and running again.


pismo probably is about the same drive as the drive to ventura, and your almost guaranteed to have someone to ride with every weekend.