Surf and Saltwater Riding tips for Noobies

N3vrSat1sfied

N3vrSat1sfied

Military Member
Location
Fort Worth, TX
Chris, I hope you dont mind me adding a side note to your post.

I am hoping the surf stays up, but at the same time many people haven't rode surf. Big surf and first time surf riders has potential to be a bad combo. So in addition to keeping your ski running right as Jetmaniac has kindly posted in an awesome write up, We also need to ride smart. So some general rules for that:

- Ride with a buddy, yes we are right off shore. But it only takes a few seconds for something to go terribly wrong. Having a buddy who is watching your back and you watching his can be all the difference with those precious few seconds moments. Always know where your buddy is, and trust he is doing the same for you.
- Keep your head on a swivel, You and your buddies might be surf experts, but Daytona brings a lot of rookies to the sport as well as first time surf riders. If the surf is large it becomes very important to be looking over your shoulder and having a good idea where riders are around you. On the same note of beginners, keep a look out for them as they might be in distress. If you a see any rider struggling or stalled out, do a simple ride by and a with thumbs up or down and make sure they are good to go, they might need a tow in over to the Jetmaniac booth, or they might be injured.
- Remember it isn't a fashion show, so bright colors, high visibility is important, specially with overhead surf.
- Alcohol- I'm not sure what the official rules are or if there are any pertaining to drinking during the freeride, but we are all adults who enjoy having a good time, just do so responsibly.


Some of us have been in very bad situations with bad outcomes. So please take note and don't take lightly how dangerous our sport can be. Ride Smart and have a great time! See everyone Thursday!
 
JetManiac

JetManiac

Stoked
Site Supporter
Vendor Account
Location
orlando
Thanks for adding that. I will add to master post.

I have another section half written about tips for riding in the surf for noobies but didnt finish in time. Freeride prep, orders to ship, locals needing build parts, and mechanics need parts for pump, midshaft, and engine builds so had to stop until later...
 
whitca

whitca

Location
Tri-Cities, WA
TOW LOOPS....put them on front and rear. Many of the aftermarket hulls don't have a rear bow eye, a front loop alone does you no good if your boat sinks and that tow loop is now pointed at the sand. Put an anchor point under the rear flange of the tray for the loop, add a rear bow eye, or even put a small loop of rope/strap around a pump mount...just have it there so in the event you need to be towed or tow someone in, you're not fumbling around in the impact zone. Nothing worse than going to rescue and then becoming part of the problem.
 
Captain PegLeg

Captain PegLeg

GJP
Location
Villa Rica, Ga
If you see someone charging at a wave, do not come in from the side and slash right in front of them or vice versa. I know a few years ago when I was learning to surf ride i would get super excited to finally get a nice face on a wave coming right at me and then the better guys would swarm to it and bust it right in front of me leaving me falling over or trying to avoid them.

Beginners, keep a eye out for people and try to keep to a certain area because there are tons and tons of people in the water.

Advanced, keep a eye on the beginners and don't be wave hogs up and down the beach all day.

Advanced/beginners alike... if you see someone floating around a simple thumbs up or down can save some ones ski or life..... and if you see someone frantically swimming to a ski in the crashing waves, hop in the water and let them grab ahold of your foot and drag them to their ski <---- this is awesome help.

Oh yeah, GO BIG AND DONT LET GO!!!
 
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