East coast and West coast surf boats are set up a little different due to the differences in the average wave sizes each coast gets. I am a West coast rider so the following advice pertains to a West Coast set up and may not work so well for East Coast surf riders. A good West Coast surf set up should have most of the emphasis in the handling arena. Most of the Aerial surf maneuvers can be accomplished simply by the height you get from jumping the waves so stick with a stock or slightly modified motor set up (like stock with a B pipe) as engine reliability is key in the surf. Building a high HP motor is generally not needed. In larger surf, a heavier ski works a little better for carving and general surf riding so a ultra light hull is not an advantage either. If Aerial maneuvers like big stabs, BR’s and Backys are in your future then your hull will need to be reinforced. Reinforcement on a Surf Ski should be a little heavier duty than a flat water set up due to the more extreme stress that you will put on your hull. Remember it’s easy to get 10-15’ of air off a wave with a stock motor. Don’t be worried about the extra weight, as stated before a heavier ski is not a disadvantage in the surf.
Newb’s (First time surf riders who are uneasy, Your friends call you a girl, etc.)
You should be fine on a Stock ski
Intermediate riders ( First time surf riders who charge, competent lake or wave carvers, Jumpers and aerialists, Chicks who ride better than you, etc, etc.)
Motor
Stock or slightly modified
Flush kit
Aftermarket Bilge pump
General Set up
Pole limiter strap
Hood straps
Footholds or Foot straps
Front foot hold
Reinforced Hull
Handling
“Tubbie” or other Mfgr’s Style front sponsons
Stock straight or D cut ride plate
Shortened pole
Shortened turn plate
Straight or 4 degree after market bars
"Extra throw" turn mod
Other (lose your fire extinguisher and put this stuff in instead)
Tow rope
Extra plugs
Plug wrench
Either or WD-40
