Paddleboarding and Wake Surfing in Dallas/ Fort Worth
Another great year on the water. 2018 was the 2nd wettest year on record. Lots of water and lots of fun. Here are some of our favorite moments. More photos on our Facebook page HERE
It was cold and the water was a little murky on this late Fall day on Possum Kingdom Lake. But that didn’t stop the DFW Surf Club Men’s crew from doing what they love- wakesurfing. Check out the vid:
Those Malibu Moments at this year’s Surf The Lake Wakesurfing Contest
The HIGH- FIVES …
THE COMRADERY …
THE SHREDDING …
THE AWARD CEREMONY … Special thanks to all the surfers, judges, volunteers, and our sponsors- Malibu Boats, Waterski America, Autonation Chevrolet and more
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!! More photos, head over to our SURF THE LAKE facebook page
1. EAT. SLEEP. SURF by Cassie Wyssbrod
2. Women’s Wednesday! with Emily Erbe, Elaina Lui, Katie Berkhout, Tony Mcelhaney and Mark Lui and Jackie Mayfield (???)
3. Coach Barb and Coach Tina
Love the water? Join our family! https://dfwsurf.com/about-us/
In its third year on the water, the Womens Watermen, is now a 2-part paddleboard series with its first event taking place at Bluet SUP- Highland Village on May 26th and stop # 2 at DFW Surf- Frisco in October.
70% of the world’s paddlers are women and Womens Watermen is all about coming together and celebrating one of the only women dominant sports. Join us as we celebrate the stand up paddle watersports community in North Texas.
About Womens Watermen– It is an event, now a 2 stop series, celebrating the thriving watersports community in North Texas. This is an event for both beginners, first timers and intermediate paddlers. Think of the Turkey Trot 5K, this is a 2.5 and 5K fun paddle.
Register HERE for the 1st stop at Bluet SUP
We are stoked to have Matt Edmondson on board as the new Director for our annual wakesurfing contest- “Surf the Lake.” Matt is an industry veteran and the former Director for the US Open of Wakesurfing in Fort Worth. Matt is passionate about supporting the sport of wakesurfing, its fans, athletes and every day surfers and we look forward to making this year’s event bigger and better than ever.
About SURF THE LAKE: Surf the Lake is a day of wakesurfing for the 99% of wakesurfers who like to get on the boat with their friends and have some fun. Formerly known as the DFW Surf Open, this is an open event for all types of surfers- from first timers to 360’s. It has always been a laid back grassroots event and as the sport continues to grow so has the amount of competitors and divisions. Surf the Lake is backed by, once again, the best surf boats on the planet thanks to Waterski America and Malibu Boats.
Stay tuned for Open Registration for our 2018- Surf the Lake to be held once again at DFW Surf- Frisco @ Hidden Cove Park and Marina on September 14-15, 2018.
For vendor and sponsorship opportunities contact matt@doomswell.com
Check out the new event FACEBOOK page for more updates
At only 34 years of age it might be safe to say that Todd Johnson is “a legend.” Lol. We love you Toddi J aka Coach Todd, Todd Johnson former pro surfer turned pro wakesurfer/ board shaper. Todd has coached some big names in the industry- Chris Wolter, World Champs Ashley Kidd and Raleigh Hager to name a few. He has also shaped boards for hundreds of surfers and wakesurfers and today he continues to do what he loves and see the progression with his surf and skate camps and students. Check out his company – Surf Camp Pacifica- in action:
When Todd is not at Surf Camp in Cali he is back at DFW Surf coaching in one of our weekly surf classes or hosting longboarding clinics. It is exciting to have someone with an ocean background who can offer a different perspective to wakesurfing and at the same time be able to relate to our customers from California, Hawaii and Florida. Check out his blog post: “Wakesurfing Tips for Surfers.”
We look forward to 2018 and years to come with Toddi J on our team of professional watermen at DFW Surf.
If you are interested in private skate or surf lessons please send an email to: toddi_j@johnsonboardco.com
We Did It! “Is that a surfboard?” they asked; “looks like your boat has a flat tire,” they said, “you can do yoga on a paddleboard?” 10 years later and you might be the one who is crazy if you do not know what is happening on the lakes in your backyard.
DFW Surf would not have been possible without our amazing team of professional coaches, athletes and surf-bassadors. Determination For Watersports near Dallas, Texas. We were determined to pioneer a new branch of watersports aka inland surf sports- wakesurfing and stand up paddle boarding. Year after year we got one more person to get on board and “drink the kool aid” as we called it. This could not have been possible without the “kings of kool,” “lake rats,” “surf snobs” aka the DFW Surf Crew | Team DFW Surf.
Me + You: This photo album is dedicated to all of those special moments on the water. Wakesurfing and stand up paddle are, most importantly, social sports that can not happen without me and you. Special thanks to all of our customers over the years and a huge thanks to all of our DFW Surf Club members. So many great relationships, so many good times … on the water with each other. Community.
We also remember some of our first videos:
We remember, R.I.P, the first ever inland floating surf shop in the U.S- The DFW Surf Shop on Lake Lewisville at Pier 121 Marina. After the great flood of 2015 we moved our surf shop to a new location just north to Hidden Cove Park and Marina.
Special thanks to Caleb Mcelhaney for tons of great videos this year. Here’s a special compilation called “Wakesurf Wipeouts” a surf, crash, repeat- short film featuring the DFW Surf Club in action. Special thanks to Malibu Boats for pumpin out those huge waves. If your not fallin, your not tryin.
About DFW Surf Club: https://dfwsurf.com/dfwsurfclub/
Two great American surf lifestyle companies were born in 2007- YOLO Board and DFW Surf, and now in their 10th seasons, they are joining forces together for one annual event- The Womens Watermen.
“Women make up 65% of the standup paddleboarding market, which is why we wanted to create an event for them,” says event founders and Texas SUP Champs Konae Nowell and Tyler Marshall.
The event will take place once again at DFW Surf- Frisco, Hidden Cove Park and Marina on Lake Lewisville. Sorry fellows, women paddlers only! Competitors will race around the infamous “You Only Live Once Island” and back to the start near Rockin’ S Bar and Grill. 2 divisions this year: Beginner- 1 Lap and Open- 2 Laps (12’6 boards only, no 14′).
Here’s some exciting action from our first year:
See you next Sunday, October 22nd!
Hey Ladies, here’s the event registration link: https://fareharbor.com/dfwsurffrisco/items/29436/
Chilton and Magen have been a big part of the DFW Surf community for years. Magen was one of our original sup yoga instructors and Chilton helped contribute to our Pier 121 surf shop and Grapevine location. They met at DFW Surf and years later they moved to the coast where Magen continued her yoga and massage therapy practices and Chilton as a part of the contruction community of Corpus Christi/Port A/ Rockport.
Today they are homeless; Hurricane Harvey has wiped out everything they had in Rockport, TX. They were literally in the eye of the Hurricane and faced the strongest of winds.
Please help our dear friends, Chiltan and Magen, re-build their lives and the community of Rockport Texas.
Together, one family and one community at a time, we can help re-build homes. Lets start with the home of Chiltan and Magen.
Please click on the link below for your support:
https://www.gofundme.com/help-chilton-and-magen-rebuild
Huge weekends for both Parker Payne and Perry Morrison. Who would have thought that two kids from Dallas/Fort Worth would be two of the most dominant athletes in the sport of wakesurfing. Parker, from Richardson, is looking to have another decorative year with a great start at the Pro Wakesurf Tour. Meanwhile Perry, from Grapevine, is arguably the best amateur wakesurfer and took 1st place over the weekend at the Arizona Wakesurf Open.
Seems like only yesterday when we shot this video of these two on Lake Lewisville. We look forward to seeing both these guys in action and representing DFW for years to come.
Learn more about Parker at parkerpayne.com.
Surf with Perry on Grapevine Lake every Tuesday. Learn more here: dfwsurf.com/tige-tuesdays-kids-surf-free/
“As we enter our 10th season we are proud to announce a partnership with Premier Ski Boat Corporation- Waterski America and Malibu Boats. Working with the crew at Waterski America (WSA), guys like Frank, Rusty and owner/founder Tim Cvar has been great. Having a solid local dealership, the top inboard service department and most importantly, the best surfing experience, makes life easier for our surf school and customers; it is the reason why Malibu Boats is the #1 selling wakeboard boat and Waterski America is the #1 dealer in the country. We are excited to team up with the best and look forward to many great years to come for the sport of wakesurfing in Texas”
-Tyler Marshall DFW Surf Owner/Founder
Waterski America is an authorized Axis Wake and Malibu dealership serving the Lewisville, Texas area. We have been in business for 25 years, and that means we know how to exceed your expectations. We are proud to carry an unparalleled selection of new boats that will impress both first time and seasoned buyers. We also have one of the largest selections of pre-owned boats including Malibu, Axis Wake, MasterCraft, Tige, Supra, Nautique, Moomba and more! You don’t live in Texas? No problem! We have the ability to sell our pre-owned boats anywhere in the country! Our friendly and knowledgeable sales, financing, service and parts departments are prepared to make sure your experience is outstanding, from assisting while you’re making your choice to ongoing maintenance and customization. At Waterski America, we value the opportunity to create a long term relationship with our customers.
Malibu Boats is the world’s largest manufacturer of watersports towboats, known for leading the industry with major innovations, including the first onboard computer system in 1993, the ingenious Power Wedge hydrofoil in 2006 (completely redesigned in 2014), the industry’s first wake-maximizing hull in 2000, and Surf Gate, the innovation that changed the face of wakesurfing forever, in 2012. Malibu markets the Wakesetter and Response models—as well as the Axis Wake Research brand—through a worldwide dealer network. With some 450 employees and three manufacturing facilities, in California, Tennessee, and Australia, Malibu builds boats to help you live a #lifewithoutlimits on the water.
Wow! What an amazing journey that all started back in 2007 right here on Lake Grapevine near DFW Airport. 1o years later here we are, still doing what we love and continuing to introduce North Texans to an outdoor lifestyle of relaxation and adventure. Water is therapy and we founded a company supported by athlete coach therapists who have laid the foundation for a community that people call “home.” We look forward to many more years to come and we invite you to also join our surfing community- the DFW Surf Club.
In 2007 we entered the scene via wakesurfinglessons.com and helped pioneer a new way to surf and that same year we produced the first ever wakesurfing events in Texas including the Land Locked Surf Fest at Texas Mastercraft in Fort Worth. The new sport of wakesurfing was very much in its infancy and it was our goal to spread the word- one person at a time. Today the sport of wakesurfing is in full swing and it is amazing to see how many people are doing it compared to its predecessors- waterskiing and wakeboarding.
But wait … there was another sport where you can hop on an oversized surfboard and walk on water? Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) was the opportunity we had been waiting for. From Hawaii to California and Florida to Texas and the rest of the world- BOOM!!- this was what the world was waiting for and a chance for anyone and everyone to call themselves a “surfer.” You can use a “SUP Board” to paddle from point A to point B, you can surf it, you can do yoga, you can even surf with your dog.
Our original location near DFW Airport on Lake Grapevine grew quickly across the metroplex. The goal was to continue to introduce as many people as possible to the new “lake life”- from kayaking and waterskiing to inland surf sports- wakesurf and SUP. We opened up the first ever floating surf shop at Pier 121 Marina along with various other locations. If there was water, indoors or outdoors, we wanted to be on it, from lakes to rivers to aquatic centers like LifeTime Fitness.
As we enter into our 10th season we can’t help but think about all the amazing people we have met along the way. Special thanks to some of our original founders and crew from the early years including: Chad Rakestraw, Kyle Rutkowski, David Lawrence, Daniel Goldware, Katie Whitaker, Nate Richard, David Marold, Dirk and Natalie Tailford, Mike Kekoa, Don Anderson. Moving into the early SUP years: Tim Marek, Cody Forgy, Mike Fitzpatrick, Danny Braught, Steven Boylson, Sean Reavis, Justin Hammond, Jenn Bodnar, Konae Nowell, Jeff Stearns, Ashley Anderson, Ryan White, Sarah and Jake Nelson and Jeremy Reiber. Special thanks to Pam McWhorter for fostering our Womens Wednesday club surf night program. Special thanks to Team DFW Surf from over the years including: Alyssa Mize, Nate Richard, Ashley Kidd, Parker Payne and Perry Morrison. Special thank to our DFW Surf Club members and original members including: Kristen McGregory, Dwight Mullins. To our web designers, graphics and videographers including Russ Ryan, Michael Zeyda, Tim Marek Photography, Andra Dunn, Parker Dunagan, Spencer Smith, Max Fuerst and tech ninja Kevin Patel. For Grant “Ole G” and Scott Mccurry Band musical gatherings. Special thanks to all of our sponsors over the years including: Epic Boats, Scott Pellaton and Sanger Boats, Freedom Powersports and Centurion Boats, Fly High Fat Sacs, Kona Brewing Company, Weinbergers Deli, Sun and Ski Sports, Vernor Surfboards, Bomber Floating Eyewear, Red Bull, Bounce SUP and Yolo Board. For 2017 big ups to Waterski America and Malibu Boats. Special thanks to my family- Joe and Dixie Marshall, Alan, Thu, Tiffany, Eric, Taylor and Garon Marshall, Scott and Shelly Souder and Daddy Bill and Gigi Souder.
Here’s to another 10 years on the water!
Tyler Marshall
Founder
Here are some of our favorite, “go-to” local restaurants with a surfing flavor. What is great is that many of these spots are near a DFW Surf location near you. Imagine a great day of surfing and paddling on the lake followed by some chill music, people and flavors at a nearby surf-themed restaurant like Peace Burger or Towers Tap House? So, what can you expect? A surfy-surfy vibe, surfboard ornaments, tacos and margaritas at a marginal price.
This is one of our favorite low-key relaxed surf inspired restaurants to go to. Located just minutes from Grapevine lake it is a great spot to go after being out on the boat, paddleboarding, or kayaking. The food is always on point with options from Texas style burgers to our favorite, the Surf & Turf tacos. Taco Tuesday is always a hit here with great tasting margaritas to match the tacos.
Peace. Love. & Burgers! (photo via Peace Burger Facebook). Address: 1228 William D Tate Ave Grapevine, TX 76051 | Phone: 817.410.4074. http://www.peaceburger.net
Towers boasts a great laid-back vibe with a perfect patio/beer garden to watch wakeboarders flying around the Hydrous Wake Cable Park. Towers is one of our favorite hangouts during the summer with great live music and other special events. Our favorite items on the menu: Turkey Burger & Chicken Quesadilla.
Address: 290 E. Eldorado Pkwy – Little Elm, TX 75068 | Phone: (214) 483-1356. http://www.towerstaphouse.com
Sandbar also know as the “Beach Ellum” is located just minutes away from downtown Dallas. They offer a unique concept that brings a tropical vibe with a large amount of sand volleyball courts, patio seating, and a great bar and restaurant. This is our go-to spot after a Thursday night “Rock n Paddle” on White Rock Lake (Get involved via our Meetup group). Our favorite items on the menu: Avocado Fries & Build Your Own Burger.
Address: 317 S. 2nd Ave, Dallas, Texas 75226 | Phone: (214) 647-1424 . http://sandbarcantina.com
Mobile food truck turned restaurant. This cozy little taco joint nestled in the Grapevine-Colleyville border off of 114 brings a SoCal mentality to N. Texas. They serve delicious tacos, burritos, cervezas and margaritas. Our favorites on the menu: Gamechanger Tacos & Gnarly Nachos.
Address: 2140 Hall Johnson Road, Suite 118 Grapevine, Texas 76051 | Phone: (682) 223-1316. http://www.eatsocaltacos.com/
Step up your coastal dining a notch in the DFW area with Dive Costal Cuisine. Featuring great local organic produce, seasonal seafood (fresh seafood everyday) and an array of other fresh choices from juices to creative salads. Our favorites on the menu: Ceviche, Seared Ahi Tuna Wrap, Pei Mussels, & Key Lime Pie to finish it off.
Address: 3404 Rankin St. Dallas, TX 75205 | Phone: 214-891-1700. http://www.dive-dallas.com
Hula Hut is new to the DFW area and has been one of favorite places to visit in Austin for years. The restaurant is a Mexonsian (Hawaiian/Mexican) style restaurant that has a great vibe before you even enter the building. From the moment you pull up you feel like you are in a water lovers paradise with all of the used vintage watersports gear displayed all over the building. Hula Hut in Little Elm is build out over their own private lake on a pier with a view of lake Lewisville and Hydrous Cable Park. Our favorites on the menu: Coconut Shrimp, Hawaiian Fajitas, & the Kawaikini Stuffed Avocado.
Address: 210 Eldorado Pkwy Little Elm, TX 75068 | Phone: 214-618-4852
by Danny Braught
Recent plans for the 155 acre development- Dallas’s Trinity River Park Project- include walking trails and a river landscape and will be the perfect place for future outdoor activities and events in Dallas. The park will be named Harold Simmons Park in honor of the late Harold Simmons and courtesy of a 50 million dollar donation from wife- Annette Simmons. This will be “one of America’s greatest urban parks” according to Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings.
The Park would be 11 times the size of New York City’s Central Park. Below is a post project rendering released by the City of Dallas that shows the walking trails along with new paddle trails and even several images of kayakers. The question remains: so what does this mean for DFW paddlers? Will the Trinity River be easily accessible and open to paddlesports like kayaking and canoeing as well as the popular sport of standup paddle boarding?
Several other renderings of the Trinity River Project include pictures of paddlesports- kayaking and canoeing, which leads us to believe that, YES, paddle craft will be allowed on the river. How this will be regulated or permitted, where will the paddle launching be, will there be paddlesport rentals and many more questions are still up in the air. If the river is anything like other City of Dallas Parks and Rec waterways then you can be assured that no swimming will be allowed (just like White Rock Lake and Bachman Lake). Yet, if paddleboarding is allowed on White Rock and Bachman then it is safe to say that you can paddle here too. And if the great floods of 2007 and 2015 happen again there is even a plan for that too. (Below is a shot of Coach Dingo paddling on the Trinity during the great flood of 2015, as you can see everything would be submerged in water and the park would be closed, just as most other lake parks around the metroplex would be closed too):
Other renderings of the Park can be viewed on Google when you type in “Trinity River Corridor Project.” One of the images shows a boat similar to a pontoon boat and the river looks pretty and blue and as wide as Lake Austin.
Dallas can expect great things with the new Trinity River Project, a culmination of Dallas West side urban development over the last decade. If you travel over to the West side today the culminating landmark is the new urban bridge, home of local events like “Yoga on the Bridge.”
Imagine a paddlesports event that could be witnessed from the bridge. Imagine a 5K or 10K running event that could utilize the bridge and the park below. For the outdoor enthusiast, the new Trinity River Park means new places to explore. For the Dallas economist, it means no more North/South and East/West barriers (originally the bridges were created as a dividing line between two socio-economic areas of Dallas).
Paddle with Flare. Especially if you are paddling alone or with a small group, it is very important to paddle with bright colored clothing. Also known as the peacock effect, flare is basically another term for standing out. So why is it important to stand out on the water? The same way that it is important to stand out on the mountain slopes and especially for back country skiing- SAFETY. With low light conditions of fall and winter paddling you will want to be seen on the water by an oncoming boat, your paddle partner or in a rescue situation. We recommend picking up a bright neon or pink DFW Surf hat for $20 and then you will be safe on the water by day and an attention grabbing peacock at night. (pictured below is national canoe champ Rich Stewart and Dallas Surfer/Socialite Austin McDaniel).
Paddle with a Partner or with a Group. Even more essential for off-season paddling is to paddle with others. Why? Because there are significantly less boaters and sailers on the lake in the off-season. If something goes wrong, who is going to know? And paddling with others is more enjoyable not to mention more motivating if you are training to be a sup racer. Pictured below is our die hard first year paddlers who are still making an appearance at Womens Wednesdays week after week.
Gear Up, Dress Up. If it is cold outside, then wear something warm. If you are a beginner paddler and have a good possibility of falling in the water then wear a wetsuit. If you are a confident paddler you will at least need to throw on a pair of booties to keep your feet warm. If it is an extremely cold day your life will be miserable if you don’t have gloves. Watch the video of DFW Surf founder Tyler Marshall below try to paddle in the snow with no gloves and see how long he lasts.
Learn more about paddling with flare with top paddle athletes HERE
Check out the new video featuring club members Jeane and Tanya just “Rippin’ It!” on Lake Grapevine. Longboard wakesurfing is the closest experience to the ocean and even better, no sharks and an endless wave; Jeane and Tanya can’t get enough . . .
Check out more great videos on our Youtube Page