Paddleboarding and Wake Surfing in Dallas/ Fort Worth
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
Inland Texas shapes! As the sport of wakesurfing continues to grow in popularity so too will the boards from the hands of new local surf companies like Tuk Tuk (Austin) and Fitzpatrick Surf (Fort Worth). Along with the addition of new surf parks- NLand Surf Park in Austin and American Wave Machines at BSR (Barefoot Ski Ranch) in Waco, not to mention the ever growing popularity of SUP, Texas based shapers like Tom Haney (Tuk Tuk), Alec Wood (Waterloo), Brock Dumoit (Doomswell), Nick Wiersema (Chaos Surf) and Mike Fitzpatrick (Fitzpatrick Surf) have expanded their reach. A surfboard is a means to surf, it is a piece of art and most importantly, it is a relationship. The growth of wakesurfing in Texas goes hand in hand with the support of local Texas shapers, local athletes and local surf shops.
The good news is that each of these shapers is doing a pretty darn good job at representing Texas. Some, like Brock Dumoit (Houston), with Doomswell Boarding Co, have grown beyond their production capabilities and have expanded into a global market.
“It’s insane seeing how our company grew from a garage in 2010 into where it is today. We have now refined our manufacturing process to be more streamline and can now scale to meet our dealers and customers expectations in a timely manner. At the same time, the sport is continuing to flourish in all directions and inland surf parks is a growing market we hope to dive into and back to our Texas ocean surfing roots.”
Born in raised in Colleyville, TX and a shaping room in his parents backyard, Mike Fitzpatrick, 31, has even added handplanes to his list of shapes, both for Texans and beyond. Here’s a fun little video of Mike in the shaping room:
Tuk Tuk, another Austin based wakesurf company, and its founder/shaper- Tom Haney, enjoy playing around with new shapes and new materials for wake/surf boards in the shaping room equipped with a C and C machine near Steiner Ranch where the annual Barrel Boss wakesurfing competition is held.
Meanwhile Alec with Waterloo Soul Craft is enjoying the growth of longboard wakesurfing and shaping the walking blocks of the next big division in the sport, for athletes like their team rider Tegan Gainan. Nose riding behind the boat? Yep!
Nick Wiersema, Austin based shaper for nearly a decade, has seen the benefit of being a Texas based company for years through Chaos and Shredstixx customs. For Nick, buying from a local shaper is
“about building a relationship, a family, community. You buy local because there is something intrinsically pure about working directly with your shaper. You can accomplish this at a distance with modern technology, but nothing beats sitting down face to face with a true craftsman and letting him walk you through a series of questions which will illuminate the type of surfer you are and the surfer you can be.”
As you take your next step to buying your first wakesurfboard, we would definitely recommend developing a relationship with a local shaper like one of these guys. Staying local and supporting local has always been a Texas sized trend, from music artists like Willie Nelson to local homebrews like Shiner Bock and Titos. Although these shapers will never be as big as Willie Nelson that is exactly the benefit you will receive through your first shape- small and personable.
Coach Toddi J, pro athlete and shaper, in the house this weekend and able to introduce Paul, a local surfer from Australia (now living in Euless), how to wakesurf for the first time. Paul, landlocked and missing some much needed swells, discovered DFW Surf via youtube and was curious to see what “wakesurfing” was all about. Thanks to some great coaching tips Paul was able to catch the longest wave of his life.
In light of Paul and several other surfers, originating from a surfing background, here are some important tips for surfers (and wakeboarders) who are trying wakesurfing for their first time:
Wakesurfing Starts with a Rope
At the DFW Surf School our most important focus for beginners is learning how to “get up” on their first time out. Many surfers who are not used to wakeboarding/waterskiing and other towable sports find it difficult to “get up.” Some surfers overlook the importance of step # 1 and are so focused on the surfing side of wakesurfing that they struggle to get up. Another common first-timer surfing mistake is to try to get up starting on your stomach just like you would in the ocean. Education and practice is key here, this is where those who do have a wakeboarding background excel because they know how to use the rope to their advantage and lean away from the whitewash and into the flats. After education, practice pulls and a couple misfalls, you are finally up and ready to surf. Step # 2- continue to use the rope for feet adjustment and balance. A common surfer mistake is to immediately want to dive into surfing and pumping like an ocean wave. Take your time, relax, get used to the wave and listen to your coach.
Surfboards are not Ideal for Wakesurfing
Even pro surfer, Josh Kerr, had to trade in his normal ocean shortboard for a custom one designed for the boat. The main difference- Buoyancy. Salt water is a lot more buoyant than freshwater, which is why wakesurf boards are designed to be thicker and they also feature a wider tail. Take your typical ocean shortboard, thin, tri-fin thruster setup, skinny tail and not much rocker. After trying out their surfboards, we then hand them a hand shaped wake surfboard and boom- What a difference the right equipment makes! Some Longboards, on the other hand, are great behind the boat because they are already very buoyant. The only difficulty here is getting up- if the board is too thick then you can’t get up with your feat the normal way, you will have to start on your stomach or knees. We recommend picking up a 8 or 9 foot Donald Takayama; these boards are narrow, easy to get up with, and fast.
Over the years it has been interesting to see which first-time surfers have excelled in wakesurfing. We have found that Florida surfers were able to wakesurf the best because they are used to smaller waves and an emphasis on the front foot for speed. Wakesurfing, if you are using a short performance board, is all about the front foot (+ body and hip positioning). Similarly, wakeboarders transitioning into the sport have had difficulties. I myself came from a wakeboarding background and was so used to leaning back and placing more weight on my back foot that wakesurfing was difficult. Pioneering the sport in TX, there was no one teaching lessons or giving classes so I had to teach myself. I had to let go of my ego and put the small performance board on hold. After using a bigger board I was able to become more comfortable and finally able to understand the concept of speed and how speed could be generated on and off the power zone of the wave.
By Toddi J + TMarsh
I truly hope this story touches your soul and inspires you to find your happiness in life. you only get one chance on this earth – for most of us, it takes changing your mind set and taking a huge leap of faith to make the most of it.
The summer of 2015 forever changed my life in the most positive and inspiring way. For as long as I can remember, I had this nagging, unsettling feeling that my life was unfulfilled – like I was meant for something more and that I didn’t really fit in anywhere or with anyone. This feeling followed me through relationships, jobs, life achievements, friends, you name it.
I’ll spare the details of my past and just say that I didn’t have the easiest first 29 years of my life. Not to say it was all bad, but I learned to be strong and self-sufficient, to be at peace with being alone and learned to understand that I won’t always receive the love I give. I was going through a particularly rough time in my life during that life changing summer. I suddenly found all my life plans (marriage, kids, white picket fence, etc.) crashing and burning and I once again was lost.
Trying to find my place again, I decided to try new things and start focusing on me again. And then on a whim I bought a Groupon for a paddle boarding class at DFW Surf in Hidden Cove, Frisco. Little did I know that day on August 15, 2015 would forever change my life. Paddle boarding was fun, but I was hung over and honestly still a little drunk from a girl’s night out before and quickly crashed and burned. But I met an amazing person – yep, you guessed it…Justin Hammond, who introduced me to the world of wake surfing.
At first I was scared – I remember asking “am I going to die”? Which I laugh at now because it’s one of the safest and most fun sports you can participate in. Being a total newbie, I didn’t even know what it was. Justin Hammond and Todd Johnson took me out on the boat to watch a coaching session with Claire Morgan. I was mesmerized and enthralled with her talent and how much joy riding those waves brought her. After that, I couldn’t wait to get my chance to get on a board.
My big day came a few weeks after that. I met up with the crew at DFW Surf 121 and was completely anxious and a little scared. I have severe anxiety and with 5 back surgeries under my belt my stomach was in a knot. But me being me, I’ve never backed down from a challenge. I watched the stellar Hannah Stone bust out an amazing set, watched her body, her feet her arms, her determination and most of all, her smile. I suddenly felt all my anxiety and fear wash away.
With my amazing surf dad Jeffery Stearns, coaching me from the back of the boat I got up and surfed on my first try with NO ROPE! I was so happy and so proud! The enthusiasm, hugs and high fives from everyone on the boat made my heart swell with gratitude and pride! Over the next few months I fell deeply in love with the sport and I surf every opportunity I get. I’ve progressed quickly and I hope to take my surfing to a whole new level over the next year. But whatever may come of this, there are a few things I want people want to know about the sport, the people I’ve met and about DFW Surf.
· When I surf, my anxiety, fear, self-consciousness, competitiveness and all the negativity in my world disappear. A wave of joy, confidence and peace washes over me. It’s a peace I have never had in my life. After a surf session, everything in the world seems right.
· I have met the most amazing group of people. They are the most selfless, kind, compassionate, encouraging, joyful and genuine people I have ever had the pleasure to call friends. From always inviting me on their boats to surf, to coaching me and helping me get better, to cheering me on when I’ve had a bad run, to calling me when I’m sad or sick and asking how they can help. For the first time, I feel like I have a family of friends. There is no judgment with this group of people, only love.
· DFW Surf has provided me with amazing opportunities and they have the best coaches, employees and club members. They have the passion and patience that make them a truly unique group. I talk to countless members who found DFW Surf because they too were going through a rough period in their life. At DFW Surf, we aren’t just building a business, we’re building a family. To be honest…most of us found our significant others by taking paddleboard lessons. If you’ve never checked them out, please do. It’s obviously the off season, but summer will be here before you know it. (This is totally unauthorized by the way…no one knows I’m writing this but I hope my friends over at DFW Surf enjoy it).
· Surfing has taught me what’s truly important in life. It’s the people we meet, the memories we make and the experiences we have. Everyone’s situation is different and everyone’s passion and priorities are different, but for me surfing has brought a new meaning to my life. I have a new purpose and I no longer worry about the small stuff. I have found my center, my purpose and my place.
As I approach 30 and plan my first trip to go ocean surfing, I can’t help but look back on how different I am than I was 6 months ago, a year ago, and 5 years ago. For all the people out there who are looking for a new challenge, a new group of friends, a new love or even a new perspective on life – I encourage you with all my heart and soul to give wake surfing a try. Not just here in DFW, but anywhere! It has truly changed my life and shown me that there is a place in this world for everyone and it’s never too late and you’re never too old to find it. If you ever want to give wake surfing a try, please let me know. It’s my mission in life to share my new passion with everyone.
I want to finish by thanking everyone who has been a friend, a coach, a shoulder to cry on, an encouraging influence, but most of all…a member of my surf family. I sincerely apologize if I forget someone, please know that I LOVE all of you and I am eternally grateful for this sport. -Jakie
“How many times have I looked at a magazine article with some svelte girl on a surfboard riding a turquoise wave thinking geez would that not be cool. Weeks turn into years and I’d see that image here and again and go yeah I should do that when I lose some weight or get a tan or have some friends with a boat….One day. Well guess what!? At nearly 40, one day is never coming if I don’t make it happen. I put the word out to some of my more “outdoorsy-lovin” girlfriends and set up a wake surf lesson. Pioneer Tyler Marshall at DFW Surf took us out on Lake Grapevine to show us the ropes. My girlfriends and I had some butterflies about what we were getting into, but Tyler’s laid back style put us at ease quickly. First things first, learn to stand up. Secondly, find the sweet spot. Third, relish in the “fails” cause there is an award for that too! Of course we ate it quite a few times, and at one point I thought I swallowed half of Lake Grapevine through my nose. But then there’s a moment, a moment when it clicks and you know you just figured something out. All of a sudden, you see the sun as your stage lights, the wave as your dance floor, and realize the tunes from the boat just gave you the beat. Out on the water, I found a whole world you can’t see from Uptown. I read a book recently about mindset where many people don’t try new or different things because they don’t want to fail. Their ego is too sensitive and believe failing at something defines them versus realizing it’s an opportunity to challenge yourself and learn something new. My girlfriends and I took the DFW Surf challenge and we’re glad we did. We put some some cool points in the bank to boot.” -Sheyenne Sullivan
The perfect board for her! Stay surfing my friends with the new Ashley Kidd Pro Model by Erie Wake featuring the new FCS snap on fin system, vector netting and rocket tail design. These boards are very light and very durable hand shaped manufactured by legendary shaper Erie Peoples and available in 3 vibrant colors- pink, neon yellow and blue and 3 different sizes: 4’2, 4’6 and 4’10. Start your kids out on the 4’2. This is a board that is light, that they can carry and it is the closest thing to feeling like you are a surfer.
Claire Morgan picked up the 4’2 and in her first wake surfing season she has entered into the competitive wake surf scene and recently took 3rd place at the Lake Anna Wake Surf Open. The 4’2 is for intermediate to advance surfers looking to air it out and carve it up like Ashley. The 4’2 is also great for new grom surfers, ages 6-12. (We recommend the 4’6 or 4’10 for beginner surfers ages 14 +).
If you are really starting to get into wake surfing, looking to progress your skills and conquer that true “surf style” feeling, then you should look into buying a high performance wake surfboard like the Ashley Kidd Pro Model by Erie Wake. This board is the definition of surf style and if you start at an early enough age, you will be riding like a pro in no time. Check out Ashley in action below and more from DFW Surf team rider Ashley Kidd HERE. Grab an Ashley Kidd Pro Model at our Surf Shop, or Book a Wake Surf Lesson or try one of our demo boards.
We got to admit, wake surfing is an expensive sport, it is a luxury, a privilege, but it is also a great opportunity. Wake surfing is the endless wave surfing experience that true surfers dream about. The fun never ends.
So once you are ready to finance your dreams you will start to do research. You might even google “best wake surfing boat” or “best wake surfboard.” Then you might find yourself a little overwhelmed with how many choices there are: boats, boards and accessories. With so many decisions, ultimately, you will want to choose what makes you happy.
With nearly a decade of experience and a daily dedication to the water and without specifically naming brands, here is our advice:
The bigger the boat = the bigger the wave = more ballast you need to create a bigger wake. We recommend a 23-25 foot boat and a 102 inch beam (width).
How to lengthen the wave? Two simple techniques, either speed up or place more weight in the bow of the boat.
Engine: the bigger the boat, the more ballast and weight applied means that you need an engine that can handle the weight. The days of 350s are over. For power and gas mileage combination we recommend the next step up, a 409
Prop rotation– most inboard boats have a counter clockwise prop rotation, which means that the wave on the regular (port) side will naturally be cleaner than the goofy (starboard) side. Then there are a couple boat models with a clockwise prop rotation. Which side will you be doing most of your surfing on? (Ask us about our new wake shaper devices that will clean up and lengthen your wave on both regular and goofy sides).
Boats and Safety: Around 2007 Larry Mann created an external device to route carbon monoxide down and away from wake surfers called Fresh Air Exhaust. If you own a boat or are looking for a used boat that is not made in California, or one that is made before 2009 then you probably do not have a catalytic converter. Be safe, don’t inhale monoxide, or buy a fresh air exhaust from Mr. Larry Mann. Or better yet, buy a new boat with a catalytic converter that comes standard.
Boats and Re-sale Value: Some people say the best two days on the water is when they buy a boat and also the day that you sell your boat. This might be because you bought an extremely used boat that doesn’t work half the time. But if the best day is when you sell your boat, then it is safe to say that buying a boat with a good re-sale value is a good investment. At the same time it is important to take care of your boat with regular oil changes and maintenance.
The right boat with a powerful and lengthy wave is half the battle. Now you need a board that is your size and your style. Ultimately the best decision you can make is to demo the boat or board before you buy.
Surf vs. Skim– There are two types of boards and then several hybrid, or in-between models. Surf style is with a board that is similar to an ocean surfboard including bigger fins and a wooden stringer designed for greater speed and airs. Skim boards on the other hand are smaller with a single fin and designed for surface tricks and skateboard like maneuvers.
Board size– The right size board is probably the most important thing. The most popular group of new wake surfers at DFW Surf are moms and dads in their 40s and 50s and the weight range is anywhere from 100-160 to 200-280. The difficult part is the 200-280 and finding a board with enough buoyancy to float. Most of the boards on the market are designed to be “boat boards” meaning that they are small, thin and durable and can conveniently fit into board racks. The problem is that the 200-280 lb guy cannot wakesurf without a big enough board that will not be able to fit into a board rack. On the other end of the spectrum are the 4-7 year old groms who struggle to wakesurf because there is not a small enough board on the market for them.
Beyond the boat and board you need some accessories to complete your summer of surf. Grab a swimsuit and a lifejacket that will allow for easy surf maneuverability. Make sure you have a coast guard approved life jacket. Lastly, grab some fat sacs for an even bigger wake and don’t forget the drinks and tunes.
Must Have Accessories:
Can’t afford a boat and want to surf? Look to join our DFW Surf Club.
Just purchased a new or used boat? Let us help you get dialed in. Book a Lesson on Your Boat.
Come check out all of our new gear, place a pre order or demo/ rent a board today at the DFW Surf Shop
Step 1: Practice out of the Water with a Skateboard
Step 2: Practice with a Rope
Step 3: Tuck Your Knees to your Chest
Every wakesurfer wants to get big air! Going big on airs is a lot of fun to do and also fun to watch. When I first started learning airs I practiced out of the water. Learning to ollie a skateboard is the ticket to getting big airs. Skateboarding gives you the feeling of stomping down on your back foot and sliding with your front foot. Taking this to the water will help you lift off the water. Once you have mastered the feeling of getting the board off of the water you can start to work on getting higher in the air. Practicing with the rope is a big help. It allows you to go bigger than you might go without the rope and provides extra stability.
When I was learning to get airs I learned them from Chase Hazen. He told me that every time I go for an air to “try to make it as big and powerful as it can possibly be.” Chase gets giant airs because he is flexible and puts a lot of power into his take offs and who wouldn’t love to go as high as Chase goes? To get that high off the water you have to be able to get your knees high in order to bring the board up with you. Aim on getting your knees up to your ears, keep your body over the board and reach for the sky. Big airs are something everyone wants but not everyone gets. Go big every time and with practice you’ll be airing them out too!” Check out Chase below in his 2011 World Championship Run:
Learn from other athletes and watch as many videos as you can. Boarders Magazine is a great wakesurfing source for industry news, videos and trick tips. Check out their article: How to Get Air Wake Surfing.
By Parker Payne
Learn more about Parker Payne at parkerpayne.com
Check out Parker’s 2015 World Wake Surfing Championship run:
The annual Dallas Boat Show aka the Dallas Boat Expo, is the place to be for watersport lovers, boaters and wakesurfers. It takes place twice a year, winter and summer sales event at Dallas Market Hall. Everyone wants to know what the best surf boat is, what the best boards are, which Marina to join and where to make their summer plans. Here is our advice, our Top 3 Reasons Why you should check out the DFW Boat Expo
More info about the Dallas Boat Expo at dallasboatexpo.com
Attention Wakesurfers! Be sure to check out the upcoming SURF THE LAKE annual wakesurfing competition on Lake Lewisville. More info HERE
This past weekend we attended the 2014 Collegiate Wake Series event on Lake Lewisville put on by Empire Wake. Wake surfing is a new discipline to the Collegiate Wake Series being towed by the best wake surf boat on the market: Centurion Boats. With DFW Surf being the local experts on wake surfing, Empire Wake contacted us to help run the event. We had a great time and had the chance to help the college competitors improve their wake surfing too. Little did the competitors know Centurion Boats had treat on site as well with World Champion wake surfer Keenan Flegel showing up to ride too. Check out the short video recap put together by our friends at Freedom Powersports!
eff Stearns is this year’s Mr. October. We had to give out the award to one of the most avid wakesurfers in the metroplex aka “The Stearno.” Jeff rocks a killer mustache and supports the heck out of DFW Surf, meanwhile his son is a SUP instructor on Lake Grapevine. When Jeff is not off flying planes you can probably find him on the lake. He blames Tyler at DFW Surf for getting him involved in the sport of wakesurfing and ever since that very first day Jeff has been hooked. He bought a boat, got a custom board, then two other boards, then more fat sacs and now a new device that lengthens the wave on his 22 foot Malibu.
It was a glassy day on October 15, Jeff had been surfing all year long, but this day was different. 80 degree air, cool waters and not a cloud in the sky. All of the boat ramps at Lake Grapevine were closed so Jeff pulled his boat over to DFW Surf Shop on Lake Lewisville. Danny and Cody were at the shop, minutes later, they all hopped in the boat and took off. The lake . . . glassy. The surf . . . epic. This was, according to Jeff, “the best day of wake surfing in his life.” After those great days on the water you might be buzzing for a couple hours, your smile is endless and you dream of doing the same thing again the next day. “I’m coming out there again on Friday,” Jeff texted us the next day. You can’t stop the passion, the aloha and the sweet mustache from growing. Jeff, thanks for all your support over the years and glad we could lend a hand towards your new passion.