Just wondering, cause theres alot of eperience in these forums, one what you think of tow-surfing? Do any of you guys own skis? What sort? Me and some friends were discussing the idea and ive really warmed to it and am quite seriously thinking about getting one. Not to go out and charge HUUGE waves or anything, and definitly not get in the way of crowded spots in the area…but go to isolated beachies around our local area. Any negatives? What positives? Any skiis recomended? What do all the pros use? Ive tried looking around for any information but theres not a whole lot out there really.
Here in FL, not much tow but making hybrid surfb/wakeb is something thats been teasing my brain a lot…great for those summer doldrums…I may end up getting a jetboat (big PWC) for wakeing.
Honda non turbo or any 4 stroke with fuel injected non turbo. Can stay out for 7+ hours with a 16 gallon capacity 4 stroke.
Get all the safety devices and don’t skimp. Try to find someone who has a safe complete rig in your area and get their advice.
Get ready to fork out $10-15K for quality new, safe, equipment. ski-7500-9000, beach dolly/trailer 600-800, rescue sled- 900-1500, tow board 600-1500, tow rope/handle- $180, seat/bucket straps- 50, quick release for tow rop $50, life jackets x 2- 200, High test fuel only- more $$$$
Safety is the most important thing. No matter what size surf you are in. If you skimp in this area be prepared to possibly ruin your ski or even worse hurt you or your partner.
PM me if you need any advice on tow boards for your surf break, I have some used/ new boards in stock if you are interested. Not sure where you live.
if i had the $$$, i’d buy a Yamaha XLT1200 tomorrow (and then invest a few thousand more to make it evironmentally happy…don’t wanna pollute our oceans, y’know?!!)
i’m going to make a tow-in board soon so I can practice at my lake-house and bring it down to Rhode Island when it gets big…You could use a dinghy, which is a small inflatible boat…
I don’t know man i’ve towed a couple times with a friend of mine when it was not that big like 10-15 ft and it felt great, but I knew i could have paddled into them on a big gun. It’s incredible what guys are doing with ski’s, and am all for it when it is beyond makeable, but it kinda sucks when people are towing when they could be paddling and it makes it too easy for people who are not experienced in those kind of conditions to find themselves in a bad situation that they do not know how to deal with.
If you can’t paddle out, take one on the head, end up swimming forever to get in with a broken board and live to tell about it, how are you going to hang when your jetski gets thrashed while you are saving your buddy.
BBBBUUUUTTT if i had the cash i would buy a set up in a second