Wake Surfing Competition Coming To Lake Wylie

Wake surfing is growing very quickly in the competitive water sports community. 

Wake surfing is a sport where a person rides a board behind a boat, without being pulled with a rope and the rider is not strapped into a board.

The concept is very simple.  Boaters weigh a boat down with water ballast, which in return causes the boat to sink deeper in the water. The down force of the boat in the water creates a lift on the backside of the boat, raising the wake high enough to create a wave like you would see in the ocean.

Riders start off with a rope to get on top of the water and once the wave is created, the rider throws the rope and rides the wave. The sports is gaining popularity at Lake Wylie.

Due to the increase in popularity, many non wake surfing boaters don’t understand why another boat is leaning in the water.  The water ballast basically makes the boat look like it is sinking.  However, wake surfers control the lean of their boats with the water ballast so the boat does not sink.  Many boaters don’t even realize that boats are made to lean with water ballast.

Even though this is a growing sport, many local wake surfers believe Lake Wylie is still behind the times when it comes to the sport.  

Other lakes around the country have been holding competitions and supporting riders since the early 90’s. It is just now catching on in our area.

On September 12, 2015, there will be a wake surfing competition on Lake Wylie. It is a grassroots competition but is supported by sponsors such as SouthTown WaterSports and Malibu Boats of Charlotte. This is the first ever wake surfing event on Lake Wylie and the organizers are hoping to grow the sport. The competition is called Carolina Competitive WakeSurfing Competition (CCWS).

All local riders are expected to enter and test their skills against other local riders and riders from outside the area. There will be a local band (Lovely Budz) playing at the event. There will also be catered food and other vendors on site. Victoria Skimboards will be on hand selling boards for all ages and sizes. Click HERE if you’re interested in learning more about wake surfing and the upcoming competition.