Boat setup
Boat speed
The boat's pace while surfing, typically around 10-12.5 mph, which strongly affects wave size and shape.
Boat speed is one of the core levers for shaping a wakesurf wave, alongside ballast and wave shapers. Most wakesurf boats run between about 10.5 and 12.5 mph. Slower speeds near 10 mph produce shorter, steeper, punchier waves suited to quick turns and big launches, while faster speeds near 12 to 12.5 mph stretch the wave out longer and smoother, which helps beginners and tricks that need a longer face.
Even a half mile per hour can change the wave noticeably, so dialing in exact speed (often via cruise control or GPS speed control) is part of every setup.