Before you can ride, you need to figure out if you’re “regular” or “goofy” (seriously). We explain those terms, trick names and more.
Tow Sports Boating Basics
For our Tow Sports Boating Basics series, we partnered with Mercury-powered professional wakeboarders Carro Djupsjö and Dylan Miller, whose expert advice can help just about anyone get started wakesurfing or wakeboarding. With family and friends in mind, the series covers all the essential roles in a great day on the water: boat driver, spotter and rider. Carro and Dylan’s help will have you riding faster and pulling off sweet tricks in no time.
Technology & Terminology
Wakeboard & Wakesurf Terminology
How to Ballast a Boat for Wake Sports
Adding and adjusting weight within your boat helps achieve the right ballast for a rideable wake or wave.
Mercury Cruise Control & Smart Tow®
Mercury SmartCraft® digital technologies take the guesswork out of driving the boat, for a safer, easier experience.
Boat Operation
How to Drive for Wakesurfing
A great surfing experience starts with the perfect wake and a proper launch, beginning with these driving tips.
How to Drive for Wakeboarding
Learn exactly what it takes to safely launch, tow and pick up a wakeboarder.
How to Drive for Towed Watersports
For beginners at the helm, we’ll explain all you need to know to safely drive for towed watersports.
Wakeboarding & Wakesurfing
How to Wakesurf
Get ready to surf – with or without the rope – using our expert tips for getting started in this fast-growing sport.
How to Wakeboard
With proper body position, hand signals and technique, you’ll be standing up and riding the wake with confidence.
Prepare for the Water
Be First-Aid Ready
A well-stocked first-aid kit can be your ounce of prevention and your pound of cure. Stored in a waterproof container, it could prevent minor incidents from derailing your entire boating adventure.
Keep it Dry
Dry bags are invaluable for protecting important items on board your boat. Use them to store extra clothes, electronics, important paperwork and more.
Grab Your Gear
Don’t forget your essentials: spare clothes, communication devices, headlamps with extra batteries, water, sun protection, personal flotation devices (PFDs) and any safety equipment required for where you boat.
More Education & Inspiration
Subscribe and Receive Our Digital Guidebook
We’re all about making boating even easier. When you subscribe to receive Mercury emails, we’ll send the latest news, tips and more straight to your inbox, starting with our new Digital Guidebook. It includes helpful boating checklists to get your on-water adventures started off right.
Explore the Mercury Dockline
The Mercury Dockline blog is the place to learn, explore and enjoy all things boating. Get expert advice to help you enjoy your favorite on-water activities and hear incredible stories about conservation, adventure and more. You can even sign up to have the latest Dockline stories and videos sent directly to your inbox.