Surfriding Finding Places to Ride in the ocean

There are several of us "riders" in Indiana and we want to take a trip to ride in the surf somtime. What do we need? and where can we do it?
 

kcmasterpiece

Sweet Baby Ray's Sucks
Location
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach FL. if youre willing to make the trip. If not, head to Brigantine NJ and ride with the fx mafia. They can teach you a bunch about surf riding. really awesome crew out there too.
 

naticen

Site Supporter
Location
wilmington, nc
Definitely hook up with a local crew to learn the rules. Every beach and every state has different laws. I'm sure us, as well as any crew, would be more than glad to head out with you. I second meeting up with the FX Mafia after seeing that video of them riding the marshes. I'm always looking around here and can't find anything that comes close.
 
That would be awsome we would be willing to make a trip. Can you just go unload into the ocean and ride anywhere along the shore? how does that work and what all ski regulations do they have?
 
Location
hhh
the freeride is a blast, but not a good place to learn how to ride in surf. it gets pretty crowded and dangerous if you dont know what your doing.
best thing you can do is find a group of experienced surf riders and go ride there spot with them. and take notes!
 
What kind of dangers are in the surf? I could use a run down i know nothing of the ocean haha?

Sharks!!

Ha Ha...I had to...

Read this thread has a lot of good info in it.
http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/113170-Unacceptable-SURF-boat-mods-discuss&highlight=surfriding

My .02:
Never ride alone, 3 is ideal IMO the 3rd person really helps if one goes down and ur trying to scramble for skis or hoods etc... someone can go get help as well
Helmets
USCG approved life vests
Tell someone else ur going out in the ocean
Tow ropes around ur waist or quick to get to...good tow ropes with strong rings
Fire Ext- So u dont get tickets by the police and get a bad rap in ur area
limiting rope
always full fuel cause u never know
bilges...as many as u can...ha ha!
hood strap
go over ur ski and make sure everything is tight...preflight ur ski!
do not carry ur keys or phone with u....u will lose them I assure u...

That's a start:)
 

shawn_NJ

Chasing waves.
Location
Daytona Beach
If you are talking an east coast trip....Daytona is by far the best for access. They have a 800' section that is open for riding year round and it moves locations monthly. You drive right onto the beach, and buy a $25 permit from the lifeguards allowing you to ride in the waves 9-5 everyday. The police and life guards are friendly for the most part and will keep surfers, kayakers, or any one else out of the zone for you. They like tourists and as long as you respect the rules and stay within the "zone" you will not have a problem. Plus its florida and the water is warm.
One thing to note 99.9999% of ocean beaches you cannot legally surfride. Most surf access is going to be by going out an inlet, and not carting the skis across the sand, especially in summer season. Almost every beach town on the coast has laws that you have to stay 50-500' off the shore. That said there are exceptions to this rule, but make sure you go with someone who knows the area....Or you could be facing some nasty tickets and fines. We have a few really good ride spots here in NJ, but I still go down to daytona every year for a few weeks because the riding access is sooo easy, and the law is pro-jetski there.

Here is a link to the daytona zone info. Need helmets, legal paperwork, fire ex, and other common sense stuff. But you guys should def make a trip down there! Best trips I ever had, logging 30+hours in the waves!

http://www.volusia.org/services/pub...al-watercraft-zones-north-of-ponce-inlet.stml
 
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djkorn1

kidkornfilms
Site Supporter
Location
Cleveland Ohio
Daytona. If you go to the Freeride..hang on the edges of it and it won't be crowded. Make SURE your electrical system is up to par. Start up your ski in the dark and spray it with salt water and look for sparks...if you see some, you have electrical issues.

My first 3 trips to the surf were ruined because my ski ran great in the fresh water and crappy in salt water due to a crappy electrical system.

Spray down your ski with silicone spray BEFORE you ride and wash it down and spray afterwords.

Other Options:
If you have a 4 wheel drive truck and do not need a trailer, the Carolina ride is awesome because you launch in flat water (inlet) and the surf is 500 feet away (Freeman Park).
New Jersey. Awesome place to ride surf.
Virgina Wave Daze (another great ride with a beautiful beach)

Check them out on the Freeride section of this website.

Cheaper Idea.
Michigan and Ohio. Go to the Great Lakes if they are predicting Waves or Surf. You can always join Cleveland Freeride Jetskiers on Facebook and you'll know when we are riding in Cleveland, or Talk to some Michigan Riders and find out when they get waves. Mark Murphy rides the West side of lake Michigan. and there are riders on the south and east side too. Downside: We only get waves about 10 times a year...so you have to watch and be ready to go!
 
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djkorn1

kidkornfilms
Site Supporter
Location
Cleveland Ohio
What kind of dangers are in the surf? I could use a run down i know nothing of the ocean haha?

NO! You can't launch everywhere...it is VERY limited. It is best to go with locals. You'll have more fun too! The X Riders are always willing to help people out and show them the ropes.
 

djkorn1

kidkornfilms
Site Supporter
Location
Cleveland Ohio
What kind of dangers are in the surf? I could use a run down i know nothing of the ocean haha?

You'll need a bilgepump, and hoodstraps for safety. Tow loops are a great idea and can be made for free out of old tie downs. A helmet, whistle and rope are usually a must too.

Surf riding is more fun than anything in the world. You'll love it.
 
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