1. First and foremost, surfing behind the correct boat is very essential. Inboard, jetboat, or the new reverse I/O boats are the only boats that should be surfed behind. Since wake surfing is performed so close to the stern of the boat, these boats  are the only ones that can eliminate the risk of injuries since the prop / propulsion  is much further below the boat than other boats.
   
   
2. Always, always wear a life vest, this one is mostly likely mandatory in your state/region. By wearing a life vest, you become more visible in the water, allowing other boats to spot you easier. It'll also help save your energy while waiting for the boat to turn around. It may not look the coolest, but we have heard a lot of horror stories about riders down being struck by other boats, and other horrific accidents. Just a reminder that your are not the only one in control of your safety.
   
   
3. Use a rope that is specified for surfing. Although it may seem like a silly thing to buy when you already own multiple tow ropes; unfortunately, those ropes can cause severe bodily damage. To learn more about the importance of a surf rope check out our SURF ROPE ARTICLE. The basics are that you want a smaller handle (less likely to get caught and/or dragged by it), thicker rope (less likely to have tangle / wrap injuries), shorter rope (less likely to get tangled).
   
   
4. Be sure to have a spotter on the boat; this keeps the driver’s attention solely on driving the boat. If it's not possible to have a spotter, the boat should be equipped with a large viewing mirror and/or a reverse camera. Many states have laws about spotters and boat safety that you should review and can be found HERE on the USCG boating site.
   
   
5. Avoid surfing after dark. You may want to check the laws in your area, it is often not legal to tow anyone one-half hour after sunset, until sunrise the following morning.
   
   
6. Check your boats NWMA tag, ensure that the number of people plus the ballast you fill doesn’t exceed the overall weight capacity.
   
   
7. The lower speeds used while wake surfing increase the chance of carbon monoxide pooling up near the stern of the boat, this can become dangerous for the surfer or anyone near the swim platform. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is the  If your boat isn’t equipped with a surf exhaust system; consider installing Fresh Air Exhaust to reduce carbon monoxide by 90%. This takes the exhaust from the engine and puts it directly into the water instead of venting to the surfing area.
   
   
8. Have a sober driver. You may think you’re okay to drive the boat, but consuming alcohol while driving a boat is illegal in all 50 states.
   
   
9. Surfboats create massive waves, to avoid causing any damage stay at least 150 feet from the shoreline and watch for other boats. This has become a contentious issue, lots of information can be found about it online showing that even smaller deck boats create equal waves, or that a single average summer storm can cause the same effect as thousands of hours behind a surfboat.
   
   
10. When you go to take your boat out of the water ensure the ballast tanks are completely empty to avoid the spread of invasive species. Check the surf plates and any other crevasses that could be holding weeds or water with seeds, eggs, etc.