Fun in the Sun

Hello Austin Fit Fam! AFM influencer Nikki Zahka (@Fitwithnikk_)  again and with summer now in full effect, there is no better time to book yourself a boat with ATX Boat Rentals and learn how to wake surf right here on Lake Austin! Unless you have been living under a rock (or hate the water) you have probably seen or been on a wake surfing boat here on Lake Austin or out in Lake Travis. It has definitely gotten very popular around here the last few years, and if you are like me, you probably have been wanting to get out there and actually learn how to do it.. But it can seem pretty scary for your first time.

Before diving into more details about our personal experience learning to wake surf with ATX Boat Rentals, I am happy to dedicate this Ambassadors corner to I Live Here I Give here. Supporting 750+ local nonprofits organizations, I Live Here I Give Here has produced year-round programs and activities that actively engage and empower individuals, companies, nonprofits, and foundations to be more generous and contribute to a more equitable community for all.

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This season kicked off pretty early this year with a nice heat wave making everyone want to get out there on the water whenever possible, and because of that, really the best time to go out for first timers would be during the week or early mornings before the boat traffic and wakes start hitting hard. We had the chance to make it out early Friday morning before work when there were not many other boats out on the water yet and the water looked smooth like glass for the first few tries.

Jacob was already at the dock ready for us, easy to find him, and honestly such a smooth docking experience both leaving and coming back in. That is not always the case for anyone who does not boat that often. Before getting into the actual lessons, for comparison, I have been wake boarding a handful of times growing up but only wake surfing once before this, about four years ago. I was on a crowded boat and so nervous with everyone watching me that although I was able to get up, I only tried a few times and could not get the hang of it to throw the rope. That has been in my head ever since and I have been wanting to get back on a boat to reach my goal ever since. Don’t get me wrong, it was still fun. I can never have a bad time on the water, but it does get frustrating when you really do not know what you are doing and there is not much guidance or help.

Just like with other water sports, SO much of it is having a great captain that knows how to drive and coach you to get better. ATX Boat rentals has a team of skilled captains that really know these boats and the water. Jacob’s driving skills had me popping up like I was a pro from the first try, and although it took me multiple attempts to get a good run in, he was extremely patient and gave me certain cues and tips each time he came back around to pick me up. Never once did I feel judged or like anyone was getting frustrated with me. I had set a goal I announced to everyone before jumping in and I was determined to get there. Each rep I got a little bit better. Until it finally felt like it clicked and I was comfortable on the board, on the wake, and hit my goal throwing the rope and staying up!

Going into that morning I was extremely nervous. What if I can’t even get up? What if I look weird on the board? What if I can’t get the hang of it or throw the rope? Once you start getting reps in and really listening to what the captains are telling you to do, the nerves go away and the fun starts happening. How can you have a bad day when you are out on the water learning a new skill on a gorgeous, sunny day here in Austin, Texas?

Although we had five people on the boat in total, two of us took turns getting rounds in over about an hour of time and it was plenty for multiple rounds to practice and get coached up. For most rentals with 8-10 people the standard 4 hours would be perfect to get everyone a chance to get in and learn. My fiance Austin had never been wake surfing before in his life and Jacob coached him up in no time to get comfortable on the board and wake. To make things more interesting, I am right-handed and Austin is left-handed, which does in fact make a difference for the boat set-up and wakes. Jacob was able to switch back and forth seamlessly when we traded off and made all of us feel 100% comfortable, confident, and safe during the full experience.

ATX Boat Rentals has three different boats you can choose from, two wake surfing boats that can fit up to 10-12 people and one double-decker pontoon that fits up to 12 available everyday at Lake Austin 10am-7pm. The pontoon boat is perfect if you have a group that wants to go enjoy some time on the water and float around, perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties to hit up the party cove too! If you go with the wake surfing boats (which I HIGHLY recommend) the lessons are included with the boat costs.

You can find rates, more information on the boats, and book directly online on their site https://www.boatrentalsatx.com/.

We had an absolute blast and it was the perfect way to start a summer Friday morning! I for one will definitely be booking another surf day this summer, who wants to join me?!