Malibu Boats has consistently been the leader of wake & wave innovations for wake boats, and our Surf Gate® technology stands as a testament to that legacy. Whether you're an experienced wake surfer or a newbie to the sport, understanding and maximizing the potential of Surf Gate can take your sessions to new heights.
In this article, we'll dive into how you can make the most of this game-changing system as well as how to make the perfect wave behind your Malibu Boat. We'll start by covering everything you need to know about Malibu's Surf Gate technology, how to access your wake & wave controls through the Malibu Command Center, and provide some general tips on the best way to use your Surf Gate
The Bottom Line: Malibu’s Surf Gate is the most-awarded, industry-leading wave-generating system that allows you to create the perfect wave behind your boat, every single time — with just the touch of a button.
Creating the perfect wave for the perfect surf experience starts with setting up your Malibu correctly. With the help of two additional patented innovations that work alongside Surf Gate, your crew is provided with full wave quality control at your fingertips.
With up to 5,000 lbs. of ballast across the Wakesetter brand, Malibu's model-specific Quad Hard-Tank™ Ballast System allows you to add additional weight throughout the boat to further customize the size and shape of your wake or wave.
The ballast is efficiently and easily controlled by the Malibu Command Center and built-in sensors continuously measure the ballast system for precise control and feedback at all times.
Featuring six different selectable positions, as well as a lift position, Power Wedge delivers the ultimate customizability to your wave.
With lower settings such as 1 and 2, Power Wedge will help you create a long, mellow wave that is perfect for beginner surfers. As you increase the Power Wedge settings to 4, 5, or 6, the wave will become steeper for more experienced riders looking to carve big bottom turns and land big tricks.
In addition to the hard work that your Malibu Boat's built-in Surf Gate system is doing to deliver the perfect wave, you can also think about the distribution of weight throughout the boat. By adding, removing, and shifting around weight throughout the boat, such as people, gear, or ballast, you can further manipulate the shape and size of the wake. Be prepared to adjust the weight distribution for different conditions, such as strong winds and currents.
Surf Gate Left or Right: Depending on which side you surf on, select the appropriate side on the Malibu Command Center. This determines which side the wave is optimized for.
Wave Height & Shape: Use Power Wedge III & the hard-tank ballast to adjust the wave's shape and size. More ballast and a deployed Power Wedge will typically produce a taller and longer wave.
Speed Settings: The speed of the boat affects the shape and length of the wake. A good starting point for most surfers is between 9-12 mph. Practice adjusting your speed and throttle control to improve your rider's overall wakesurfing experience.
Pro Tip: Select a Malibu Factory-Loaded Preset from the menu and the boat will automatically set everything up for you including ballast, cruise control, Power Wedge, and Surf Gate. From there, you can adjust to your riding preference. If you're just getting started wakesurfing, this is a great place to start.
Different riders have different preferences, and the beauty of Surf Gate is its ability to adapt.
For Beginners: If you're teaching someone new, create a wider, less aggressive wave that offers stability. This makes it easier to get up on the board and maintain balance.
Advanced Riders: Opt for a steeper, taller wave for more aggressive maneuvers and airtime.
To ensure optimal performance from your Surf Gate system, frequently do the following:
Regularly Inspect: Like all boat components, regularly inspect the Surf Gate for any signs of wear or damage.
Keep It Clean: Rinse the system to prevent corrosion after each use, especially in saltwater conditions.
Update Software: Malibu Boats occasionally releases software updates for their systems. Contact your local dealer to ensure that your boat's software is up-to-date so you can benefit from the latest features and optimizations.