Axis Wakeboard Boat Forum

Hey Guys,

I constantly follow the weather to find the perfect day to hit the water and I ussually look for the wind conditions to be below 10mph for me to make the trip out. I was planning on making a day trip to Lake Conroe this Monday but unfortunately the weatherpeople on my weatherchannel app can't make up their mind for more than a couple of days out and the wind conditions went from 7mph to 11mph in a matter of a few days. I still really want to take the day off and make the trip but not sure if it will be worth it. Because it is a Monday I think I am going to give it a try because there shouldn't be too much traffic.

So what I am curious about is what is the limit on the winds that you will normally boat in? I have heard some people say that they won't go out unless it is 4mph or less but it is rare for me to be able to catch such a day, especially this time of year.

Really depends on the lake. My lake is long and narrow so we really don't get much wind chop until it starts blowing 15+ mph.

you need to know your lake. We can find a riding spot in pretty much any wind. Just depends if you want to beat yourself up getting to the spot. There is normally a 'SKI Alley' on every large lake. We could be spoiled having so many places to ride in the central texas area. We will also check the wind direction and then launch at a different side of the lake.

"7-11mph"? Really? Get out there man...that's girly wind conditions. My lake is medium sized, Lake Belton near Belton, Tx. Being well over 20 miles long but most of it cliff lined so there's always good water somewhere...you just have to get to it. That being said, on days that have high winds there's no boat ramps near those good, protected riding spots so I have to boat across miles of chop. 25mph winds is typically the max I'll go out in but I've gone out a few times in 30mph chop. I have an A24 which is night and day better than an A22 in the chop (I had an A22 so I can compare). I'll never have anything smaller than a 23-24ft boat just because of wind blown chop. Like the Admin mentioned, lake knowledge is key in winds. You launch your boat at a ramp out of the winds then go to a spot that is also out of the winds. 7-11mph is nothing, even on Lake Conroe. The water is more choppy because of the go-fast boats and big cruisers there and not the wind.

Driving tip in choppy conditions: when boating in choppy water (I'd say anything around 12-15mph winds or more, but works even at 10mph winds) fill your front and center ballast around 3/4's full. This gets the "V" part of the front of the hull down and cuts into the chop. If you don't have the front and center ballast filled (or a few people up front) then the boat rides a little bow high exposing the flatter part of the hull to the chop and you get that slapping rough ride. Try it because IT WORKS.

I just saw a post on the GCWA that lake Conroe is temporarily closed to boats.

It will be open tomorrow for normal boating activity.

Went out in the morning and it was great. Just 1 other axis in our cove and smooth water. Was a little ruff in the afternoon headed back to the marina.

Weather today in Texas was AMAZING!! If the rest of the week is as good as Monday....it makes no sense for me to drive to Orange Beach for the week.