Recreation
Push
The forward force a wakesurf wave exerts on the board that propels the rider and keeps them with the boat once the rope is released.
Push is a term from limnology — the scientific study of inland waters. The detailed explanation below covers the definition, why the concept matters to lake water-quality interpretation, and how it intersects with the LakeGrade rubric. Reading Push alongside the LakeGrade rubric helps make the rubric's structure intuitive — each grading parameter maps directly onto an established limnological concept.
The per-lake pages on LakeQuality always show the specific Push value for that lake, so you can move from the general concept to the specific lake without leaving the site.
What It Means for Your Lake
Push is the forward force the wave's face delivers to the board, the energy that lets a wakesurfer ride endlessly without the rope. The push and force felt from the wave is what keeps the rider in the pocket; the pro tip is to chase push and clean water flow. More ballast, a deeper hull, and the right surf-system settings all increase the wave's push. Push is strongest in the pocket near the curl. A wave with strong, even push is forgiving and fun; a weak or uneven wave forces the rider to pump constantly to keep up with the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is push?
The forward force a wakesurf wave exerts on the board that propels the rider and keeps them with the boat once the rope is released.
Why does push matter for lake health?
Push is the forward force the wave's face delivers to the board, the energy that lets a wakesurfer ride endlessly without the rope. The push and force felt from the wave is what keeps the rider in the pocket; the pro tip is to chase push and clean water flow. More ballast, a deeper hull, and the rig...
Related Terms
The steepest, most powerful section of the wave next to the white water, where the push is strongest and where riders want to stay.
The optimal riding zone within the wave's pocket where the rider gets the most speed and push and can ride hands-free.
The clean, unbroken sloping surface of the wave that a wakesurfer rides on, ahead of the curl and whitewash.
Added weight (water-filled bags or hard weights) placed in the boat to sink the hull deeper and build a bigger, more defined wake.
An aftermarket device mounted on the transom or hull that disrupts and shapes the water flow to clean up the wash and lengthen the pocket.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.