What happens when ocean surfers swap the seas for lake waters? That’s one question Volvo Penta set out to answer when it brought professional surfers Alyssa Spencer and Tatiana Weston-Webb on board with professional wakesurfer Parker Payne for a special crossover event on Lake Martin in Alabama.

Parker shared wakesurfing tips for the group with Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive and Watersports Control system at the helm on three innovative boat models – the Regal LS9 Surf, Cobalt R8 Surf and Paradigm Boats wakesurf deck boat. Below we dive into a few key takeaways from their time on the water.

5. Wakesurfing is a workout: Like ocean surfing, wakesurfing is a great outlet for people to get exercise while honing their skills in a unique sport. “It’s nice because anyone can try wakesurfing, it’s a great workout and you’re getting better at something that’s really fun,” said Weston-Webb. “Maybe one day, you’ll go to the ocean and know what to do there too!”

While wakesurfing might not be in the cards for Weston-Webb this summer, as she gears up for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the sport is continuing a steady rise with new demographics that underscore the growing intersection between watersports lovers and boating enthusiasts. According to a research study conducted by Discover Boating, there are 91 million potential future boaters in identified growth and emerging segments – including those with a special interest in outdoor recreation activities.

Forward is the only way

In the spirit of bringing versatility to the forefront, Volvo Penta is cruising ahead with the idea that “Forward is the Only Way” by introducing new projects and partnerships to help drive awareness with expanded audiences. Volvo Penta strives to attract new demographics to boating by demonstrating how its Forward Drive propulsion system is setting a new standard for a variety of active lifestyle customers to enjoy surf and serenity.

“With the Volvo Penta Forward Drive system, it really allows the boat to have the power to get you out of the water quickly and creates a great wave for surfing,” said Payne. “It allows for a lot of extra room on the boat so that way you have room to chill with your friends. You can have a large sundeck and really enjoy your day on the water and maximise that experience.”

Tempted to jump in the captain’s chair or try your hand at wakesurfing? Check out the “Forward is the Only Way” story, or follow these guys on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok

Gerry Lopez, San Clemente, California, April 2024

There’s no mystery of time. We are constantly ageing amid the forces of nature, both internal and external. The pressures and stresses of surfing—forces, high impacts, torsion, compression, exposure, fear, anxiety—all conspire to put the body, physically and mentally, through its paces.

But there are those who are showing they are able to surf continuously at a high level as they age, despite their age. We are talking about surfers in their 70s and 80s, like Gerry Lopez, aka “Mr. Pipeline”, the icon whose influence on the sport of surfing is so immense they made a movie about it. Gerry credits his yoga practice with enabling him to surf at a level that would have been impossible without it.

Yoga has long been widely known to promote flexibility, build strength, improve balance and ultimately, increase longevity. What yoga has not necessarily been known for is extending the ability to participate, or even compete, in action sports that are inherently tough on the body, like surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. But many legends in these sports are well-aware of this. And now, younger athletes are discovering that among the multiple benefits of yoga is the ability to keep doing what they love at a higher level and for longer.

Daniel Lavilla, @DanielWavesYoga, yoga teacher and surfer, Cádiz Spain Photo:  @ivan_gon

“We all know the post-surf stretch feels amazing, but yoga offers way more than that…You’ll be more aware of your movements, which will improve your surfing technique, and your confidence. Yoga builds that so important mind-body connection that ripples through our entire lives, in and out of the water. It creates a more balanced, focused, and a calmed you –  both on the waves and to navigate life’s currents. Yoga and surfing just share a natural connection, a rhythm, a way of being present in the moment.” – Read more about Daniel and his surf and yoga story here.

Surf until you’re 80? Absolutely! And beyond.

Gear up with the right tools for the practice. One lucky surfer will take home a complete Manduka x Gerry Lopez kit. Full-length quick-drying towel, a packable travel mat, and for at home or studio practice, our PRO performance mat.

@DanielWavesYoga Photo: @watermartinez_