Board reccommendation for novices...
 

Seeking recommendations on a wakesurf board please. Riders will be teenagers and adults, none over 170 lbs, smallest about 120 lbs. We know how to get up and ride, but haven't mastered letting go of the rope yet, looking primarily for stability of ride in order to gain confidence and learn. We are currently using a borrowed Inland Surfer Blue Lake (circa 2012). My boat is a 2012 B52V 21 with hull tanks, 600 lb Sumos in rear lockers, center plate (never use) and MISSION Delta 2.0. I am able to get a very clean wave, but it always looks massive to me when looking back while driving, even with only the hull tanks filled and the Delta 2.0 deployed. We seem to always be surfing very close to the boat (for better or worse??) It may be that board is not an issue and we just don't know WTF we are doing (entirely possible) and maybe I need to do something to my wave (less ballast??). The guy that stores his boat in the stall next to mine recommended Connelly Bently board, and another person I was having a conversation with recommended MISSION Charlie bamboo board.

how much total weight?

starting out, most can't believe how much weight it takes to turn out a solid wave. post pics of your wave. FYI I run about 3000 lbs in my 23'. definitely don't think less ballast is the answer.

It sounds like your ratio of front to rear ballast is off, which can create a massively tall wave that is very short. Obviously more weight in general is going to make it easier to drop the rope, so you may just consider an additional bag or some lead for the bow.

I am thinking my next move is to get some more weight up front, and until I do, put more riders up there. I am fairly certain my wave tunnel is too short, I'll post some pics next time I'm out. Thanks