As a co-CEO and trustee of the Otto Bremer Trust, Brian Lipschultz is responsible for managing the $900 million fund and responding to the needs of communities through grants and program-related investments throughout the region. When he is not tending to his philanthropic duties with the Otto Bremer Trust or his other business pursuits, Brian Lipschultz enjoys getting out on the lake for wakeboarding and wakesurfing.
Wakesurfing is a new take on wakeboarding in which surfers are propelled directly by a boat's wake rather than being continuously towed by a cable. The sport is challenging, and can be dangerous if certain precautions are not taken. Consider the following safety tips before your next wakesurfing adventure:
1. Never surf behind anything but an inboard boat. The prop of an inboard boat is far enough in front of the rudder to prevent accidental contact after a fall.
2. Ensure that the boat is weighted appropriately. It takes about 1,800 pounds more than the stock ballast weight to produce a sufficiently sizable wake. If the wake is too small, it will be difficult to stay on top of it, which can be dangerous.
3. Use a rope specifically designed for wakesurfing to help you get up. Other ropes, such as wakeboarding ropes, are thin and can cause rope burns and other safety problems.
