Best Value Wake Surf Boats: Insights from a Texas Family's Experience with ATX 22 Type-S

There's something about growing up on the water that never leaves you. For Garrett Mattlock, it started at his grandparents' lake house in Louisiana — fishing off a bass boat, flying across the water on a jet ski, making the kind of memories that stick with you for life. Decades later, those memories became the blueprint for the life he's now building on Lake Ray Hubbard with his wife and their 2023 ATX 22 Type-S.

The Search for the Right Boat

Why the ATX 22 Type-S Stood Out

Garrett doesn't do anything halfway. When he and his wife decided it was time to buy their first surf boat in 2023, he spent hours researching every surf boat on the market. He went to boat shows, dove into forums, and compared features side by side until he had a clear picture of what he wanted. ATX Surf Boats kept rising to the top.

"I was really impressed by the layout and overall features that the ATX came equipped with compared to other brands," Garrett said. But it wasn't just the specs that sold him. As a born and raised Texan, he wanted a brand that invested in Texas and supported Texans — and once he learned that ATX boats are built by Tigé right in Abilene, Texas, the decision was easy. "I knew that Tigé being based in good ole' Abilene, Texas would stand behind their products."

When they found a new 2023 ATX 22 Type-S in Steel Blue that he and his wife loved, it was a done deal.

The Best Days Are Shared

Ask Garrett what a typical lake day looks like and he'll tell you it's mostly about the people. He and his wife spend their time on the water with close neighbors — who also happen to own a surf boat — surfing waves, throwing out floats at party cove, and soaking up the sun with great music playing. He also makes it a point to bring out coworkers from his job as a pediatric trauma RN at a children's ER.

"I have always felt that if you get to know your coworkers on a more personal level outside of the hospital, you develop a stronger level of trust and camaraderie at work," he said. The lake has a way of bringing people together like that.

The Moment That Made It All Worth It

Every boat owner has that first memory that stays with them forever. For Garrett and his wife, it was the moment they both let go of the rope surfing for the first time.

"Our best memory on our ATX so far has to be the look on my wife and I's face when we finally were able to let go of the rope surfing!" And with the ATX GO System — one of the easiest surf systems on the market — getting to that moment didn't take long. No hours of fine-tuning or saving rider profiles. Just hit GO Surf and the wave is ready.

Key Features That Made The Difference

Garrett's list of favorite features speaks to how well ATX is built for real families. "The feature that mattered most was the surf system," he said, "but all the little things add up to a really great ownership experience." It's easy to see why — the audio system, transom transformation package with walk-through and rear pop-up seating, onboard heaters, keyless start, transom audio remote and camera, and smart steering controls.

Advice for First-Time Buyers

Garrett has been through the research process and come out the other side with a perspective worth hearing.

"Make a complete list of all the features that would be most important to you and your family. Compare those features to which brand aligns with those the most — and find a dealer that 100% supports the brand and their customers."

Why Your Dealer Matters as Much as Your Boat

One of the most overlooked parts of buying a surf boat is the dealer experience. Garrett’s advice: look for a dealer that has a direct line to the manufacturer. ATX boats are built by Tigé in Abilene, Texas and that connection means your dealer can get answers fast and stand behind the warranty without runaround. It’s the kind of thing you don’t think about until you need it — and when you do, it makes all the difference.

What's Next

This summer looks a little different for the Mattlock family. Garrett and his wife are expecting their first child — a girl — in July, and he's already thinking about the lake memories she'll grow up making. He's also eager to take the 22 Type-S beyond Lake Ray Hubbard and explore more Texas lakes.

One thing is certain: the water is where the best memories are made. And for the Mattlock family, ATX is how they get there.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What features should I look for in a family surf boat?

Start with the surf system because that’s the heart of the experience. From there, look at how the boat is laid out for a full day on the water: seating capacity, audio quality, storage, and convenience features like keyless start and onboard heaters. Garrett recommends making a full list of your family’s priorities and comparing brands feature by feature.

How do I choose the right surf boat for my family?

Do your homework. Visit boat shows, read forums, and compare specs across brands. Pay attention to the overall ownership experience, not just the sticker price. Garrett spent months researching before choosing the ATX 22 Type-S, and he says finding a strong local dealer was just as important as the boat itself.

Is the ATX 22 Type-S good for beginners?

Yes. The ATX GO System makes it easy for first-time surfers to get a great wakesurf wave quickly — Garrett and his wife were both able to let go of the rope on their first attempts. The touchscreen interface means you don’t need hours of experience dialing in wave settings. Just hit GO and ride.

Where are ATX boats made?

ATX Surf Boats are built by Tigé Boats in Abilene, Texas. Tigé has been manufacturing performance wake and surf boats for over 35 years, and ATX gives families access to that same engineering and build quality in a more accessible package.