i have an XLV with the same ballast setup, for surfing don't fill the front bag up all the way, dont fill it much at all maybe 1/3 to 1/2 full max and fill the back all the way and maybe fill the opposite one maybe 1/8 or so just to help sink the back more, if you have a lot of people run the plate at about 1/2, if not then run the plate all the way up! i can't surf my xlv with no ballast but its not much fun