I think boat to boat your set up will vary. On my boat right now I run 75' at 22 mph. Behind my buddies MC X-2 (now the X-1) I run 24 mph and at 70' off.
The first think I would do is increase the speed to at least 21 mph if not more. Second you just need to eyeball where the best wake shape is and adjust the rope according.
I hear you about getting hurt. This is why we have spent more time surfing this year than wakeboarding. The wakesurfing is addicting as hell.
hey can you tell me more about wake surfing I have seen the boards and people right behind the boat. is that something you ride out at like a normal board or just close directly behind the boat ?