Wake-surfing study

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   The lake used in the study is just up the road from several of us on here....
Interesting read....

https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/outdoors/2024/12/31/study-finds-greater-environmental-impacts-of-wake-enhanced-boating/77101300007/

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ultrarunner Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: October-02-2005 Location: Ridgefield, Ct. Status: Offline Points: 1864	Post Options Post Reply Quote ultrarunner Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Wake-surfing study Posted: January-19-2025 at 12:02pm
	The lake used in the study is just up the road from several of us on here.... Interesting read.... https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/outdoors/2024/12/31/study-finds-greater-environmental-impacts-of-wake-enhanced-boating/77101300007/

Jonny Quest Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: August-20-2013 Location: Utah--via Texas Status: Offline Points: 2997	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jonny Quest Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: January-21-2025 at 1:29am
	The topic of and challenges associated with wake enhanced boating will continue with high visibility in local and state interest groups and regulatory agencies. Passions run high on both sides of the aisle, but fair and viable options continue to elude many discussions. As an avid skier, I jealousy guard my flat water, but I also recognize the appeal of big wake sports to many folks. In my previous life, I managed the marine fleet in the organization where I worked. We operated inland (brown-water) vessels and ocean-going (blue-water) vessels. In maritime law, the precedent is very clear and well established: a vessel is liable for damages caused by its wake. In one instance, a 3rd party vessel passed by our port facility in Florida. Our vessel was tied up at the dock. The 3rd party ship was traveling only 2-3 knots faster than max speed set by the port authority. The bow wake of the 3rd party vessel caused our vessel to surge upwards and parted (broke) all the mooring lines. Then as the 3rd party vessel passed, the wake receeded (similar to an ebb tide) and pulled our vessel away from the dock. The resulting damage from the 3rd party's vessel was significant -- damaging our dock and ship. When the dust settled, the overall cost several million dollars in damages. The owner of the 3rd party vessel was liable. Back to recreational boating -- There are zillions of reports of damages to docks, shoreline, 3rd party vessels, personal injury, etc. caused by wake enhanced vessels. Few, if any, enforcing agencies (Park Rangers, police, etc.) are prepared and willing to enforce existing rules and regulations, let alone enact and enforce new regulations. No answers. Just questions and opinions. JQ
	Current 2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum

MrMcD Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: January-28-2014 Location: Folsom, CA Status: Offline Points: 3769	Post Options Post Reply Quote MrMcD Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: January-21-2025 at 1:32pm
	On the small lake we frequent a buddy injured his back while just driving to the dock, came around a corner on the lake and hit a 5' roller from a wake surfer, his boat slammed down so hard his back was injured. Last year surfing was banned on that lake due to many complaints. Wakeboard boats till throw a huge wake but not as large as the surfer wakes. On larger lakes those huge wakes ruin water for everyone because they roll for a very long ways before flattening. Not sure what a solution is but I believe they are not safe for other boaters on the water. If I spent $250K on one of those large tugs I would certainly want to use it but they have no right to ruin the water experience for all others along with the shore and other damage being done. I am sure they would say I am a snobby skier. YEP.

fanofccfan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: December-13-2009 Location: North Bend NE Status: Offline Points: 1794	Post Options Post Reply Quote fanofccfan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: January-21-2025 at 2:53pm
	Call me a snobby skier as well.
	2004 196 LE Ski 1969 Marauder 19 1978 Ski

Faceplant Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: July-27-2013 Location: Otter Lake , Mi Status: Offline Points: 423	Post Options Post Reply Quote Faceplant Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: January-21-2025 at 6:03pm
	Me be a snobby skier as well. Our lake is too small for surf boats anyway. Wake would be fun to hit on the Superjet though.
	Feels like I am hanging 10 but in reality - probably hanging 6.

Fl Inboards Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: January-20-2008 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2128	Post Options Post Reply Quote Fl Inboards Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: January-22-2025 at 9:07am
	I think one of the things that bugs me is that the manufacturers of these lake tankers do not nor have they come out with any videos or printed info, suggestions or education on law's or eddicate (spelling) in regards to operation of these boats on waterways. a few years ago while skiing on our local public lake we had a tanker run through fully loaded with full crew and surfing. sitting in my 196, it was not a bad deal as they went by, however the little jon boat with the elderly man and wife nearby did not fare so well. we went and helped get the couple up out of the water, good thing that they were wearing their PFD's and we were nearby. sadly the tanker just kept right on and did not stop to check the situation. this scenario is being played out through out country and this is type of behavior is what is causing legislation and local laws against them.
	Hobby Boats can be expensive when the hobbyist is limited on their own skill and expertise. 1993 Shamrock "fat" 20. 2008 Nautique 196 5.0

Jonny Quest Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: August-20-2013 Location: Utah--via Texas Status: Offline Points: 2997	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jonny Quest Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: January-22-2025 at 12:04pm
	I completely agree Jody. The lack of education is shocking. Sadly, many boaters have no knowledge of boating procedures, protocols, laws, regulations, courtesies, etc. pertaining to the recreational boating world. And many don't care. Their world revolves around themselves and the rest of the boating public can go 'jump in the lake' (pardon the reference). Narcissism on display. JQ
	Current 2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum

Splitrock Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: October-02-2022 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 19	Post Options Post Reply Quote Splitrock Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: January-22-2025 at 4:06pm
	Most states have boater education requirements for new boat captains - seems an ideal place for raising awareness to the multi dimensional impacts associated with surf boats or boats with excessive ballast - especially for the younger folk who are captaining a rapidly depreciating boat owned by the bank.

Faceplant Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: July-27-2013 Location: Otter Lake , Mi Status: Offline Points: 423	Post Options Post Reply Quote Faceplant Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: January-22-2025 at 6:42pm
	I feel that all boaters ( me included ) should be required to pass a boater safety course to acquire a marine license. Same as automobiles.
	Feels like I am hanging 10 but in reality - probably hanging 6.

MrMcD Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: January-28-2014 Location: Folsom, CA Status: Offline Points: 3769	Post Options Post Reply Quote MrMcD Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: January-22-2025 at 7:42pm
	Boats have weight limits set by the coast guard requirements. I friend of mine had a 23' wakeboard boat and they installed 1600lbs of iron plates in the rear plus had 2 fat sacks filled to surf behind it. No Way that is legal operation of a boat. Are the weight limits even checked? I can't remember the last time I witnessed an inspection on the water. The boat police have gone away with budget cuts.

Toeboat Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: December-16-2009 Location: Michigan Status: Offline Points: 85	Post Options Post Reply Quote Toeboat Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Yesterday at 6:28pm
	Surfing the shoreline, while the driver sits in the aft facing driver’s seat, as the crew hangs off the tower, isn’t so good.
	Toeboat 89 BFN w/454 bought new and still love it. 06 Ski Nautique w/ZR6 72 Promo

Riley Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: January-19-2004 Location: Portland, ME Status: Offline Points: 7958	Post Options Post Reply Quote Riley Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Today at 8:54am
	Right now, there are not many laws, which is great. No laws equal freedom. With freedom comes responsibility. People putting out large wakes should be mindful of their wake and if they are aggravating people, otherwise there will be more laws/restrictions on freedom. Maine passed a 300' from shore/15' minimum lake depth law for surf boats. You have to be 200' from shore anyway, so 300' is not a big difference and from what I have seen when a surf boat goes by, the wake is still big on shore. If people (mostly shore front property owners) continue to complain, there will be more laws, and as someone else said, once they start going after the surfers, they'll start going after everyone else, especially those 6AM barefooters with their loud boats..

Wake-surfing study

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