Evaluating Safety Concerns Associated with Wake Surfing 

Wake Boats are Safe

Wake boats have been in use for over 30 years across the United States without significant safety issues. These boats have consistently operated safely in Wisconsin for over a decade, with no reports of accidents or citations specifically involving wake boats. In fact, wake boats are recognized as safe by the U.S. Coast Guard. Even the Wisconsin Recreational Vehicle 2023 Annual Report does not show Hazardous Wake citations to be in the top 10 citations on Wisconsin Lakes.

Despite their long history, wake boats have been inaccurately associated with safety concerns. Recent data from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), presented at the August 2024 Natural Resources Board meeting provided the following information:

“Since 2021 through Aug. 6, 2024, the DNR has responded to 31 calls for service that were specifically associated with wake surfing or ballast boats. In that same period, 31 citations were issued for creating a hazardous wake.  These citations were not specific to wake surfing activities as our records system doesn’t track citations by specific types of boats but rather by boating in general."

"The DNR recognizes that wake surfing and ballast boats are new to the boating landscape, just like personal watercraft were not too long ago.  The DNR also recognizes that Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers are open to the public and people are allowed to recreate on these public waterways with different watercraft.  This can cause conflict between user groups, like what might exist between paddle sports and power boats.  It is critical that we collectively continue to learn of this new sport and industry so lawmakers can make informed decisions based on fact, like when personal watercraft were introduced. We will continue to provide education and awareness to promote water safety and for all to enjoy their recreation of choice on our waters."

In conclusion, wake boats are safe and well-regulated, and there is no evidence to suggest they pose a greater risk than other types of watercraft. The DNR’s approach underscores the importance of education and informed decision-making based on facts rather than misconceptions.

 Wake boats "hog" the lake creating Safety Issues for other users.

Wake boats require no more operational space than traditional ski boats. Therefore, additional spatial regulations beyond those applied to ski boats are unnecessary.

A ski boat uses 60 acres in 5 minutes while a wake boat uses 48 acres. A wake boat uses less lake area than a ski boat and travels 1 mile linear distance vs 2.5 for a ski boat.  Calculated with a 100'X2  exclusion zone for Ski boats and a 200'X2 exclusion zone for Wake boats.