Wakesurfing Behind a Boat

To wakesurf, a person rides on a device similar to a surfboard in the wake just behind a boat. Typically, the wakesurfer holds onto a tow (ski) rope only until he or she is up out of the water. Then, the rope is tossed into the boat.

• Often the boat travels at slow speeds of 9 to 14 mph.
• To create the larger wake that a wakesurfer needs, the boat may carry artificial ballast or may have some form of mechanical wake modification system.
• Persons involved in wakesurfing must comply with all regulations applicable to water skis or other aquaplanes to include the time and manner of operation.
• The operator of a vessel involved in wakesurfing must comply with all operations regulations.
• Due to the large wake, a boat involved in wakesurfing must be operated in a manner that does not create a hazardous wake or wash by keeping distance from:
  • The shoreline
  • All marine structures, including piers, docks, bridge structures, abutments, and anchored swimming or water-skiing floats
  • Navigation aids such as regulatory buoys and channel markers
  • Other vessels that are underway, anchored, or moored
  • Persons in the water