NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.

01/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/14/2026 08:53

NMMA Position on Wakesurfing: Supporting Fair, Commonsense State Regulations

Wakesurfing continues to grow in popularity across the country, drawing families and communities together on the water and supporting small businesses and lakeside economies. As with all forms of boating, wakesurfing can be enjoyed responsibly while balancing environmental stewardship and public access.

NMMA has been actively engaged in this conversation for years. Alongside our partners at the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), NMMA has invested in scientific studies, public education, and community engagement to ensure that wakesurfing remains a safe, sustainable, and accessible activity.
Our Position
NMMA supports commonsense, statewide regulations that are consistent, science-based, and fair. We oppose unnecessary bans and overly restrictive local ordinances that create a patchwork of rules, complicating enforcement and undermining equitable public access.
We believe a reasonable statewide standard-requiring wakesurfing 200 feet from shore in depths of 10 feet or greater-minimizes environmental impacts while maintaining opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy this activity. This approach is consistent with the best available science and aligns with WSIA's "Wake Responsibly" campaign, which promotes education on responsible boating practices.
Why It Matters
--Protecting Access: Public waters belong to everyone. Restrictive bans or inconsistent rules unfairly limit access for boaters who wish to responsibly enjoy wakesurfing and other watersports.
--Safeguarding the Environment: Commonsense statewide rules provide the right balance-protecting natural resources while ensuring recreation remains possible. The statewide regulations in Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia are just some examples of how this balance works in practice.
--Supporting Communities: Wakesurfing encourages time outside, expands opportunities for people across all ages and physical abilities, and fuels lakeside businesses, tourism, and jobs.
NMMA Letter to the Editor Published in Minnesota paper Outdoor News
On December 26, NMMA submitted an LTE to a local newspaper in Minnesota stating our industry position:
NMMA Responds to Wakeboat Story
The recent feature story questioning the future of wakeboats in Minnesota (Outdoor News, Dec. 12, 2025) overlooks important facts about wakesurfing and solutions already embraced across the country.
We all share a commitment to protecting our waterways. The National Marine Manufacturers Association and independent experts have long supported 200-foot distance and 10-foot depth guidelines, based on modeling and sediment science showing minimal impact. Research also finds that responsibly operated wakeboats produce waves comparable to natural, wind-driven waves.
Wakesurfing is a growing activity that supports family traditions, lakeside tourism, small businesses, more than 25,000 Minnesotan jobs, and a $6.9 billion recreational boating economy. Because wakesurfing occurs at speeds of 10 to 12 miles per hour-rather than the 20 to 25 miles per hour typical of most other towed water sports-it can be less strenuous and more accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
Proposed bans may feel simple, but they jeopardize access for boaters and anglers and threaten local marinas and lakeside businesses. That is why we support common-sense, statewide regulations-such as those in Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Alabama-that require wakesurfing at least 200 feet from shore. These approaches protect local economies, lakefront communities, boater access, and the environment without creating a patchwork of local rules.
Education is also essential. NMMA supports the Wake Responsibly campaign, which promotes minimizing repetitive passes, keeping music at respectful levels, and maintaining safe distances from shore.
Minnesota can protect its lakes and preserve cherished recreation by adopting clear, consistent statewide standards grounded in science and common sense.
Lauren Hyland
Director of Public Policy and Industry Engagement
National Marine Manufacturers Association
Washington, D.C.
That same week, Outdoor News ran an op-ed by Endicott Fay, a professional engineer, maritime architect, and expert of hydrodynamics, titled "Wakeboats can responsibly co-exist with other forms of Minnesota boating."
Looking Ahead
NMMA will continue to work with policymakers, communities, and our industry partners to advance policies that protect the environment, ensure equitable access, and support the growth of recreational boating nationwide.
For questions or media inquiries, please reach out to NMMA's Public Affairs team at [email protected].
NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on January 14, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 14, 2026 at 14:53 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]