Wakesurfing Advocacy Update: Protecting Access to Public Waterways

Throughout the summer, NMMA brought lawmakers and stakeholders together with manufacturers, dealers and industry experts through educational on-water events and facility tours to inform policy discussions and promote responsible boating. These opportunities provided valuable insight into boating safety best practices and the important role recreational boating plays in local economies.

NMMA members received a dedicated email update earlier this month with a more detailed overview of NMMA's wakesurfing work. Member and partner participation were central to these efforts, and we thank our members and partners who hosted on-water events and shared their time, resources and expertise to make the events such a success.

NMMA also partnered on life jacket giveaways to promote safe boating and expand access to critical safety equipment. NMMA and the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) champion the Wake Responsibly initiative, a nationwide education campaign promoting commonsense practices for safe, shared use of public waterways.

Recreational boating supports American jobs, local communities and outdoor recreation access across the country. Americans overwhelmingly support responsible access to public waters, with boating and fishing among the top drivers of the national $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy, which accounts for 2.4% of GDP and supports 5.2 million jobs. Protecting public water access helps sustain the businesses and livelihoods that depend on recreational boating.

As we look to 2027, NMMA will continue to oppose arbitrary bans and excessive restrictions that threaten public water access and contribute to a patchwork of inconsistent local regulations. NMMA will keep advocating for balanced statewide policies, boater education and responsible recreation that protect our public waterways while preserving opportunities for boaters to enjoy them.

For questions regarding water sports policy, contact Lauren Hyland, NMMA's Director of Public Policy and Industry Engagement, at [email protected].