NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.
06/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/29/2026 23:15
Protecting Public Water Access: Why Wakesurfing Matters
America's lakes and rivers are shared public resources that should remain open for responsible recreation. From fishing and paddling to waterskiing, wakeboarding, cruising, and wakesurfing, access to public waters supports both recreation and the communities and industries connected to them.
As wakesurfing grows in popularity, some states and local communities are considering new operating requirements. NMMA is actively engaged in these discussions, advocating for practical, science-informed policies that preserve public water access while promoting safe, responsible boating.
What Is Wakesurfing?
Wakesurfing is a towed water sport in which a rider surfs the wake created by a specially equipped boat. After being pulled into position, the rider releases the tow rope and surfs the boat's wake independently.
Typically enjoyed at speeds of 10-12 mph, wakesurfing is one of the fastest-growing boating activities due to its accessibility across ages and skill levels. It is especially popular among families, supporting multigenerational participation on the water.
Smart Policy for Shared Waters
As participation increases, policymakers are evaluating how wakesurfing fits within broader recreational use of public waterways. NMMA supports statewide regulations informed by research, paired with robust boater education, rather than blanket bans or overly restrictive rules.
Many states have already shown that commonsense operating requirements-such as maintaining distance from shore and following established boating safety practices-can support both safety and continued recreational access.
NMMA also supports the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators' recommendation that wakesurfing occur at least 200 feet from shore. This science-informed guideline helps balance recreation, shared water use, and environmental considerations.
Education plays a central role in responsible boating. National research shows that seven in 10 Americans find messaging around safe operation and the 200-foot guideline helpful, reinforcing the importance of awareness and voluntary compliance.
Why Access Matters
Protecting public water access ensures Americans can continue enjoying the full range of recreational boating activities, including wakesurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, fishing, paddling, and cruising.
Recreational boating also supports a wide economic ecosystem-manufacturers, dealers, marinas, tourism, and small businesses across the country. Preserving access helps sustain these industries while maintaining opportunities for families to enjoy time on the water.
Restrictions on a single activity can also set precedents that affect broader recreational access. Maintaining balanced policies helps ensure public waterways remain open to all responsible users.
NMMA's Role
NMMA works with policymakers, boating safety experts, manufacturers, dealers, and recreational organizations to advance practical, research-informed policies that preserve access and promote safety.
The association also supports the Water Sports Industry Association's Wake Responsibly campaign, which promotes best practices such as operating at least 200 feet from shore, minimizing repetitive passes, maintaining responsible sound levels, and respecting other waterway users.
Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, NMMA is helping ensure America's public waterways remain open, accessible, and responsibly managed for current and future generations.
America's public waterways belong to everyone.
NMMA will continue advancing education-first, research-informed policies that protect public water access while supporting safe, responsible recreation across the boating community.
NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on June 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 30, 2026 at 05:15 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]