Wake Surf Regulations

August 11, 2024

We are fortunate to have two beautiful lakes to enjoy year-round. One of the primary reasons the BSLA was formed over 30 years ago was to work to protect and enhance our resources for future generations.

A number of recent studies have concluded that enhanced wakes from wake boats can damage property, erode shorelines and churn up lake beds while disrupting fish habitat. We should all be concerned about the consequences wake boats can have on area lakes, including wake boat owners. Research has concluded that enhanced wakes should be a minimum of 700 feet from shore and other lake users and only operate at a depth of at least 20 feet.

Local municipalities continue to pass ordinances to regulate enhanced wakes. Nearly 250 lakes in Wisconsin have passed regulations restricting the creation of artificially enhanced wakes unless they meet certain criteria.

To help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases, Wisconsin law requires all boaters to completely drain all water from boats, motor and all equipment. Ballast tanks must be completely drained before transporting the watercraft. Ballast water from a boat used in the Southern part of the state must not be dumped in Butternut Lake.

This spring the Wisconsin Conservation Congress surveyed Wisconsin residents on this important issue. There is overwhelming support to regulate the use of wake boats and restrict the transfer of ballast water from lake to lake.

Wisconsin Conservation Congress Spring Question results:

  • 75% of Wisconsin residents support a state law to restrict wake surfing on lakes smaller than 1500 acres and less than 20 feet deep and maintain a distance of 700 feet from the shoreline and other lake users.
  • 72% of Wisconsin residents support a state law to prohibit the use of wake boat ballast systems on Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers.
  • 71% of Wisconsin residents support DNR regulations to require all ballast systems used in boats have a reasonable practical means of inspecting the system to confirm no water is retained in the system.