Move Your Wake, Respect The Lake

MOVE YOUR WAKE

RESPECT THE LAKE

By Connor Dennis, WLAC Director of Conservation Programs

One thing we all have in common as Wallooners is our love for recreational water sports and the lake. Whether it’s skiing, surfing, tubing, fishing or just taking a cruise, we want to be out there enjoying the water. As Walloon becomes more and more popular (unfortunately the secret is out), it is becoming imperative that we recreate responsibly and respectfully in order to maintain a safe and healthy lake environment.

A recent study from the University of Minnesota delved into the topic of wake waves created by wakesurf boats and recreational ski boats. Included were measurements of wave height, power and energy at four different distances from the shoreline (225 feet, 325 feet, 425 feet and 625 feet). For example, the graph to the right shows the stark difference between the two recreational boats and two wakesurfing boats studied in relation to wave power.

The research found that wakesurf boats were capable of creating much larger and more powerful waves than recreational ski boats, especially when being operated at slower, “sub-planing” speeds. These findings should come as no huge surprise though as wakesurf boats are intentionally designed to create large waves and be used in this, sub-planing condition. It is important to note that the ski boats tested also generated large waves at lower speeds, but this usage is much more limited (typically only during acceleration/deceleration). Overall, the study found that the further away from shore that boats were operated, the more waves dissipated by the time they hit the shoreline. With these results, researchers determined the suggested distance from shorelines for wakesurf usage is at least 425-500 feet and 200 feet for other recreational boating.

In line with the University of Minnesota study findings, Endicott (Cotty) M. Fay, a chief naval architect, also further researched the impact of wakesurfing waves in relation to water depth. It was determined that wakesurfing in a depth of at least 10 feet minimizes the wave impact on shorelines and water bottoms.

These studies prompted the WLAC Safety Committee and Board of Trustees to put forth a new recommendation: while actively wakesurfing/boarding, please maintain a minimum distance of 425 feet from the shoreline AND a minimum depth of 15 feet. Although this is not an enforceable policy, we hope that Wallooners will choose areas on the water that are more appropriate for use out of respect for one another and the health of the lake. Just remember, more distance from the shoreline equals less damage to Walloon.

The lake is a shared resource and your cooperation and courtesy will go a long way to help your neighbors enjoy the water in the same way you do. Please join us in pledging to Move Your Wake, Respect the Lake this summer!

To learn more about the University of

Minnesota study, scan this QR code.