Wake surfing environmental and and safety key studies and surveys
BALLAST SYSTEMS & AIS SPREAD
Volume and Contents of Residual Water in Recreational Watercraft Ballast Systems.
(Campbell et al, Management of Biological Invasives (2016) Vol 7, Issue 3: 281-286)
Excellent study of ballast tanks in wake surf boats. Authors are researchers at the University of Wisconsin, the Minnesota DNR and a WI planning commission.
University of Minnesota thesis, Adam Doll, Dec. 2018. Key finding: ballast systems were the most likely to transport veliger; importantly, veligers in stern drive cooling water were ALL dead from exposure to high temps from motors. Article on this also at: “Zebra Mussel’s Best Friend—Wakeboard Boats,” Pioneer Press (Minneapolis St Paul), Jan. 22, 2018
Ballast/Wake Boats: Specific Concerns About Aquatic Invasive Species & Water Quality
Amy P. Smagula, Limnologist NH Department of Environmental Services
SURVEYS & SAFETY: WHAT LAKE RECREATORS ARE SAYING
4/25/2024 residents and recreators from across countries overwhelmingly support for regulating artificially enhanced wakes to lakes of greater than 1500 acres, 700+ feet from shore, 20+ depth; and prohibiting use of ballast systems on Wisconsin lakes and rivers.
04/20/2023, residents and recreators across counties overwhelmingly support regulating artificially enhanced wakes to lakes greater than 1500 acres and 700 feet from shore.
Testimonials on Safety from Lake Residents
Experiences of lakes users throughout Wisconsin specific to safety concerns caused by enhanced wakes.
Renowned musky fishing guide, regarding the impact of wake surfing on fishing.
WAVE POWER & ENGERY
Lake Waramaug Shallow Water Environment Wave Impact Study Final Report
This December 15, 2024 study provides the results of field work (at Lake Waramaug, Connecticut) of the impact of wake surfing waves on the shore and near shore area. The study found that “To dissipate the Wake Boat in Surf Mode wave to the same height and energy as a Ski Boat at 100 ft requires increasing the distance from shore to over 500 feet.” The study also found that the waves from wake surfing have a significant scrubbing impact on the lake bottom once they reach a water depth of 10’. This is in addition to the significant lake bottom impact of the prop wash itself.
This Feb 2022 study by the University of Minnesota St. Anthony Falls Laboratory compares the height, energy, and power of wakes from 4 boats (2 wake surf boats, 2 non-surf boats used for wakeboarding). It found that wake surf wakes required over 600 ft to attenuate to power levels equivalent to non-surf boats in planing conditions at 200 ft.
This is a detailed report, seeking changes in Vermont law to require wake surfing be limited to areas 1000 feet from shore and in minimum 20 foot water depth.
Laval (Quebec) University Study
(2015) -- A useful study of distance from shore and prop wash effects of surf boats, among other points. See the conclusion at p29 that wake surfing disturbs sediment up to 16’ below the surface, increasing various forms of phosphorus into the water column, potentially inducing cyanobacteria blooms and accelerating eutrophication of the lake. At p 30, the study recommends a distance of at least 300 m (about 980 feet) from shore.
“Wake boats: Concerns and Recommendations Related to Natural Resource Management in Michigan Waters,” Sept 2022 Report of Michigan DNR. Excellent study, recommending wake surfing be done no less than 500 feet from shore or docks and in no less than 15 feet water depth and that ballast tanks must be wholly drained.
LAKE BOTTOM DAMAGE & SEDIMENT DISTURBANCE
Lake Waramaug Wave Impact Study Final Report
Lake Waramaug Inter-Local Commission, Terra Vigilis Group, 11/15.2024. Findings include wake boats can disturb the lake bed and stir sediments at depths to 26 feet (furthest measured); also reported 110% in total phosphorus levels released immediately following startup of boat in surf mode, yet no similar finding in increased phosphorous from water ski boats in startup condition.
Terra Vigilis Group. See pp 16-37 of the linked presentation, where this study is embedded.
This study concludes through field measurements that wake surf boats produce prop wash generating “significant bottom effects” more than 20’ below the water surface. It also shows that water column phosphorus levels increased 25% after just two surf boat passes.
Analyzing Threats to Water Quality from Motorized Recreation on Payette Lake, Idaho
Alex Ray, Western Colorado University. This August 2020 study addresses impacts of motorized boats in sensitive lakes. It uses both actual field data and computer modeling. It addressed prop wash and its impact on lake bottom sediments for boats with downwardly angled propellors. It shows that for boats with downwardly angled propellors, sediments are disturbed and phosphorus resuspended in water depths of 33 feet.
Wake Surfing and Habitat Loss on Mid Lake
This is a presentation by Mr. John Johnson, resident of Mid Lake, regarding the effects of wake surfing on Mid Lake, Oneida County Wisconsin
LITERATURE REVIEWS OF WAKE SURF IMPACTS
The Effects of Wake Boats on Lake Ecosystem Health
Wisconsin’s GreenFire literature review, May 2024. Provides extensive review of studies across multiple areas of wake surf impact.
Lake Windermere Recreational Impact and Sediment Quality Assessment,
Lake Windermere, BC, Ecoscape Environmental Consultants Ltd. and Larratt Aquatic Consulting Ltd., August 22, 2024. Refers to resuspension of sediments and offers good overview of available literature.