WAKE SURFING - Industry materials
WAKE SURFING INDUSTRY MATERIALS ASSERTING WAKE SURFING PRESENTS MINIMAL ISSUES, AND CORRESPONDING CRITIQUES
Numerical Study of the Impact of Wake Surfing on Inland Bodies of Water (2022) (Review of this study)
This study was conducted entirely by computer modeling and was published in a “pay to publish” journal. No actual testing was used. Two of the three authors are employees of Mercury Marine. The third author appears to have been paid by the Marine Manufacturers Association. No indication this study was peer reviewed. Here is the Wikipedia article about the journal in which this article was published. Press release re this study
Characterization of Wake-Sport Wakes and Their Potential Impact on Shorelines, Goudy et al (Engineer’s review of this study)
This 2015 study was paid for by the Water Sports Industry Association and is the study they most frequently cite.
How to Wakesurf Responsibly
Brief video by the Water Sports Industry Association about their 2015 Goudy Study, regarding their position that 200’ from shore fully mitigates the effects of wake surfing
WSIA “wake responsibly” materials
This is the Water Sports Industry Association website of materials re their “wake responsibly” campaign.
MATERIALS REFUTING THE WATER SPORTS INDUSTRY STUDIES
200 Feet is Not Responsible
Seven-minute video rebutting the wake surf industry claim that 200 feet from shore is sufficient for wake surfing
Four Critiques of recent study sponsored by National Marine Manufacturers Association
Helpful critique of the 2022 study paid for by the Marine Manufacturers’ Association
Boat Wake Impact Analysis
2021 study evaluates wake surfing impacts on two lakes in Georgia, prepared by an engineering firm. Its principal focus is safety of others when a wake surf boat is operating. It is critical of the 2015 Goudy study. See p. ix showing the Goudy study consistently understates wave height of wake surfing waves at all distances from the boat. See p 9, last paragraph, where this study critiques the 2015 Goudy Study’s claim that “cumulative wave energy” is an appropriate measure of capacity for shoreline damage.
Considerations in assessing shoreline and near shore impacts of wind-driven waves vs motorboat waves in Vermont: Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes, Mr. David Johnson, July 9, 2022.
This study examines the claim of the 2015 Goudy Study that wake surfing wakes at 200 feet distance are no worse than those from sustained 20 mph winds with a half mile fetch. The linked study shows that for the vast majority of lakes, the effects of wake surf boats on the shoreline are much greater than the effects of wind driven waves.