What implications such bans on this watersport will have on other boaters are unclear at this point, but one would almost forecast an increase in No Wake zones.

Wakesurfing is a water sport in which a rider trails behind a boat, riding the boat’s wake without being directly pulled by the boat. After getting up on the wake, typically by use of a tow rope, the wakesurfers will drop the rope, and ride the steep face below the wave’s peak in a fashion reminiscent of surfing. Wikipedia

One of our industry’s hottest sellers, boats designed to deliver perfect wakesurf waves, and boaters who cruise through Georgia could take big hits if legislation and new regulations are approved.

Earlier this month, State Sen. John Rodgers introduced legislation (SB 69) that would effectively ban wakesurfing in Vermont by prohibiting boat “plowing.” The bill would also allow and/or require the development of regulations to outright ban wake-sports boats from specific public waters.

Now in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, the bill is believed to be the first to call for a statewide ban of ballasted boats. Preventing this ill-conceived bill from becoming law is a top priority for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Watersports Industry Association and marine dealers in Vermont.

But dealers nationwide that sell towboats, indeed any boats for that matter, should be on guard for similar proposals in their states. Here’s a terrifying thought: The Vermont bill passes and becomes a model for other state. It’s not a fantasy. Here’s why.

The New Hampshire legislature has already commissioned a task force to look at wakesurfing from “every angle,” which other states could use to justify their actions and legislation. In fact, legislatures in Indiana, Idaho and Minnesota are now hearing bills related to wakesurfing. The Idaho bill would require a 200-foot buffer from shore or other structures; in Indiana the proposed buffer zone is 600 feet; and in Minnesota there’s a bill calling for 1,000 feet offshore.

In Oregon, the State Marine Board recently rejected a petition from an environmental group to close the Willamette River to wakesurf boats. However, the board acknowledged it’s in the early stages of considering rules related to wakesurfing. Accordingly, NMMA, MSIA, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and others are opposing the Minnesota and Indiana bills, though not the Idaho legislation. Lobbyists have been retained in Vermont, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Idaho and Oregon.

Dealers and marine trade associations wanting the latest information can contact Dave Dickerson, NMMA’s vice president for state government relations, at ddickerson@nmma.org.