NASBLA Public Library

This report presents the results of a field study examining the characteristics of wakes generated by wake sport boats and their potential effects on shorelines. Conducted for the Water Sports Industry Association, the research measured wave height, wave energy, and wake dissipation under a variety of operating conditions, including cruising, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing, in both shallow and deep water. The study also compares wake sport wakes with naturally occurring wind driven waves to provide context for evaluating shoreline impacts.

Using instrumented field testing, the authors evaluated how boat speed, loading, water depth, and distance from shore influence wake size and energy. The report concludes that wake energy decreases substantially with distance from the boat's path, highlights the importance of shoreline setback distances, and compares the frequency of boat wakes needed to produce energy levels similar to common wind generated waves. The findings are intended to support science based guidance for wake sport operations and to inform discussions of shoreline management, recreational boating, and waterway policy.