Safety
Distance from shore
Legal minimum buffers (commonly 150-200 feet) that towing boats must keep from shore, docks, swimmers, and other vessels.
Most jurisdictions require boats engaged in towed watersports to keep a minimum distance from shorelines, docks, swim platforms, anchored boats, and swimmers, commonly 150 to 200 feet, except when leaving or returning to a launch or dock. The buffer protects shoreline structures from wake damage and keeps fast-moving riders and boats clear of people and obstacles.
Wakesurfing's large wakes make these rules especially relevant, and many lakes add their own distance and no-wake-zone restrictions on top of state law.