Wake-Boat Rules · Statewide wake-surf rule
Alabama Wakesurf & Wake-Boat Rules
Alabama Code 33-5-26.1 (2024, HB209) bans wakeboarding/wakesurfing between sunset and sunrise, on portions of water less than 400 feet wide, and within 200 feet of any shoreline, dock, pier, boathouse or other structure, and requires a USCG-approved PFD. The statute is statewide in form but currently applies to specific impounded waters: Lewis Smith Lake, Lake Wedowee (R.L. Harris Reservoir), Lake Martin, Weiss Lake, and Shoal Creek (Lauderdale County north of Hwy 72). No statewide minimum-acreage or depth requirement was enacted.
Alabama Code 33-5-26.1 (2024, HB209) bans wakeboarding/wakesurfing between sunset and sunrise, on portions of water less than 400 feet wide, and within 200 feet of any shoreline, dock, pier, boathouse or other structure, and requires a USCG-approved PFD. The statute is statewide in form but currently applies to specific impounded waters: Lewis Smith Lake, Lake Wedowee (R.L. Harris Reservoir), Lake Martin, Weiss Lake, and Shoal Creek (Lauderdale County north of Hwy 72). No statewide minimum-acreage or depth requirement was enacted.
Where a statewide rule applies, key provisions include operating at least 200 ft from shore.
Wake-boat rules change often and vary by individual lake. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division is the governing authority — confirm the current regulation before you ride. This summary is informational, not legal advice.
Source: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division. Specifications reflect published figures and can change by model year — verify before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Statewide wake-surf rule. Alabama Code 33-5-26.1 (2024, HB209) bans wakeboarding/wakesurfing between sunset and sunrise, on portions of water less than 400 feet wide, and within 200 feet of any shoreline, dock, pier, boathouse or other structure, and requires a USCG-approved PFD. The statute is statewide in form but currently applies to specific impounded waters: Lewis Smith Lake, Lake Wedowee (R.L. Harris Reservoir), Lake Martin, Weiss Lake, and Shoal Creek (Lauderdale County north of Hwy 72). No statewide minimum-acreage or depth requirement was enacted.
Where Alabama's statewide rule applies, wake boats must operate at least 200 ft from shore.