Wake-Boat Rules · Local/lake-specific rules only
Michigan Wakesurf & Wake-Boat Rules
Michigan has no statewide wakesurfing-specific law. HB 5532 (introduced Feb 2024) would require wake-sport-mode operation 500+ feet from shore/dock and in 20+ feet of water, but it has not been enacted; a 2023 DNR report favored education and voluntary best practices over regulation. Wake-surf limits remain set at the local/waterbody level.
Michigan has no statewide wakesurfing-specific law. HB 5532 (introduced Feb 2024) would require wake-sport-mode operation 500+ feet from shore/dock and in 20+ feet of water, but it has not been enacted; a 2023 DNR report favored education and voluntary best practices over regulation. Wake-surf limits remain set at the local/waterbody level.
Wake-boat rules change often and vary by individual lake. Michigan Department of Natural Resources is the governing authority — confirm the current regulation before you ride. This summary is informational, not legal advice.
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Specifications reflect published figures and can change by model year — verify before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local/lake-specific rules only. Michigan has no statewide wakesurfing-specific law. HB 5532 (introduced Feb 2024) would require wake-sport-mode operation 500+ feet from shore/dock and in 20+ feet of water, but it has not been enacted; a 2023 DNR report favored education and voluntary best practices over regulation. Wake-surf limits remain set at the local/waterbody level.
Michigan does not publish a single statewide distance-from-shore figure for wake boats — distances are set locally. Michigan Department of Natural Resources is the authority.