Wake-Boat Rules · Local/lake-specific rules only
Wisconsin Wakesurf & Wake-Boat Rules
Wisconsin has no statewide wakesurfing-specific law as of mid-2026; competing bills remain unenacted. Proposals include AB 1033 (200/300-foot setback, no depth limit; Assembly-passed) and SB 1024 (500-foot setback and 20-foot depth). In the absence of statewide rules, towns have adopted local wake-surf bans (e.g., Lake Waramaug-style ordinances and Waupaca/Long Lake actions), some of which are being litigated. Limits are currently local/waterbody-specific.
Wisconsin has no statewide wakesurfing-specific law as of mid-2026; competing bills remain unenacted. Proposals include AB 1033 (200/300-foot setback, no depth limit; Assembly-passed) and SB 1024 (500-foot setback and 20-foot depth). In the absence of statewide rules, towns have adopted local wake-surf bans (e.g., Lake Waramaug-style ordinances and Waupaca/Long Lake actions), some of which are being litigated. Limits are currently local/waterbody-specific.
Wake-boat rules change often and vary by individual lake. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is the governing authority — confirm the current regulation before you ride. This summary is informational, not legal advice.
Source: Wisconsin 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. Wisconsin has no statewide wakesurfing-specific law as of mid-2026; competing bills remain unenacted. Proposals include AB 1033 (200/300-foot setback, no depth limit; Assembly-passed) and SB 1024 (500-foot setback and 20-foot depth). In the absence of statewide rules, towns have adopted local wake-surf bans (e.g., Lake Waramaug-style ordinances and Waupaca/Long Lake actions), some of which are being litigated. Limits are currently local/waterbody-specific.
Wisconsin does not publish a single statewide distance-from-shore figure for wake boats — distances are set locally. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is the authority.