The National Marine Manufacturers Association is voicing its opposition to recent changes to Vermont’s Use of Public Waters rule, which enacted stricter measures to regulate wakesurfing on public waters.

“These changes are arbitrary, unsupported by science, and will reduce wakesurfing access from 30 eligible inland lakes to just 18, despite no evidence that the state’s existing 2024 standards created safety or enforcement issues,” NMMA said in a statement. “NMMA supports boater education, preserving and strengthening public access, and following recommendations from state boating safety experts.”

The changes add a 3,000-foot zone requirement, expand minimum lake size to 100 acres, and require 500-foot buffers from swimmers and vessels, restrictions not used in any other state and lacking scientific justification, NMMA said.

“Wakesurfing policy debates are continuing to emerge in states across the country, reflecting broader questions about how to balance public access, responsible boating, safety and local environmental concerns,” Robyn Boerstling, NMMA chief advocacy officer and senior vice president of government relations, told Trade Only Today. “This year, NMMA and our partners have been engaged in more than a dozen states, with legislation or rulemaking in play in 10. In most cases, lawmakers and regulators have recognized the value of a more balanced approach, rather than advancing overly restrictive measures.”

Vermont’s changes are a significant departure from that approach, Boerstling said.

“The state’s new rule will make Vermont the most restrictive state in the nation for wakesurfing, even though wakeboats represent less than 1% of registered recreational boats in the state,” she said. “The practical result is a major reduction in access for responsible boaters, marine businesses and communities that rely on outdoor recreation.

“As lawmakers consider wakesurfing regulations,” Boerstling added, “NMMA will continue advocating for commonsense policies that protect shared waterways and preserve access to public waters.”

For questions regarding watersports policy, contact Lauren Hyland, director of public policy and industry engagement, at lhyland@nmma.org.