A 17-year-old Ukrainian athlete secured her country's 9th medal at the 2025 World Games, with Sofia Sokolova finishing 2nd in the inaugural wakesurfing competition in Chengdu, China.

A last-minute push to regulate wakesurfing took an unexpected turn.

As wakesurfing has become a popular pastime on Minnesota lakes, the sport has sparked complaints over erosion and water quality.

Newly released University of Minnesota research finds wakesurfing in water that’s too shallow can damage lake quality. The study could revive calls for statewide restrictions and may churn the debate ...

Singer Pink spreads body positivity by sharing an empowering photo of herself wakesurfing and embracing her "thunder thighs."

A last-minute push to regulate wakesurfing took an unexpected turn.

Dozens of Wisconsin towns are banning fast-growing sport of wakesurfing that critics say traumatizes kayakers and tears up lakes

"The best feeling in the whole world" — see how the Idaho Challenged Athletes Foundation is making water sports accessible to all.🌊

Jeff Meessmann on efforts to regulate wakesurfing on lakes around Wisconsin.

I am writing to express my strong support for Assembly Bill 1033, which establishes comprehensive safety regulations for wakesurfing on Wisconsin's waterways. This legislation, introduced by Representative Brooks and cosponsored by Senator Feyen on February 9, 2026, addresses a critical gap in our state's boating safety framework. Wakesurfing has grown significantly in popularity on Wisconsin lakes, yet it currently operates without specific safety standards. AB1033 corrects this by requiring wakesurfers to maintain a minimum distance of 200 feet from shorelines, docks, piers, and other watercraft. This distance requirement is essential because the large wakes created by wakesurfing boats pose genuine hazards to swimmers, smaller vessels, and shoreline structures. The bill also mandates that wakesurfers wear personal flotation devices and that boats have an observer or wide-angle mirror, applying proven safety measures already required for water skiing. These regulations protect all users of our public waterways. Property owners face damage from oversized wakes hitting docks and shorelines. Anglers and paddlers in smaller boats risk capsizing when large wakes approach unexpectedly. Swimmers near shore can be caught off guard by waves generated hundreds of feet away. The 200-foot buffer creates a reasonable safety zone that allows wakesurfing to continue while protecting others. The bill demonstrates balanced policymaking by including exceptions for authorized tournaments and competitions where adequate safety measures are in place. It also requires the Department of Natural Resources to incorporate wakesurfing education into comprehensive boating safety courses, ensuring future boaters understand these requirements. I urge you to support AB1033 in the Committee on State Affairs and work toward its passage. Wisconsin's lakes belong to all residents, and this bill ensures that emerging water sports can coexist safely with traditional recreational activities. Clear, enforceable standards will prevent accidents, reduce conflicts on the water, and protect both people and property across our state's cherished waterways.

Dozens of Wisconsin towns are banning fast-growing sport of wakesurfing that critics say traumatizes kayakers and tears up lakes

Underwater turbulence from wakesurfing can "adversely" impact Minnesota’s lakes, according to a highly anticipated study by the University of Minnesota.