New SC law restricts 'wake surfing' in all state waters; $600 fine possible

[Serious News]

New S.C. law hopes to protect people, docks from large wakes created by ‘wake surfing’

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WMBF) – A new law in South Carolina restricts where people can wake surf.

The popular water sport is now prohibited on all state waters within 200 feet of a dock, a person in the water or an anchored boat.

The new law is meant to protect people and structures from large wakes.

Wake surfing is when someone rides the boat’s wake without being pulled by the boat.

The new law comes as the sport becomes more popular in the Palmetto State.

Violating the law is a misdemeanor and a person could face a fine of about $100-$600, depending on court fees in each county jurisdiction.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources regularly patrols the state waterways to enforce boating and fishing laws.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/new-sc-law-hopes-to-protect-people-docks-from-large-wakes-created-by-e2-80-98wake-surfing-e2-80-99/ar-AAYFhsZ?ocid=BingNewsSearch

[rschap1]

I can agree with that, but 200 feet is not far enough for 10 foot tall rollers to dissipate.

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

Only one thing good about wake board boats, they are now the most hated. Go fast boats happily pass the unwanted torch.

[Ratickle]

Things are starting to happen in many places. The study by the University of Minnesota is interesting. One of my friends broke his back going over a wakeboat wake he did not notice down on Gun Lake in his boat.

Hinesburg Vermont supports study on wake boats
Boats create environmental harm, says environmental group
https://www.vtcng.com/thecitizenvt/news/local_news_hinesburg/hinesburg-supports-study-on-wake-boats/article_0d0dc374-ed90-11ec-9d13-5b8dff65ad5f.html

Fate of surf boats floating in the balance on Minnetonka in Minnesota with concerns on environmental impact
As of now, the large boats are patrolled like any other — they can’t operate within 150 feet of the shoreline, other boats, swimmers or docks (generally the Minnesota DNR says a good rule of thumb is 200 feet). But a recent study from the University of Minnesota highlights surf boats require distances more than 500 feet from shore to decrease their wake to levels similar to those of non-wake surf boats at 200 feet from shore, the recommended distance for recreational boats.
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/fate-of-surf-boats-floating-in-the-balance-on-minnetonka-with-concerns-on-environmental-impact/