Mark Pastir: Study shows negative effects of wake-surf boat waves

To The Daily Sun,

Two years ago, The Laconia Daily Sun published my open letter to all of our state representatives regarding the damage done by huge waves created by wake surfboats. One bill proposed to increase the distance between wake boats and the shore and objects to 250 feet. This bill is woefully inadequate. The study done in Minnesota, the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", by the University of Minnesota specifies a distance of at least 500 feet to attenuate wave energy. The 2014 Universite du Quebec a Montreal research says a distance of 1,000 feet is necessary for wave power to dissipate below natural levels. Please read the final report done by the University of Minnesota and released in February 2022. Go to conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/226190 for the introduction page and click on SAFL Boat Generated Wake Wave Report to the left. You will find the study is well done and very interesting.

The Sierra Club sums up the problem in this way: "Unfortunately, these boats often make multiple passes in the same area, causing long-lasting damage. When there is not enough distance on a lake or river to dissipate these wakes, the boats cause shoreline erosion. They also damage docks, swamp other boats, endanger swimmers, and destroy waterfowl nesting sites." No matter how large or small your boat, you are responsible for your wake and any damage or injury it may cause. If the threat of legal action is not reason enough to get you to throttle back, the “Golden Rule” should be.

Setting a limit of at least 500 feet from shore and other objects hurts no one and benefits everyone in restoring a safe environment for all. Failure to act will continue to decline the quality of lake life for all living things.

Mark Pastir

Wolfeboro