Wake boats are engineered to create large, powerful wakes at slow speeds around 10–12 mph— typical wakesurfing speed is10–12 mph. At these speeds, the hull rides deeper, ballast stays fully effective, and surf tabs/gates shape the wave into its tallest, most surfable form

Research from the University of Minnesota confirms that wakesurf boats generate significantly larger waves than typical recreational boats, even at similar speeds, due to their design and ballast systems.

Ski boats produce their highest wakes at lower-than-slalom speeds (roughly 20–26 mph), but at true slalom speeds (30–36 mph) their wakes become intentionally small and flat.**

Recommended Areas of operation for Wakeboard Boats

In light of recent University of Minnesota studies on the consequences of shallow water Wakeboard Boat operation. The Deer Lake Improvement Association is recommending that all high wake activities and operation adhere to the locations listed on the attached map of the lake (below). These studies have shown that high wake activities can stir up sediments containing phosphorus and other nutrients in as much as 30 feet of water depth. In addition, operation as close as 700 feet from shore has demonstrated significant increases in shore land erosion.

Since 1995 the Deer Lake Conservancy and the Deer Lake Improvement Association have implemented millions of dollars in projects to remove phosphorus and improve water clarity. The operation of Wakeboard Boats in shallow water severely undermines these efforts.

There will be an in depth presentation on this subject at the combined Annual Meeting of the two organizations on Saturday July 11th at 9 am. The meeting will be held at Trollhaugen Ski Area.