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<\/div>\n Roman Babakin\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n
Imagine a fisherman or waterfront homeowner<\/a> with a boat tied to a dock as a wakeboat passes, throwing a massive wake while blasting music at nightclub-volume levels. It\u2019s easy to see why they would be unhappy, possibly even furious.\u00a0<\/p>\n The thing is, their resentment won\u2019t be directed solely at that one wakeboat<\/a>, but at everyone else involved in tow sports<\/a>\u2014from wakeboarders and wakesurfers to \u00adwater-skiers and even tube riders.<\/p>\n And that\u2019s the problem. Many who enjoy or live along the waterways are annoyed by this behavior, especially when met with a belligerent response. In some cases, this has led to rules, laws and legislation restricting wakeboats. But it doesn\u2019t have to be this way. With a little common sense, tow-sports enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite \u00adactivities without upsetting others, creating a shared and friendly experience for everyone on the water.<\/p>\n So how do we achieve this? It starts with understanding the basic rules of tow-sports etiquette, but even before that, with developing an awareness of others who enjoy the water too. When you start thinking from their perspective, you\u2019ll realize how your actions as a tow-sports enthusiast affect them.<\/p>\n It also begins with respecting the role of the tow-sports driver<\/a>. Whether you\u2019re towing a tube rider or a pro, the tow-sports driver is more than just someone who sits in front of the steering wheel and throttle. The driver is the linchpin of a successful and safe session on the water and should be aware of how to coexist with others who share the waterways.<\/p>\n A heavily ballasted<\/a> wakeboat, moving at slower speeds\u2014about 10 mph for wakesurfing and 20\u00a0mph for wakeboarding\u2014creates a massive wake that can impact other boaters, docked boats, and shoreline property such as beaches and docks. For this reason, the Water Sports Industry Association recommends that wakeboats and other boats pulling tow sports stay at least 200 feet from shore. That\u2019s a great commonsense practice, but wake drivers should carry this further and apply this to other boaters and users of the waterways, such as kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. You don\u2019t want to swamp an angler at anchor or knock an SUP user off the board. This 200-foot distance also ensures the safety of the person being towed.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re towing in an area with other boaters, anglers or waterfront homes, try to avoid repetitive passes in the same area. Constantly going back and forth can annoy others with the wake and noise.<\/p>\n As I mentioned, your wake isn\u2019t the only thing that bothers other boaters. Consider how the sound from your stereo system impacts those living along or using the water. Sound carries farther over \u00adwater, particularly in the morning and \u00adbefore sunset, when other noises are minimal. Especially when you consider that there are no obstructions such as trees or buildings to disrupt the sound waves on open water. Keeping the volume down not only helps others, but it also allows the tow-sports driver keep an ear out for other boats passing nearby.<\/p>\n So the best way to be courteous is to look for areas far from waterfront homes and other boaters. If you\u2019re near someone else, it\u2019s courteous to approach them and ask if sharing the waterway will be an issue. Being friendly and showing concern for others goes a long way toward peaceful coexistence on the waterways\u2014and who knows, you might even make a new friend. By avoiding conflicts and by not upsetting others, you can spend more time enjoying your favorite tow sport, which is what it\u2019s all about.<\/p>\n Be sure to come off plane in time to avoid rocking other boats, canoes, kayaks and SUPs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Try to stay in deeper water, away from the shoreline, to reduce the likelihood of your wake slamming boats into docks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s better to work the same part of the lake or river as other riders by establishing a rotation so that you\u2019re not throwing wakes across each other.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A spotter keeps everyone safe and allows the driver to focus on other boats and riders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The post Basic Rules of Tow Sports Etiquette<\/a> appeared first on Boating Mag<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nFAQ<\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t Rock the Boat<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t Knock the Dock<\/h3>\n
Get in Line<\/h3>\n
Keep Watch<\/h3>\n