In support of wake surfing legislation

To the Editor:

Recently, bipartisan legislators introduced a bill to put some guardrails on wake surfing on Wisconsin lakes. As an enthusiast of all water sports, including wake surfing, fishing, and paddling, I believe the legislation represents a significant stride toward a more sustainable future for our waterways.

My passion for water resources started when I built my canoe for trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It continued in college and subsequent career in groundwater. 

My passion has expanded to other activities, including wake surfing. In 2016 my wife and I started a company that hand-builds wake surfboards. Our company has had strong growth since then. 

Protecting the water is of the utmost importance to me. This will ensure that silent sports and wake surfing coexist safely.

The bill is not just another piece of bureaucratic regulation; instead, it encapsulates principles to foster responsible boating practices and safeguard our lakes. 

One notable aspect of this bill is its alignment with the findings of a recent study published in The Journal of Water Resource and Protection. This research emphasizes the minimal environmental impact when wake boats operate 200 feet from the shore. 

In addition, it is a vital safeguard for the economic interests of our state. The recreational boating industry’s annual contribution of $8.4 billion to Wisconsin’s economy underscores the substantial value of our waterways, supporting 34,000 jobs and over 800 businesses, including my local family-run business. Let us wholeheartedly embrace this legislation as a bridge to a prosperous future for our state.

Thank you,

Andrew Aslesen

Jackpine WakeSurf