In many places, there are those seeking to limit, or even eliminate the right to wakeboard and wakesurf. While most wake boat owners are responsible and operate safely and courteously, there are a few that act with disregard for other boaters. These people are a big part of this challenge we face.

Please watch this video from the Watersports Industry Association (WSIA). Take its message to heart. Then share it with other boat owners and riders. The future of your sport may depend on it. Acting with the principles of Wake Responsibly in mind is actually a way you can fight for your–and everyone’s–right to ride.

See the full Wake Responsibly video, here.

The post Wake Responsibly in July 2025 and All the Time appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Across the country, and, in fact, the world, forces are at work which seek to limit, or even eliminate the right to wakeboard and wakesurf. While most wake boat owners are responsible operators, the few that act with disregard for other boaters are a big part of this challenge we face.

Check out this video from the Watersports Industry Association (WSIA). Take its message to heart. Then share it with other boat owners and riders. The future of the sport may depend on it. Acting with these principles in mind is actually a way you can fight for your right to ride.

Read Next: Learn how WSIA is fighting for your right to ride!

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Here’s a great resource, and it is free.

Produced for boaters by the WSIA, the Towed Water Sports Boating Handbook is a 24-page guide containing information on best practices and tips to help make your water sport activities safer and more enjoyable.

Constantly changing water and wind conditions, as well as other boaters, can make boating unpredictable. Practice, experience and putting safety first will help ensure fun activities for you and your crew.

Learn more about WSIA: WSIA Driver’s Etiquette: The Wake Zone

This handbook does not cover all topics, nor will it give you all the tips necessary to become an expert. Read and learn the owner’s manual that came with your boat before getting on the water and keep it handy with this handbook for reference.

Click this link to download your free copy.

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The purpose of Wake Responsibly is to promote and protect all towed watersports. This weekend, as you head to the lake with your boat, keep the principles of Wake Responsibly in mind.

For more information: wakeresponsibly.com.

The post Wake Responsibly Reminder for May 2025 appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

The Watersports Industry Association (WSIA) has long had the backs of wakeboat owners and watersports enthusiasts. Currently, WSIA is following and / or taking action on a number of potential issues around the United States that could affect watersports access–and access to boats in general. These activities were outlined in a recent WSIA report in the Watersports Industry Insider, and are republished below for you.

Take note that WSIA is especially encouraging as many people as possible to get involved in the Wisconsin campaign, as that is most important right now. A link to that campaign is provided, here.

Wisconsin

The WSIA has continued to meet with lawmakers, advocates, and stakeholders in Wisconsin to push back on attempts to restrict wakesurfing. If you are a Wisconsin resident, we have an active Quorum advocacy campaign that makes it simple to contact the elected officials who represent you. Click the button below to sign up & engage to help protect towed watersports!

Minnesota

The government affairs team is closely monitoring SF95, that would restrict wakesurfing on a 6-mile stretch of the Mississippi river. The WSIA is continuing to meet with lawmakers and stakeholders to ensure open access to Minnesota waterways is maintained for all activities.

Indiana

The WSIA is monitoring HB1423, which would formally define “wakeboarding” and “wakesurfing” and bans surfing behind an outboard motor. The team is neutral on this bill but is taking the time build up our advocate list in Quorum to quickly mobilize if needed.

New Hampshire

The WSIA is pleased to see there is no legislation that targets wakesurfing in New Hampshire this legislative session. We are thrilled that legislation was introduced that allows for an online examination option in order to obtain a safe boater education certificate. This aligns with standards set by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

Learn About Wake Responsibly: WSIA Driver’s Etiquette: The Wake Zone

What’s On Deck?

The team is looking forward to keeping the momentum up as we move into March. They are continually monitoring legislation and engaging in states when necessary, including meeting with lawmakers and attending events to build on critical relationships & ensure our industry is promoted and protected.

The post WSIA Advocates for Wakesports Rights In Wisconsin and Elsewhere appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Wake Park of the Year: Texas Ski Ranch

Camp/School of the Year: Freedom Wake Park

Retail Shop of the the Year: Wake Effects by Big Thunder

Marine Dealership of the Year: SouthTown Watersports

Sales Rep of the Year: Andrew Adkison – Connelly

Larry Meddock Award: Vince Castronovo – Wake the World

Watersports Innovation Awards

Centurion Fi25 – Sweet Surf Spectrum

Malibu Monsoon M6Di Engine

Roswell DropZone Auto Tower

Supreme Boats ZS Series Tapered-V Hull

Ronix RXT Wakeboard

Supra and Moomba AutoWake

Slingshot Hover Glide Wake Foil

Liquid Force Wakesurf Edge

Drop ‘n Fill v2.0

The post Water Sports Association Industry Announces Leadership Awards at Annual Summit appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

A movement that started four years ago as a way to inspire others to share their passion for towed watersports with new participants, #PassTheHandle has quickly grown into the largest movement in our industry.

Last winter, #PassTheHandle carved out a specific day dedicated to towed water sports enthusiasts south of the hemisphere. As the first Southern Hemisphere day, #PassTheHandle truly became a worldwide movement, encouraging participation throughout the community of boaters in Australia, South America and beyond.

This Sunday, December 10, 2017, please join us for the second annual #PassTheHandle Southern Hemisphere Day by teaching a first-timer to ride, ski or tube, and be sure to share your photos and videos through social media using the hashtag #PassTheHandle. It’s the best and easiest way to spread your love of watersports to the world.

If you have any questions regarding #PassTheHandle, e-mail info@wsia.net or visit wsia.net.

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With a worldwide mission to share the towed water sports experience with new participants, the fourth annual #PassTheHandle initiative is scheduled for July 23, 2017.

Four years ago, longtime towed water sports industry leader and #PassTheHandle co-founder, Zane Schwenk, conceptualized the idea with Shaun Murray to share their passion with first-timers on a larger scale. Since then, the initiative has grown significantly through word of mouth, social media and participation.

Continuing to spread awareness year after year, Schwenk is an active purveyor of the project. “The movement to spread the love of towed water sports has continued to grow and bring more happy faces to the water.” Initially, Schwenk was the driving force behind #PassTheHandle, but since the founding year, so many others have taken this mission on as their own. “Our industry, including dealers and the passionate people that love to share the sport have been amazing in their efforts to support #PassTheHandle. It’s like nothing I have ever seen before,” Schwenk said.

For the first time since its inception, #PassTheHandle carved out a specific day dedicated to towed water sports enthusiasts south of the hemisphere on December 11, 2016. Originally designed to be a worldwide movement, this first Southern Hemisphere day was a huge move in the right direction. With an extensive community of boaters in the Australasia and South American regions, it was a fantastic way to create awareness and participation throughout these locales.

WSIA Executive Director, Kevin Michael, has been managing the project over the last two years, and enjoys how #PassTheHandle fits into the WSIA wheelhouse. “When Zane and Shaun presented this idea to our board of directors, it was a no-brainer for us to support it. With our mission to promote and protect towed water sports, it is essential for us to get new participants on the water. As a lifelong participant myself, I look forward to sharing the love each year and the efforts are very rewarding. When I see the smile on the face of a first-timer, it reminds me of why I got so hooked myself.” If you have any questions regarding #PassTheHandle, e-mail info@wsia.net.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

Teach a first-timer (to ride, ski, tube, etc.) on July 23, 2017 and share your photos and videos on social media with the hashtag: #PassTheHandle

DEALERS, WAKE PARKS, SCHOOLS (and other ambitious individuals):

Take it to the next level and create your own #PassTheHandle event. Be sure to use our member benefits including WAIVERS and valuable advice found in WSIA’s EVENT MANAGEMENT RESOURCE GUIDE.

DONATE:

WSIA is able to grant seed money to wake parks and schools to fuel #PassTheHandle events where first-timers learn for free!

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