Wakesurfing - Illegal in PA?

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  • slf144
    • Mar 2008
    • 6

    • Butler, PA


    Wakesurfing - Illegal in PA?

    We have been wakesurfing all summer and have not seen the fish & boat commission. My sister was surfing on Saturday and they were pulled over for surfing. PA law says you must have 20' rope, which they did, but surfer was not at least 20' behind the boat. Does anyone from PA have any information or have you had a problem? We really like this sport and don't want to see it banned in PA.
  • zapada
    • Jul 2008
    • 112

    • Sun Valley, ID


    #2
    RE: Wakesurfing - Illegal in PA?

    There are claims out there that people have been poisoned by the exhaust from the boat while "body surfing". Seems rediculous because there is probably more exhaust toxins while crossing the street in a busy downtown intersection.

    Anyway, sounds like someone either has a serious missunderstanding or this is another prime example of political over-kill. I've never heard of the 20' rope rule, but I have heard of places trying to ban body surfing specifically. Good luck, you should probably contact the boating agency there and start a petition to remove the regulation for surfing, etc.

    Someone with the right instruments should actually try and measure the exhaust at various distances behing the boat and then do the same thing downtown.

    Comment

    • SquamInboards
      Senior Member of PLANETNAUTIQUE
      • Sep 2005
      • 397

      • Squam Lake, NH

      • '82 2001 '84 2001 '86 2001 '98 NSS '87 American Skier

      #3
      RE: Wakesurfing - Illegal in PA?

      Some Centurion boats have switchable exhaust so you can direct the exhaust to the side opposite your surf preference... do any other boats have this? I do have to agree that 10 feet back or whatever, even without switchable exhaust, you don't get much for fumes...
      How 'bout a little reverse action...

      Comment

      • Latonkaboarder
        Senior Member of PLANETNAUTIQUE
        • Jul 2007
        • 372

        • Mercer, Pennsylvania

        • 81 Ski Nautique when growing up 2007 SANTE 210 2008 SANTE 210

        #4
        RE: Wakesurfing - Illegal in PA?

        The 20' rope law is true for PA. I know some of the fish commision guys are still writing tickets whether you are using a 20' rope or not. It has been beaten in court. I would not pay the fine, I'd fight it. I have a buddy who also got a ticket for surfing but the officer wrote him a citation for not using a rope. I will give him a call and see what came out on it. I don't think most of the PA fish commision officers know the actual law so they just write a ticket and hope it sticks or won't be fought in court.
        Current: 08 Super Air 210 Team
        Previous: 07 Super Air 210 Team
        Previous: 02 MC Pro Star 197

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        • nautique210
          • Nov 2004
          • 150

          • Pennsylvania


          #5
          RE: Wakesurfing - Illegal in PA?

          Here is an update for all of you that are in PA. Hopefully this works out, and we can all wakesurf in peace.


          WAKE SURFING NOT ILLEGAL – IT’S IN LIMBO
          08/22/2008

          Many of you wakesurfing enthusiasts have been stopped by officers of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission this summer. Everyone is confused about this new watersport, including the Commission itself. The officers are applying rules that don’t really apply at all. That’s because there are no rules written specifically for this sport. There are many states that have approved wakesurfing and a few that haven’t.

          There will be a special meeting of the Fish and Boat Commission in Harrisburg on September 24, 2008. Mike DeVoge has been invited to attend this meeting as an advocate of the sport. His intention will be to convince the Commission that wakesurfing is safe. There are likely to be some regulations such as; Inboard boats only, no one on platform or sun lounge when boat is underway, etc. However, we are optimistic that wakesurfing will be legal in the near future. If you have concerns about interaction you may have had with an officer recently, call (814-382-3255) or e-mail (Michael@navcompany.com) Mike before September 22, 2008. He would like to have your input.
          2007 210 TE - Maiden voyage 4/25/2008!
          2003 Super Air Nautique all white/blue stripe
          2002 Super Air Nautique white hull/red & black stripe
          1990 Ski Nautique grey hull/red & black stripe
          1987 Ski Nautique cream hull/blue stripe
          1984 Ski Nautique grey/black & grey stripes
          1984 Ski Nautique biegh/brown stripes
          1977 Ski Nautique white/blue letters

          Comment

          • 8122pbrainard
            • Jul 2007
            • 255

            • Unknown


            #6
            RE: Wakesurfing - Illegal in PA?

            There is talk about banning it in the state of Wisconsin but it's not from a safety issue. It's the shoreline errosion it's causing from extream ballested boats. It's up in the air at this point because there are people that feel boarding should be included!!!

            ATV's are getting banned all over due to the damage they do!

            Comment

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