By Greg Baker, President, Lake Anna Civic Association - April 2025

Wake surfing has become one of Lake Anna’s most popular recreational activities—but it has also raised significant concerns among many residents. In fact, wake surfing remains one of the top issues reported by LACA members.

What Our Members Are Saying

According to LACA’s biennial surveys conducted in 2019, 2021, and 2023:

• 87% of respondents believe wake surfing should be limited to areas at least 900 feet wide.

• 83% support the creation of additional no wake surfing zones.

• 73% have experienced adverse effects from waves generated by wake surf boats.

These numbers reflect growing concerns about safety, shoreline erosion, property damage, and the broader environmental health of the lake.

The Science Behind Wake Surfing Wakes

Wake surf boats are engineered to produce large, powerful waves that allow riders to surf without a rope. However, these waves are significantly larger and more forceful than those produced by other water sports.

• A University of Quebec study found that surf boat wakes hitting the shore from 500 feet away were twice as destructive as wakes from water ski boats at the same distance.

• A University of Minnesota study showed that wakes from surf boats 600 feet away still generated more impact than water ski boats only 200 feet from shore.

Leading researchers in wake science—including Jeffrey Marr (University of Minnesota), Yves Prairie (University of Quebec), and Sebastien Raymond (University of Laval)—have independently concluded that wake surfing should take place at least 600 to 984 feet (300 meters) from shore to mitigate damage. The farther the wake is from the shoreline, the more its force is naturally dissipated.

Environmental Impacts and Algal Blooms

In addition to shoreline damage, wake surfing may be contributing to harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Anna. These blooms are driven in part by the release of phosphorus from disturbed lake sediment—a process accelerated by wake surf boats.

• Ballasted wake surf boats use heavy onboard tanks to generate larger wakes. These boats often operate low in the water, with downward-facing propellers that stir up sediment.

• A University of Western Colorado study found that surf boat propellers disturb lake bottoms even at depths of 20 feet, releasing phosphorus trapped in the sediment. 

Lake Anna has experienced recreational no-swim advisories for seven consecutive years, primarily in upper lake areas. Reducing activities that stir sediment and promote nutrient release is a key strategy in addressing these blooms.

Key Concerns Around Wake Surfing on Lake Anna

1. Shoreline erosion, especially in unprotected areas.

2. Damage to protective structures such as riprap and bulkheads.

3. Safety hazards for swimmers and people boarding boats at docks.

4. Incompatibility with fishing and other water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and water skiing.

5. Risk of smaller boats taking water over the bow when encountering large surf wakes.

6. Phosphorus release from disturbed sediment and shoreline erosion.

LACA’s Updated Policy

LACA has historically supported compromise on this issue, with prior recommendations including:

• 100-foot setbacks from shore for all towed sports.

• 200-foot setbacks specifically for wake surfing.

However, as boat technology has advanced --- and the science has become clearer—it’s evident that a 200-foot setback is no longer sufficient. After more than a year of board discussions, LACA’s board has unanimously adopted a new position:

LACA now supports a 500-foot setback for wake surfing in water at least 20 feet deep, while maintaining a 200-foot setback for all other towed water sports.

This policy reflects a balanced approach: allowing wake surfing to continue on Lake Anna, while safeguarding shorelines, property, and the broader ecosystem.

Education vs. Regulation

The Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA), which is a lobbying organization that represents the wake surf industry, has promoted educational efforts to encourage safe boating practices. These include:

• Avoiding narrow sections of the lake.

• Staying at least 200 feet from shore.

• Reducing repetitive passes in the same area.

LACA supports these educational campaigns. However, education alone has not resolved the issue. At public hearings, it’s common to hear wake surfing advocates downplay the damage their wakes cause or oppose even modest setbacks.

We believe that education must be paired with enforceable setbacks based on science. While WSIA supports 200-foot setbacks, most independent studies recommend significantly larger distances. Our view is that WSIA supports legislation with 200-foot setbacks in their own self-interest because they are keenly aware that the science points to much larger setbacks to protect the shorelines. We believe they are actively supporting codifying the less restrictive setbacks with the assumption that once a law requiring a 200-foot setback is on the books, it would be harder to change. 

Our Plan for Lake-Wide No Wake Surf Zones

LACA’s current initiative is to simplify enforcement and reduce confusion by proposing a lake-wide no wake surf zone in areas where:

• The lake is less than 20 feet deep, or

• It is not possible to surf 500 feet from shore.

LACA supported and still supports both regulatory restrictions and legislation for reasonable setbacks for wake surfing. From these efforts, three no wake surfing zones in the state were established by the Department of Wildlife Resources. I wrote a newsletter article in March of 2021 titled “A Brief History of Virginia’s Three No Wake Surfing Zones.”

Rather than scattering many small zones across the lake, this approach focuses on a few key areas that are most vulnerable. The proposed zones include:

• The upper Pamunkey Creek, northwest of Stubbs Bridge (consolidating three existing zones).

• The North Anna River, west of the narrowing where the lake is under 1,000 feet wide.

• The entirety of Contrary Creek.

• The back end of Pigeon Run.

This policy would still allow wake surfing on approximately 70% of Lake Anna’s length, from the North Anna Dam to the start of the restricted zones.

What’s Next?

Over the coming months, we’ll conduct our 2025 biennial survey to gather updated member input. In parallel, LACA is actively working to educate state elected representatives about the importance of a 500-foot setback for wake surfing.

We believe this policy strikes a thoughtful balance: allowing for safe, fun recreation while protecting the lake, our shoreline, and our community.

We welcome your feedback and thank you for your continued support in keeping Lake Anna safe, enjoyable, and sustainable for generations to come.

greg.baker@lakeannavirginia.org