1. A Literature Review of Wake Boat Effects on Aquatic Habitat — Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 2023

This is a scientific literature review prepared by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). While it is not itself a peer-reviewed journal article, it evaluates and summarizes approximately twenty prior scientific and peer-reviewed studies concerning wake boats and their impacts on inland lakes.

The report concluded that modern wake boats operating in wake-surfing mode generate substantially larger and more energetic waves than traditional recreational boats. The study found that these wakes can require between 400 and more than 1,000 feet to dissipate to normal boating-wave levels. Based on the available science, the Michigan DNR recommended that wake surfing occur at least 500 feet from shore and in water at least 15 feet deep.

The report also highlighted concerns regarding shoreline erosion, sediment resuspension, aquatic vegetation damage, water clarity, and nutrient release from lake bottoms. These findings are especially relevant to lakes like Lake Anna, where many narrower residential areas may not meet the recommended distance and depth standards identified in the study.

2. A Field Study of Recreational Powerboat Hydrodynamics and their Impacts on the Water Column and Lakebed — University of Minnesota / SAFL, 2025

This is a scientific field study conducted by the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) at the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering. The study combined prior scientific research with real-world field testing using seven different recreational boats to directly measure wake impacts, propeller turbulence, sediment disturbance, and lakebed effects.

The study concluded that wake boats operating in wake-surfing mode caused greater sediment disturbance and water-column impacts than traditional recreational boats. Researchers found that wake surfing could disturb lake bottoms at deeper depths, keep sediment suspended in the water longer, and increase nutrient resuspension that may contribute to harmful algal blooms (HABs) and reduced water clarity.

Based on its findings, the study recommended that wake surfing occur only in water at least 20 feet deep in order to reduce shoreline, lakebed, and water-quality impacts. The report is especially important because it involved direct field measurements rather than only theoretical modeling or literature review.

3. A Field Study of Maximum Wave Height, Total Wave Energy, and Maximum Wave Power Produced by Four Recreational Boats on a Freshwater Lake — Marr et al., SAFL, 2022

This is a scientific field study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL). The study directly measured and compared the wave height, wave energy, and wave power produced by four different types of recreational boats operating on a freshwater lake.

The researchers found that wake boats operating in wake-surfing mode produced substantially larger and more powerful waves than traditional recreational boats. The study documented that wake-surfing waves contained significantly greater total wave energy and wave power, meaning the wakes travel farther and have greater potential to impact shorelines, docks, aquatic habitat, and nearby property.

The study is important because it relied on direct field measurements rather than theoretical estimates. Its findings support concerns that wake-surfing activity in narrower or residential areas can create shoreline and environmental impacts far greater than traditional boating activity.

4. Project Evaluation of the Impact of Waves Created by Wake Boats on the Shores of Lakes Memphremagog and Lovering — Mercier-Blais & Prairie, 2014

This is a scientific field study conducted in Quebec, Canada, evaluating the impacts of wake-surfing and wakeboarding waves on lake shorelines and nearshore environments. The researchers measured wave height, wave energy, and sediment disturbance caused by wake boats operating under real-world conditions.

The study found that wake-surfing waves travel long distances before dissipating and can create substantially greater shoreline impacts than traditional recreational boating. Researchers also documented sediment resuspension and increased turbidity caused by wake-surfing activity, particularly in shallower water and nearshore areas.

One of the study’s key conclusions was that wake boats should operate far from shorelines in order to reduce shoreline erosion and environmental impacts. The findings support concerns that narrower residential areas may not provide sufficient distance for wake energy to dissipate safely before reaching shorelines and docks.

5. Wave Wake Study: HB4099 Motorboat Working Group — MacFarlane, 2018

This is a technical wake study prepared for the Australian Motorboat Club’s HB4099 Motorboat Working Group. The study evaluated and compared the wake energy produced by wake-surfing boats and more traditional recreational boats under controlled operating conditions.

The study found that wake-surfing boats generated significantly greater wave energy and larger wakes than conventional recreational boating activities. The report concluded that substantial distances are required for these wakes to dissipate and referenced operating distances of at least 400 feet from shorelines in order to reduce shoreline impacts and safety concerns.

The study is important because it provides additional real-world measurements showing that wake-surfing waves behave differently than ordinary recreational boat wakes. Its findings support concerns regarding shoreline erosion, dock impacts, and repeated wave loading in narrower or residential waterways.

6. Wakesurfing: Some Wakes Are More Equal Than Others — Ruprecht et al., 2015

This is a scientific study examining how different recreational boating activities produce different types and sizes of wakes. The researchers compared wakes generated by traditional recreational boats with those created by boats operating in wake-surfing mode.

The study found that wake-surfing boats produced substantially larger and more energetic wakes than ordinary recreational boating activities. Researchers concluded that wake-surfing waves persist longer, travel farther, and carry significantly greater energy capable of increasing shoreline impacts and environmental stress.

The findings support concerns that wake surfing should occur farther from shorelines and in areas where wave energy has sufficient distance to dissipate before reaching docks, shorelines, swimmers, or nearshore habitat.

7. Wakesurfing, Wakeboarding, and Waterskiing: A Comparison of Wake Characteristics — Macfarlane, 2025

This is a peer-reviewed scientific study published in River Research and Applications comparing the wake characteristics produced by wakesurfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, and traditional recreational boating activities. The study evaluated wave height, wave energy, and wake behavior from different recreational boating activities and compared how those wakes interact with shorelines and waterways.

The study found that wakesurfing produces substantially larger and more energetic wakes than traditional watersports and ordinary recreational boating. The researchers concluded that wakesurfing waves persist longer, travel farther, and maintain greater energy as they move across the water. The study also emphasized that wake impacts are influenced by shoreline configuration, water depth, and the width of the waterway.

The study is especially important because it directly compares wakesurfing to other common recreational boating activities and confirms that wakesurfing produces uniquely large and energetic waves. The findings support concerns that wake surfing may not be appropriate in narrower residential waterways where wake energy does not have sufficient distance to dissipate before reaching shorelines, docks, swimmers, or nearshore habitat.

8. Characterization of Wake-Sport Wakes and Their Potential Impact on Shorelines — Goudey & Girod, 2015

This is an engineering analysis commissioned and funded by the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA), the primary trade organization representing the wake-sports industry. The study examined the size, energy, attenuation, and shoreline impacts of wakes produced by wake-sport boats operating in wakeboarding and wakesurfing modes. Please note that this is not a peer-reviewed academic study.

The study confirmed that wake-surfing boats generate substantially larger and more energetic wakes than traditional recreational boats. The researchers found that wake-sport waves differ significantly from ordinary recreational boat wakes and have a greater potential to contribute to shoreline erosion, repeated wave loading on docks and structures, and disturbance of nearshore aquatic environments.

The WSIA later relied on this work to support recommendations that wake surfing occur at least 200 feet from shorelines and docks under certain conditions. However, later independent scientific studies and government reviews — including Michigan DNR 2023, SAFL 2025, Lake Rabun 2021, and Macfarlane 2025 — generally reached more protective conclusions supporting substantially greater setbacks and deeper-water operation, particularly on narrower or residential lakes.

The study remains important because it is frequently cited by wake-surfing advocates while simultaneously acknowledging that wake-surfing waves are substantially different from traditional boating wakes and can create greater shoreline and environmental impacts.

9. Boat Wake Impact Analysis, Lake Rabun and Lake Burton, Georgia — Water Environmental Consultants, 2021

This is a technical engineering study prepared by Water Environmental Consultants evaluating the impacts of wake-surfing activity on Lake Rabun and Lake Burton in Georgia. The study analyzed wake height, wave energy, shoreline impacts, and the distance required for wake-surfing waves to dissipate.

The report found that wake-surfing boats can generate waves substantially larger and more energetic than naturally occurring wind waves or traditional recreational boating activity. In some cases, the study found that wake-surfing waves measured at 100 feet from the boat exceeded typical wind-wave energy by very large margins. The report also concluded that these wakes may require several hundred feet to dissipate to more normal wave conditions.

The study supports concerns that wake-surfing activity in narrower or residential sections of lakes can create increased shoreline erosion, dock stress, and repeated wave impacts before wake energy has sufficient distance to dissipate naturally.

10. Analyzing Threats to Water Quality Caused by Motorized Recreation on Payette Lake, Idaho — Ray, 2020

This is a graduate research thesis prepared by Alex Ray at Western Colorado University examining how motorized recreational boating, including wake boats, can impact water quality and shoreline conditions on Payette Lake in Idaho. The study reviewed boating activity, wave impacts, sediment disturbance, and environmental concerns associated with modern wake boats.

The study concluded that wake boats operating in wake-surfing mode generate substantially greater wave energy and propeller turbulence than traditional recreational boats. The report identified concerns related to shoreline erosion, sediment resuspension, water clarity degradation, and nutrient release from lake bottoms, particularly in shallow or nearshore areas.

The study is important because it specifically examined wake-surfing impacts on a real inland recreational lake and supported recommendations that wake surfing occur farther from shorelines and in deeper water where environmental impacts can be reduced.

11. Numerical Study of the Impact of Wake-Surfing on Inland Bodies of Water — Fay, Gunderson & Anderson, 2022

This is a scientific modeling study published in the Journal of Water Resource and Protection and funded by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), a trade organization representing the recreational boating industry. The researchers used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and hydrodynamic modeling to evaluate how wake-surfing boats affect inland lakes, including wave energy, sediment disturbance, and shoreline impacts.

The study concluded that environmental impacts from wake surfing are minimized when wake-surfing boats operate at least 200 feet from shore and in water at least 10 feet deep. The NMMA has frequently cited this study in support of 200-foot setback recommendations for wake surfing.

Unlike later SAFL and University of Minnesota studies, however, this research relied primarily on computer simulations rather than direct real-world field measurements. Later independent field studies — including Michigan DNR 2023, SAFL 2022, SAFL 2025, and the Lake Rabun engineering analysis — reached more protective conclusions and supported substantially greater setbacks and deeper-water operation, particularly on narrower or residential lakes.

The NMMA CFD study remains important because it represents the principal scientific basis for the boating industry’s recommended 200-foot setback standard and provides a useful comparison to later field-measurement studies supporting larger setbacks and deeper-water operation.

11a. Technical Critique of the NMMA CFD Wake-Surfing Study — 2024

This is a technical engineering critique evaluating the methodology and conclusions of the NMMA-funded CFD wake-surfing study conducted by Fay, Gunderson & Anderson (2022). The critique reviews the assumptions used in the computer modeling study and evaluates whether those assumptions accurately reflect real-world lake conditions and wake-surfing activity.

The critique argues that the NMMA study relied heavily on computer simulations and simplified assumptions that may not accurately represent narrower residential lakes, repeated boat passes, shoreline reflections, variable lake depths, or cumulative wake impacts over time. The review also questions whether the study adequately accounted for shoreline erosion, sediment resuspension, repeated wave loading, and real-world boating behavior.

The critique is important because it highlights the growing divide between industry-supported CFD modeling studies and later independent field-measurement studies. The critique notes that more recent field studies — including Michigan DNR 2023, SAFL 2022, SAFL 2025, and the Lake Rabun engineering analysis — generally supported more protective setbacks and deeper-water operation than the NMMA study recommended.

Including this critique provides important context because it demonstrates that significant scientific and technical disagreement exists regarding the NMMA study’s conclusions and the adequacy of a 200-foot setback standard for wake surfing.

12. Impact of Lake Navigation — Sediment Suspension Study: Lake Masson and Sand Lake Cases — Raymond & Galvez-Cloutier, 2015

This is a scientific study conducted by researchers associated with Laval University examining how recreational boating activity affects sediment suspension and water clarity in inland lakes. The study focused on how boat-generated waves and turbulence disturb bottom sediments and increase turbidity in nearshore areas.

The researchers found that repeated boating activity can resuspend bottom sediments into the water column, particularly in shallower water and nearshore environments. The study documented increased turbidity and sediment disturbance associated with boat traffic and concluded that larger wakes and stronger propeller turbulence increase the potential for environmental impacts.

The findings are especially relevant to wake surfing because wake boats generate substantially larger waves and stronger propeller wash than traditional recreational boats. The study supports concerns that wake surfing in shallow or confined waterways may contribute to sediment resuspension, reduced water clarity, shoreline impacts, and degradation of nearshore aquatic habitat.

13. Low-Speed Boating: Managing the Wave — Keller, 2017

This is an educational and technical article published by the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS), an organization focused on lake science and water-quality management. The article explains how boating activity — including wake-surfing and other low-speed wake-producing activities — can affect shorelines, water quality, and lake ecosystems.

The article emphasizes that slower boat speeds do not necessarily mean smaller impacts. In fact, wake-surfing boats operating at lower speeds are specifically designed to generate larger, more powerful waves. The article explains that these larger wakes can contribute to shoreline erosion, sediment disturbance, dock damage, and stress on nearshore aquatic habitat if operated too close to shorelines.

The article is useful because it translates complex wake and wave science into practical, understandable terms for lake communities and policymakers. It reinforces the importance of operating larger wake-producing boats farther from shore and in appropriate areas where wake energy can dissipate safely.

14. Draft Wake Boat & Wakesurf Study — Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), 2026

This is a draft government technical review prepared by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). It was released for public comment in March 2026, with a final version expected later in 2026. Because it is still a draft, it should not be described as a final agency report or peer-reviewed academic study.

The draft review evaluates scientific research, stakeholder comments, safety concerns, shoreline impacts, water-quality issues, and regulatory approaches related to wake boats and wakesurfing. The draft states that wake boats operating in wakesurfing mode generate larger and more powerful wakes than traditional motorized boating and other towed watersports.

The draft also discusses the differing setback and depth recommendations found in current wake-surfing research, including industry-supported recommendations of approximately 200 feet from shore and 10 feet of water depth, as well as later independent studies supporting substantially greater setbacks and deeper-water operation. The review notes that shoreline configuration, lake width, water depth, and repeated wave exposure are important factors when evaluating wake-surfing impacts.

The draft is useful because it demonstrates that another state natural resource agency is actively reviewing the same scientific and policy issues now being debated at Lake Anna. It also recognizes concerns involving shoreline stability, aquatic habitat, water quality, infrastructure, and conflicts with other waterway users.

15. Physical Impacts of Wind and Boat Traffic on Clear Lake, Iowa — Anthony & Downing, 2003

This is a peer-reviewed scientific study published in the Journal of Freshwater Ecology. The researchers examined how both natural wind-driven waves and recreational boat traffic contribute to sediment disturbance, turbidity, and shoreline impacts on Clear Lake, Iowa.

The study found that recreational boat traffic can significantly increase sediment resuspension and turbidity, particularly in shallow-water areas. Researchers observed that boating activity can disturb bottom sediments and negatively affect water clarity beyond what would naturally occur from wind and weather alone.

The findings are relevant to wake surfing because modern wake boats generate substantially larger wakes and greater wave energy than traditional recreational boats. The study supports concerns that repeated wake-surfing activity in shallow or residential areas may increase shoreline erosion, sediment disturbance, and long-term water-quality impacts.

16. The Effects of Motorized Watercraft on Aquatic Ecosystems — Asplund, 2000

This is a scientific review paper prepared for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by researcher Timothy Asplund. The report summarizes decades of scientific research examining how recreational motorized boating affects inland lake ecosystems, including shoreline erosion, sediment resuspension, aquatic vegetation, fish habitat, turbidity, and water quality.

The report found that repeated boating activity — especially in shallow or nearshore areas — can significantly disturb aquatic ecosystems. Larger wakes and stronger propeller turbulence were associated with increased sediment suspension, reduced water clarity, shoreline erosion, and damage to aquatic vegetation that serves as important habitat for fish and wildlife.

The study is especially relevant to wake surfing because modern wake boats generate substantially larger waves and stronger propeller turbulence than traditional recreational boats. The report supports the conclusion that larger wake-producing activities should operate farther from shorelines and in deeper water to reduce environmental and shoreline impacts.

17. Effects of Motor Boats on Submerged Aquatic Macrophytes — Asplund & Cook, 1997

This is a peer-reviewed scientific study published in the Journal of Freshwater Ecology. The researchers examined how recreational motorboat activity affects submerged aquatic vegetation (macrophytes), which plays an important role in maintaining healthy lake ecosystems by stabilizing sediments, improving water quality, and providing habitat for fish and wildlife.

The study found that repeated boating activity can damage or reduce aquatic plant growth through wave action, sediment disturbance, and propeller turbulence. Areas experiencing heavier boat traffic showed measurable impacts on plant abundance and distribution. The researchers concluded that boating activity in shallow and nearshore areas can significantly alter aquatic vegetation and habitat conditions.

The findings are especially relevant to wake surfing because modern wake boats generate substantially larger wakes and stronger propeller turbulence than traditional recreational boats. The study supports concerns that repeated wake-surfing activity in shallow or residential areas may contribute to aquatic vegetation loss, sediment resuspension, reduced water clarity, and broader ecological impacts to inland lakes.

18. Relative Importance of Recreational Boat Wakes on an Inland Lake — Houser, Smith & Lilly, 2021

This is a peer-reviewed scientific study published in Lake and Reservoir Management. The researchers examined how much recreational boat wakes contribute to total wave energy on an inland lake and evaluated the potential effects on shorelines and nearshore environments.

The study found that recreational boat wakes can account for a substantial portion of total nearshore wave energy, particularly during periods of heavy boating activity. Researchers concluded that repeated boat wakes can significantly influence shoreline erosion, sediment transport, and shoreline stress beyond what would naturally occur from wind-generated waves alone.

The findings are especially relevant to wake surfing because wake boats generate substantially larger and more energetic wakes than traditional recreational boats. The study supports concerns that repeated wake-surfing activity in confined or residential areas may increase shoreline erosion, repeated wave loading on docks and structures, and environmental stress on nearshore habitat.

19. Experimental Measurements of River-Bank Erosion Caused by Boat-Generated Waves — Nanson et al., 1994

*This link is to the abstract. The full study is behind a paywall.

This is a peer-reviewed scientific study published in Regulated Rivers: Research & Management. The researchers conducted field measurements to evaluate how boat-generated waves contribute to riverbank erosion and shoreline degradation.

The study found that repeated boat-generated waves can produce measurable erosion of shorelines and riverbanks, particularly in confined waterways where wave energy repeatedly strikes the shoreline without sufficient distance to dissipate. The researchers concluded that wave height, wave frequency, and repeated wave loading are important factors influencing erosion rates.

The findings are especially relevant to wake surfing because modern wake boats generate substantially larger and more energetic waves than traditional recreational boats. The study supports concerns that repeated wake-surfing activity near shorelines or in narrower waterways can accelerate shoreline erosion and increase stress on docks, banks, and nearshore habitat.

20. Review of Boat Wake Wave Impacts on Shoreline Erosion and Potential Solutions for the Chesapeake Bay — Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), 2017

This is a scientific and technical review prepared for the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC). The report evaluates existing scientific research concerning boat-generated wakes, shoreline erosion, sediment transport, water quality, and environmental impacts in shallow and confined waterways.

The review found that repeated boat-generated waves can contribute to shoreline erosion, increased turbidity, sediment resuspension, and degradation of nearshore aquatic habitat. The report emphasized that wave impacts are often greater in narrow or shallow waterways where wake energy does not have sufficient distance to dissipate before reaching shorelines.

The report is especially relevant to wake surfing because wake-surfing boats generate substantially larger and more energetic wakes than traditional recreational boats. The findings support concerns that repeated wake-surfing activity in residential or confined waterways may increase shoreline stress, erosion, and environmental impacts beyond those associated with ordinary recreational boating.

The study is important because it synthesizes broader shoreline and wake-impact science into a practical policy-oriented review for regulators and lake-management officials. It reinforces the principle that shoreline configuration, water depth, and wave attenuation distance are critical factors when evaluating wake-related impacts.

21. Changes in Phosphorus Concentrations Due to Mixing by Motorboats in Shallow Lakes — Yousef, McLellon & Zebuth, 1980
*This link is to the abstract. The full study is behind a paywall.

This is a peer-reviewed scientific study published in Water Research examining how motorboat activity affects phosphorus concentrations and sediment disturbance in shallow lakes. The researchers studied how boat-generated turbulence and propeller wash can mix bottom sediments into the water column.

The study found that motorboat activity can significantly increase phosphorus concentrations by disturbing and resuspending bottom sediments. Because phosphorus is often a key nutrient controlling algae growth in freshwater systems, the researchers concluded that boating activity in shallow lakes can contribute to degraded water quality and increased algal growth.

The findings are especially relevant to wake surfing because modern wake boats generate substantially greater propeller turbulence and wave energy than traditional recreational boats. The study supports concerns that repeated wake-surfing activity in shallow or nearshore waters may increase nutrient resuspension, reduce water clarity, and contribute to harmful algal blooms (HABs).

 

22. The Effects of Pleasure-Boat Traffic on Macrophyte Growth in Canals — Murphy & Eaton, 1983

*This link is to the abstract. The full study is behind a paywall, but can be read online by setting up an account. 

This is a peer-reviewed scientific study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology examining how recreational pleasure-boat traffic affects aquatic plant growth in canal systems. The researchers studied the impacts of repeated boat-generated waves and water turbulence on submerged aquatic vegetation.

The study found that heavy recreational boat traffic can negatively affect aquatic plant growth by increasing water turbulence, sediment disturbance, and physical stress on vegetation. Areas exposed to greater boating activity experienced measurable reductions in aquatic plant abundance and health.

The findings are especially relevant to wake surfing because modern wake boats generate substantially larger wakes and stronger propeller turbulence than traditional recreational boats. The study supports concerns that repeated wake-surfing activity in shallow or nearshore environments may contribute to aquatic vegetation loss, increased sediment resuspension, and degradation of important nearshore habitat.

23. The Effects of Wake Boats on Lake Ecosystem Health — Wisconsin Green Fire, 2024

This is a scientific review report prepared by Wisconsin Green Fire, an organization composed of scientists, natural resource professionals, and environmental experts. The report evaluates existing scientific research concerning the environmental impacts of modern wake boats on inland lake ecosystems.

The report concluded that wake boats operating in wake-surfing mode can contribute to shoreline erosion, sediment resuspension, aquatic vegetation damage, water-quality degradation, fish and wildlife habitat disturbance, and the spread of aquatic invasive species. The report also emphasized that wake boats generate substantially larger wakes and stronger propeller turbulence than traditional recreational boats, increasing the potential for environmental impacts in shallow or nearshore areas.

The study is particularly important because it synthesizes a broad range of existing scientific literature into a practical policy-focused review for lake communities and regulators. The report supports recommendations that wake surfing occur farther from shorelines and in deeper, open-water areas where wake energy and propeller turbulence can dissipate more safely.

24. Volume and Contents of Residual Water in Recreational Watercraft Ballast Systems — Campbell et al., 2016

This is a peer-reviewed scientific study published in Management of Biological Invasions examining how much water remains inside ballast systems used on recreational boats after draining. The researchers studied ballast tanks and plumbing systems commonly used on wake boats and other ballast-equipped recreational vessels.

The study found that ballast systems can retain significant amounts of residual water even after draining procedures are completed. Researchers estimated that wake boats may retain enough water to transport aquatic invasive species, pathogens, algae, and microscopic organisms between lakes and waterways.

 

The study is important because modern wake-surfing boats commonly rely on ballast systems to create larger wakes. While this study does not focus on shoreline erosion or wave energy, it highlights an additional environmental concern associated with wake boats that is generally not present to the same degree with traditional recreational boats lacking ballast systems.

The findings support concerns that wake boats may contribute not only to shoreline and sediment impacts, but also to the spread of invasive species and biological contamination between inland lakes and waterways.

 

25. Eco-geomorphological Impacts of Vessel-Generated Wakes — Houser & George, 2026

*This link is to the abstract/access page. The full study is behind a paywall.

This is a peer-reviewed scientific review article published in the Journal of Environmental Management examining how vessel-generated wakes affect shorelines, sediment transport, and aquatic environments. The study reviewed field studies, laboratory research, and hydrodynamic modeling concerning shoreline erosion and sediment disturbance caused by boat-generated waves.

The review concluded that repeated vessel wakes can significantly influence shoreline erosion, sediment resuspension, and nearshore habitat conditions, particularly in shallow or confined waterways where wake energy has limited opportunity to dissipate naturally. The study also noted that vessel-generated wakes can alter sediment movement patterns and increase environmental stress on shoreline ecosystems.

The findings are especially relevant to wake surfing because wake-surfing boats generate substantially larger and more energetic wakes than traditional recreational boats. The review supports concerns that repeated wake-surfing activity in narrower residential waterways may increase shoreline erosion, repeated wave loading, and sediment disturbance beyond naturally occurring wind-wave conditions.

The study is important because it synthesizes a broad body of scientific literature into a modern review of how vessel wakes affect aquatic environments and shoreline systems.