Lake-Friendly Wake Tips

Wake Surfing

BoatIng_Wave 4_Joey Halvorson

If you're into wakesurfing, some recent research offers helpful insights to keep the fun going while staying safe and respectful of others on the water:

  • The University of Minnesota found that wakesurf boats require distances greater than 500 feet from the shoreline/docks and other boats (or the distance of a little less than 1.5 football fields) to decrease their wake wave characteristics to levels similar to the non-wakesurf boats.
  • Additional studies are pointing to an environmentally safe lake depth in the range of 20-26 feet. 

The Gull Lake Chain offers many good zones for wake surfing. Click on the links below to view printable maps prepared by the Crow Wing County Soil and Water District that show these zones in green hatchmarks. These maps represent a conservative 20 ft depth and will be updated as additional data is published. Always use navigation and lake buoy systems to avoid underwater rocks or other known obstacles.

Driving Personal Watercraft

Personal watercraft, such as jet skies, have specific wake guidelines under Minnesota law, which can be found in the Minnesota Boating Guide 2025.

  • Slow no-wake speed (5 mph or less) is required within 150 feet of nonmotorized boats, shore (unless launching or landing skiers directly to or from open water), docks, swim rafts, swimmers or any moored or anchored boat.
  • Do not weave through congested watercraft traffic or jump the wake of another watercraft within 150 feet of the watercraft, including another personal watercraft.

Pontoons And Other Boats

Boating_Dogs_Upper gull_Leah Stevens

Almost every motorboat can create a wake, so be aware of your wake. More info at Minnesota DNR “Own Your Wake".

  • Slow no-wake means operating your boat at the slowest possible speed necessary to maintain steerage, but in no case greater than 5 mph.
  • There is no required distance for boats, but by staying at least 200 feet from shore or other structures boaters can reduce the likelihood that their wake will cause damage.