SUMMARY REPORT DISCUSSION OF WAKEBOARDING AND WAKESURFING VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND INLAND FISHERIES JANUARY 24, 2017
BACKGROUND A meeting to discuss the appropriate use of wakeboarding and wakesurfing on Virginia s lakes was facilitated and convened at the DGIF headquarters building on Tuesday, January 24 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. This was the first of two planned meetings to discuss issues regarding community use of lakes within the commonwealth. Ultimately the goal is to hear from various lake residents, recreational users, and other stakeholders to foster diverse understanding and propose recommendations to DGIF regarding recreational use of sports that involve the creation of larger wakes. The following attendees participated: Name Allan Lassiter Barb Nocera Bruce Dumgan Charlie Sledd Christine Carlson Greg Baker Greg Cebula Jean McCormick Jim Wagnon Karl Holsten Ken Hayes Larry Meddock Libby Yranski Maureen Daniels Mike Klein Morgan Neuhoff Phillip Wright Randy Stow Ray Enslow Ryan Schuler (tech advice only) Representing Lake Anna Civic Association SML Regional Chamber of Commerce Virginia Safe Boating Alliance Former Boating Law Administrator, DGIF Volvo Penta HOA Kelly s Landing Spotsylvania County Lake Anna Advisory Council Regent Point Marina and Boatyard Spotsylvania County Smith Mountain Wake WSIA NMMA Lake Anna Civic Association Lake Gaston Water Safety Council Boat U.S. Kerr Lake Property Owner U.S. Power Squadrons Bridgewater Marina Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries Jim Burke, Ph.D. and Linda Pierce, MBA from the Performance Management Group (PMG) at Virginia Commonwealth University facilitated the session and together with Chyrelle Dorinsky (PMG) wrote this report. 1
DISCUSSION OF VIEWPOINTS After the welcome, introductions, and a thank you to everyone for participating in this discussion, Greg Cebula offered a PowerPoint that was used as part of the information supporting a Spotsylvania County resolution restricting wakesurfing activities. The presentation showed images of soil erosion on the banks and tree line of Lake Anna which Mr. Cebula attributed to excess wake activity. Several voiced their concerns about the erosion and the implications it has on the surrounding residents property while others questioned some of the images as biased in presentation. There were also images showing damage to pontoon boats and docks which were reported to be caused by the frequency of wakesurfing traffic on the lake. Following the presentation the group had a lively discussion on various viewpoints, pros and cons, of wakesurfing. The group did a nice job of discussing various implications of wakesurfing including the economic impact of the sport, interference with lake serenity, and many other ramifications. Some of the main points, both positive and negative, are noted below. It was noted that at the next meeting it would be helpful to have a certified soil erosion expert that can discuss the true cause of soil erosion due to wave activity on the lake. It was noted that it might also be helpful to defer focus on the vessel/ boats themselves and instead focus on the size of the wake and wave activity. Also, many participants noted that the vessel and how it is operated plays a significant role and education may be an important strategy. Some noted that the wake and the boat aren t causing the problem, but those driving the boat improperly and without regard are causing the problem. Below are some of the highlights of other key comments and speculations that were voiced: Human behavior is a main factor Education has been tried, but it s not always effective at getting the point across Launch a comprehensive education to talk directly to the wakesurfing community and athletes Keeping it 200 feet from shore for wakesurfing and 100 feet from shore for other towed sports instead of the current 50 feet regulation (note current 50 feet regulation does not specific shoreline) What is also the issue and precaution in place for the fish and not just on the erosion but also on the wildlife? Need to focus on this more as well You learn to water ski close to shore what are the effects of making a change and pushing all the traffic to the middle of the lake? Would this create more accidents with everyone is using the same space and real estate Maryland implemented the laws of 200 and 100 and it works well for them, they would make for a good model Figure out how to craft the message to get across to boaters and wakesurfers the appropriate safety measures and precautions Look at how to try and change the mental model, the majority of the general public doesn t recognize that there is actually a problem or a safety concern 2
It takes both education and regulation to bring about change We need a more marketing savvy approach that truly reaches the people about boating safety and regulations, i.e. social media campaigns, videos, etc. DEBRIEF AND CORE ISSUES After lunch the meeting reconvened with Larry Meddeck presenting an educational strategy that WSIA developed including a video with a noteworthy wakeboarder. Following the presentation, Jim and Linda divided the participants into four table groups of five to reflect on the following questions: What are the core issues? What are some short-term solutions? What are some long-term solutions? The table groups responses are as follows: GROUP ONE Core Issues: Wake size Proximity Frequency Safety Erosion Short-Term Solutions: Communication Education Police visibility 150 ft. regulation or law all tow sports and surfing statewide Education Pilot on Lake Anna the 150/250 rules GROUP TWO Core Issues: Lack of respect o From boater o Property owner 3
50 feet is not doing job o May limit boating if small channel o Do we target towed sports o Conflicting uses Short-Term Solutions Education (short/medium) & Public relations o Signage at boat ramps Lake Anna private ramps how do we sell this to them WSIA could help o Facebook & tweets Change no-wake rule for watersports to 100-200 ft. from obstacles and/or shoreline o Mitigate any negative from other boaters to changing 50 rules Respect o Adapting short classroom course to include being respectful o Also see if internet courses can be adapted medium o VA video on respect watch your wake-dgif resources Distribution media campaign o Need representative from millennials? GROUP THREE Core issues Economic effects Safety Property damage o Enforcement Fair usage Short Term Solutions: Education Emergency regulation Operation distance Media outreach Boaters & property owners Pilot program Lake Anna 100/200 Better communication w/ enforcement Regulation Legislation 4
GROUP FOUR Core Issues: Safety Quality of life for homeowners Shoreline erosion Economic impact o Property damage Operator behavior/ attitude Distance Fair use of waterway Short-Term Solutions: Education o Awareness o Consideration Community collaboration o Buy in o Play by the rules Make Lake Anna a pilot case o Regulation change Continual education Various social media Assessment of regulation change The day ended with all participants committing to another meeting for February to further the discussion and make implementations to the recommendations suggested from the day. Clearly, there are still some remaining differences of opinion, but there was a very strong commitment to reasonable safety standards, managing conflicting interests in a shared space, and a strong preference for education and the development of mores and customs over laws. At the same time, there seems to be an agreement on reasonable regulation. The point to which that regulation extends (e.g., 100 feet vs. 150 feet vs. up to 250 feet from shore) however, remains a point of difference among some participants. 5