Updated July 2026
Maryland Wakesurfing Rules
What the rule says
Maryland has no statewide wakesurfing-specific law. General rules prohibit wakeboarding/wake surfing within 100 feet of bridge pilings, docks, shore, boats or people; require an observer (12+) and PFDs for towed riders; and permit towing only sunrise to sunset. Speed and no-wake zones are designated by area. No wake-surf-specific depth/acreage thresholds.
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The linked statute or agency page is the authority — wake-sport law is changing quickly in many states, so confirm there before you ride.
Statewide rules are the floor, not the whole picture
Individual lakes routinely add stricter limits on top of the state rule — no-wake zones, time-of-day windows, horsepower caps, and wider shoreline setbacks are all set locally by counties, lake districts, and land managers. Check the local authority for the specific water before launching.
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