Updated July 2026
New Hampshire Wakesurfing Rules
What the rule says
New Hampshire's SB 431, effective January 1, 2025, prohibits wake surfing on bodies of water less than 50 acres, within 200 feet of a shoreline or other boats, or on portions of water less than 400 feet wide, and requires that the motorboat's propulsion system be manufacturer-designed for the activity. The Department of Safety promotes wake-surf best practices through boater education. A separate bill to add a larger shore-distance setback was defeated in 2024.
Source: New Hampshire Department of Safety, Marine Patrol. 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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