Updated July 2026
New Jersey Wakesurfing Rules
What the rule says
New Jersey rule N.J.A.C. 13:82-3.1, effective for the 2024 season, requires all power vessels conducting waterskiing operations including wake surfing to stay at least 200 feet from any wharf, marina, dock, pier, bridge structure, abutment, person in the water, other vessel, shore, navigation aid or mooring; the distance applies to the vessel, towline and rider. It is a statewide towed-watersports framework that expressly covers wake surfing; no depth or acreage thresholds.
Source: New Jersey State Police, Marine Services Bureau. 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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