Five Canandaigua Lake marinas are joining a new campaign that asks wakesurfing boat operators to remain at least 500 feet from shore, use water at least 20 feet deep and avoid repeated passes in the same area.
The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association's WakeSmart campaign is intended to reduce shoreline erosion, lakebed disturbance and the release of nutrients that can contribute to harmful algal blooms.
Three practices aim to reduce wake damage
The campaign's first recommendation, Give Space, asks operators to remain 500 feet from shorelines, docks and other boats. That voluntary guideline is more restrictive than the existing state rule for Canandaigua and Keuka lakes, which generally imposes a 5 mph limit within 200 feet of shore, docks, rafts, floats and anchored vessels.
Stay Deep asks wakesurfers to use water at least 20 feet deep. On Canandaigua Lake, the association recommends operating south of the Canandaigua Yacht Club and Butler Road and north of Smith Boys Marina while avoiding the shallow north and south ends.
Change Course asks boaters not to make repeated passes through the same area. The association says powerful turbulence can disturb bottom sediment, release phosphorus, stimulate algae growth and uproot aquatic plants.
Marinas distribute guidance to boaters
Canandaigua BoatWorks, German Brothers Marina, Seager Marine and Freedom Boat Club, Smith Boys and Sutter's Marina are distributing WakeSmart cards and posters and have briefed dock employees about the campaign.
Wakeboats use ballast and propulsion to push the hull deeper into the water and create large waves for riders. The association says those waves carry more energy and travel farther than conventional boat wakes, increasing potential impacts when vessels operate close to shore or in shallow water.
The association has published a recommended wakesports-zone map and additional guidance on its website. It says the campaign is designed to let boaters continue enjoying wake sports while protecting water quality, docks, shorelines and the lake's recreational economy.
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