Wake For It!

Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL) had a Valentine's Day victory on February 14 when the Vermont Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (LCAR) voted to manage wake sports on Vermont’s water bodies. You can read more about the approval and the proposed laws at this link.

Similar discussions have been underway in New Hampshire for some time. Powerboats are currently required operate at "no wake" speed within 150 feet of shore. Proposals for limitations on wake boats range from restricting wakes to areas at least 200 to 500 feet off-shore based on studies of erosion impacts on the shoreline from the waves. Areas less than 20 deep would also be excluded for wake boats in wake sports mode.

What would a 500 foot offset look like on Opechee? The drawing at right is approximate but shows that wake would be prohibited in much of the northern end of the lake where the lake is not only narrow but the water is shallow exacerbating the carry of thew waves.

While LOPA believes that everyone should be able to enjoy Opechee, we're also in favor of protecting the shoreline and smaller vessels from the impacts of large wakes. Stay tuned for more news of New Hampshire legislation efforts in this area.