As a boater, it's important to understand and be conscious of the "wake" that your boat leaves behind as it cuts through the water at different speeds.
A wake is a V-shaped wave created by the displacement of the boat as it passes through the water. At higher speeds, the larger and heavier the boat, the larger the wake. But at a very slow speed, most boats create almost no wake.
No Wake Zones are marked by tall, slender white buoys that have the words “Slow No Wake” in black capital letters with the word "No" in an orange circle. Orange line boxes appear at the top and the bottom. These markers are located in areas of the lake where watercraft are required by law to move very slowly.
No-Wake Zones are in place to avoid hazards to boating safety such as:
- navigational hazards (narrow, shallow waters)
- areas of obstructed vision
- structures in the area, such as dams, bridges, trestles, power lines, and fueling docks
- designated recreational or swimming areas
- boat ramps
- fishing piers
- congested areas with high traffic (like marinas)
- areas with a history of accidents
In Texas, boaters are responsible for any damage caused by a wake, whether they are in a "no wake zone" or not. Large wakes can damage other boats or the people in them if a wake hits their boat hard enough.
Continuous wakes can cause damage to lakeside property in advancing erosion and damage to boat docks.
In 2022, the Brazos River Authority (BRA) changed the lake regulation of a no-wake speed when within 100 feet of the following:
- a shoreline
- a boathouse
- a dock
- other boats
- swimmers
- a downed skier or tubber
Some see this update as too controlling, while others see it for what it is: a safety precaution.
Wakes can be minimized by avoiding congested or confined areas, staying in the middle of the lake, and if equipped with ballast bags, draining them while traveling.
A wake loses its power the farther it travels. So, give other boats a lot of room while passing and SLOW DOWN.