WAKESURF: Responsible stewards

Recent commentary from the group “River Friends” published in the Coeur d’Alene Press offers a misleading and incomplete assessment of responsible wakesurfing on the Spokane River.

In reality, the Spokane River has a tremendous safety record largely in part to robust enforcement by the sheriff’s department that has to balance their interpretation of the law for the greatest benefit and protection of our community and the department’s resources.

The boats that the “River Friends” would like to see banned from use on the Spokane River are generally wakesurfing boats. Wakesurfing boats are among the most modern and safest vessels on the river. Typical boat speeds remain at or below 11 mph, making their operation on average the slowest boats on the water.

Moreover, a recently conducted study on wake surfing by Endicott Fay found operating 200 feet from shore produced wakes that had limited impact on shorelines. Additionally, the study found that wakesurfing boat wakes dissipate quickly and have limited impact on shorelines compared to wind-driven waves.

The reality is that most wake surfers, like myself, are responsible stewards of our waters. We care about the safety of our operations and the responsible stewardship of our lakes and rivers. Most wake surfers are committed to ensuring that wakesurfing is done responsibly and with respect to our waters and our neighbors who enjoy the Spokane River.

TED and ANGELICA HUGHES

Post Falls