How Late Can I Water Ski In Wisconsin?

Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes offer a variety of water skiing opportunities, but it is important to be aware of the restrictions and regulations that apply to water-based activities. The Wisconsin Water Ski Federation promotes water safety and good sportsmanship, while Recreational Skiing Wisconsin navigates boating laws and regulations, including who must have a Wisconsin boat license.

Water skiing, aquaplaning, and similar activities are prohibited from sunset to sunrise, but local ordinances may still limit the hours of water skiing between sunrise and sunset. A personal watercraft (PWC) cannot be operated between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., local time. PWC operators must always face forward and operate at slow, no-wake speeds.

There may be a delay between the time an ordinance is passed and the time it gets into our database, so it is essential to check with the boating experts at NBOA for the latest information on boating in Wisconsin. The following list of rules and regulations governing activities in and around Lake Ripley should be used as a general guide:

1. No person can operate a boat faster than slow no-wake between 6 p.m. and sunrise on Grass or Pine Lakes or 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. on Long Lake.

2. It is prohibited to operate a PWC between the hours of sunset and sunrise. The operator and all passengers of a PWC must wear a PFD.

3. When towing someone on a PWC, the operator must wear a PFD.