Michigan Lawmakers Experience Wakesurfing Firsthand During On-Water Demonstrations

Last week, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), in partnership with the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), hosted Michigan lawmakers for an on-water wakesurfing demonstration. The demonstrations gave lawmakers a firsthand look at wakesurfing and the industry's efforts to advance responsible boating through education while preserving access to Michigan's public waterways.

On August 18, NMMA and MBIA joined Action Water Sports on Green Lake in Caledonia, Michigan. Attendees included Rep. Angela Rigas and Kyle Terpstra, district director for Sen. Roger Victory. Both received a firsthand look at wake boat technologies and onboard systems. The demonstration provided an opportunity to educate policymakers on how wake boats operate, responsible wakesurfing practices, and the industry's commitment to safe and shared use of Michigan's waterways. The demonstration also opened a discussion about misconceptions surrounding wake boats and legislative and regulatory proposals that would unnecessarily restrict responsible boating and limit access to Michigan's public waterways.

On August 19, NMMA and MBIA joined Silver Spray Sports at their showroom and marina on Silver Lake in Fenton, Michigan. NMMA, MBIA, and Silver Spray emphasized the industry's commitment to education as a key component of responsible and safe boating. Silver Spray shared that every new boat owner who purchases from the dealer receives an on-water orientation focused on responsible wake boating practices.

The Silver Spray team highlighted key wake boat technologies and features while demonstrating how responsible operation helps boaters safely share Michigan's waterways.

Attendees included Reps. David Martin, Greg Alexander, Alicia St. Germaine, Jennifer Conlin, Mike Mueller, and Mike Harris. After a few wakesurfing demonstrations by the Silver Spray team, Rep. Martin and Rep. Mueller took to the water to wakesurf. These on-water experiences demonstrated the accessibility and enjoyment of wakesurfing, while reinforcing the importance of responsible boating practices that allow all users to safely share and enjoy Michigan's public waterways.

NMMA is grateful to MBIA for their partnership and to the MBIA members who generously hosted lawmakers for these demonstrations. By getting Michigan lawmakers out on the water, NMMA and its partners were able to engage policymakers in meaningful conversations about responsible boating, preserving public water access, and the economic impact of outdoor recreation on Michigan's economy.