Enjoy the Wake, Respect the Lake

Towed water sports such as tubing, skiing, wakeboarding and wake surfing are among the most popular things to do at Smith Mountain Lake. 

Here are eight tips from the Wake Education Task Force, which represents SML and Leesville lakes, for having fun while staying safe, respecting our beautiful shorelines and being courteous to fellow lake lovers.

1. Wear a Life Jacket

Anyone being towed must wear a properly-fitting USCG-approved life vest.  

2. Avoid Congested Areas

Avoid towing in congested areas, narrow coves and creeks. To help boaters enjoy the lake safely and responsibly, the Wake Education Task Force has developed a map highlighting recommended areas for towed watersports. Refer to it below for safe, well-suited locations to enjoy tow sports at Smith Mountain Lake.

• 🟢 = Preferred areas
• 🟡 = Citation areas
• 🔴 = Shoreline buffer (stay 200 feet out)

3. Maintain a Safe Distance

Maintain at least 200 feet of distance from docks, shorelines, swimmers and paddlers when towing or surfing at SML. 

4. Minimize Repeat Passes

Minimize repeat passes along the same shorelines. Vary the locations you choose for enjoying tow sports. 

5. Eliminate Power Turns

Put an end to power turns. Instead, chop the throttle when a rider falls. Then circle back at idle speed to avoid creating rollers that assault shorelines, endanger swimmers and paddlers and unnecessarily detract from smooth water conditions.   

6. Keep Volume Levels Reasonable

Remember, sound travels easily over water. Keep music volume low enough to not disturb others who are lounging and conversing nearby.  

7. Avoid Driving Unpredictably and Erratically

Avoid erratic, unpredictable driving routes when other boat traffic is in sight. 

8. Watch Your Time

Enjoy towed sports between dawn and dusk as allowed by Virginia state law (one-half hour before sunrise and one-half hour after sunset). 

Wake Education Task Force: Shaping Safer Shores

Part of the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC), the Wake Education Task Force, is made up of volunteers from the four counties surrounding Smith Mountain and Leesville lakes: Bedford, Campbell, Franklin and Pittsylvania.

Its mission is to promote safe, respectful boating through educational outreach focused on responsible wake behavior. By emphasizing proper wake behaviors and etiquette, the task force aims to mitigate any hazardous consequences that may arise from careless boat operations. 

Questions, feedback or want to get involved? Visit the task force’s website.

Helpful Safety Videos

Below are two videos that go into more detail about how to wake and tow safely and responsibly at Smith Mountain Lake. For additional videos, visit the task force’s video library.