Welcome to the Willamette Ocean - How Wakesurfing Is Ruining the River
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 พ.ย. 2024
- This video was made in 2020 at a time when the large steep wakes generated by boats engaged in wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and tubing on the Willamette River were harming the environment, damaging shoreline property, and making other forms of recreational boating unpleasant, and at times hazardous. The goal of the video was to show the problems created by these boats and to bring needed attention to the stretch of the river that runs through the suburban cities south of Portland. In January 2021, the Oregon State Marine Board adopted rules that ban wakesurfing in this stretch and place limits on how close wakeboarding and tubing can be to docks and other structures. Although some issues remain, the curtailment of wakesurfing on this narrow part of the river has resulted in a vast improvement. Nonetheless, environmental harm, property damage, and the impairment of enjoyment by other boaters continues across North America on other water bodies that are inherently unsuitable for wakesports. Feel free to view my other videos that show how the wakesurfing industry is using deceptive practices to combat the efforts by community groups in over 30 states to protect their water bodies.
Thank You for doing a great job of laying out all of the various issues that the wake boats create. The damage that they cause is multifaceted and you lay that out very well.
Thanks, Bert, for your well organized presentation of the problems that wake boats have created on this unique stretch of the Willamette. Turning the river and it's banks into a sea coast surf-zone for the benefit of a small number of privileged recreational users seems like a costly trade-off.
We use the Willamette River above Willamette Falls. A number of years ago Oregon had a lawsuit filed by land owners along the river around Wilsonville. Oregon Marine Board banned Wake Boats from I-5 to another bridge around Canby. That meant they displaced Wake Boats to other areas and up river above I-5 is narrow and not suited for Wake Boats. I complained to the Oregon Marine Board. Talked to a guy last name Henry. He understood but told me done deal one pushing all the wake boats into the areas we fish. I have talked to people that have had near tragic things happen due to the Wake Boats. One guy told me they were anchored close to the bank when a wake boat came fairly close to them. Put their boat on the bank. They had to get out of the boat on the bank and luckily were able to push it back into the water. A husband and wife that had a nice Bass Fishing Boat told me they were just about flipped out of their boat. Yet Oregon Marine Board claimed they can't do anything about it. I have even witnessed people pulling a skier right in front of the boat dock out of Newberg, Oregon. Reported that to a police officer.
I wasn't aware of wake boats affecting Steelhead and Salmon smolts but I can see how that happens. We have been anchored along the bank and have ski boats show up and run back and fourth and turn the river to mud. It is even hard to pull our anchor with the boat constantly bouncing all over even hurt my back one trip. Most of these ski boaters and wake boaters have no clue what they are doing. We were anchored with boats around Ash Island when a guy with his teen daughter and her friends pulled a skier right through the middle of ten anchored boats. Skier fell and did a whip around right in the middle of us. I could not believe someone could be that inconsiderate and dumb. Some anglers pulled anchor and left. They didn't even say anything to the rude boat operator that blasted right through us,
As a result my wife and I only fish the Willamette River during the bad weather and cold. As soon as it gets nice and warms up the Ski boats show up and we stop going. It is just too frustrating to deal with rude inconsiderate people. I had a guy one day show up with two wave runners while we were getting ready to leave. He came over to ask if we had any luck fishing. We did and I told him we had to leave because of the ski boats that showed up and turned the river to mud plus bounced us around with their wakes. He said there is plenty of river for everyone. People need to be aware of others and give them space. Plenty of river. I told him I wish other people had the same logic as him.
I talked to a police officer at the dock one day about how bad it was on the river with rude people. He said they have stopped a lot of the aggressive ski and wake boaters and told them you need to be considerate of others on the river. If you aren't your drawing bad attention and eventually you will be banned from the river and have to find somewhere else to take your boat.
I would like to advise you to correct your terminology as you keep referring to these as ski boats. These are actually wakeboard/wakesurf boats that are causing the large wakes. I am an avid waterskier in the Newberg area and belong to the waterski club that has a OSMB permit for the slalom course behind Ash Island. All of us who waterski in this area own tournament waterski boats that produce the smallest wake possible. So please refer to the these boats producing the large wakes as wakeboard and wakesurf boats as the waterski community would appreciate us not being lumped in with this issue. Thank you!
@@davidtrumm6089 David, you sound like a responsible person. Unfortunately there are a lot of very careless ski boat operators. We were anchored by Ash Island with around ten other boats. A ski boat pulled a skier right through the middle of anchored boats. The skier fell and the guy did a whip around right in the middle of us. Then did that several times because the skier kept falling. Ridiculous that anyone is that inconsiderate.
We have been anchored other times when ski boats show up and go back and forth turning the water to mud. I even hurt my back trying to pull our anchor when a ski boat wake hit out boat. This is a real problem and very frustrating to deal with inconsiderate people. A lot of people doing this just are not knowledgeable of their actions. I also had someone tell me you anglers have the river in the morning and after that need to get off the water. Again totally inconsiderate.
Ski boats and more of a problem wake boats are on going issue on the river out of Newberg and likely other areas. The problem was so bad that there was a lawsuit to do with the Wilsonville area. The main cause was wake boats but also Ski boats too close to boat houses etc. To say your ski boat leaves a small wake is not true. I do agree the wake boats are a real issue and the main problem.
We had to leave another day due to ski boats tearing up the water we were anchored at. At the parking lot a guy showed up with two wave runners. Came over to ask how we did. We had one Summer Steelhead but had to leave because of ski boats. The guy told me that is not OK. There is plenty of river for everyone. He said he is teaching his son to be considerate of others. That is not right that people would do that to you. I told him I wish other people thought the same way. Of course anglers are a problem too at times. Another thing anglers can not compete with ski, wake boats. Only options is to pull anchor and leave. We don't go anymore when the weather turns warm because of all the inconsiderate people. Yes there are considerate people and I have actually noticed skiers that stay clear of anchored boats. Unfortunately a lot of very inconsiderate people on the river with ski and wake boats.
The wake boats are a danger to others on the river. A friend was anchored close to the bank up across from Ash Island. A wake boat put their boat partly up on the bank. All three people had to get out and luckily able to get boat back in the water. I talked to a couple who have a Bass Boat and a wake boat just about flipped them boat out of their boat. Areas of the river I feel Wake Boats are a real hazard.
You need to go find somewhere else to kayak if you don’t feel safe there. Then go somewhere else to kayak. The lake does no only involve around you. Go kayaking in a Olympic sized swimming pool by yourself.
@@keithrichardson9127 The problem that people need to be considerate of others on the water.
Fishing Buoy 10 one year we were trolling down river towards Hammond, Oregon. Seen a kayaker close to the bank. This asshat purposely paddle out after us and cut in front of us like he was putting claim on the whole area. I yelled at him that I’m not turning away. This is public water for everyone not just you. Told him don’t cut in front of us I’m not turning. He was all angry. Can’t fix stupid and people who stake out an area as their own. We really weren’t even near him and I could not believe he came all the way out at us like he did. So it is all people on the water all forms of boating. We go out of our way to avoid people.
Willamette River years ago coming down river we seen group of canoes on right side so we went way over on left. Next these morons are paddling at us yelling. They could of let us go by and we did go as far as possible from them only to have them cut over at us and start fusing. I would think it was obvious we were trying to stay way clear of them. Not when they aren’t overly bright.
Guessing what people are going to doesn’t always work out. At Buoy 10 one year we were going around a ship and here come guide Steve Lenard. So I cut to my left to not cut in front of him. Then Steve cuts into the same direction right at us. I had to make a quick turn around to avoid him. Then Steve has to be an ass and cut practically into us and right in front of us. I sent him a message and told him his behavior was not good at all. He tried to make me out as the problem. I explain that I turned left to not cut into him and then he turn in same direction. I’m not a mind reader but it was obvious I was trying to avoid him only to have hime turn into us. Can always do the right thing is the problem.
I think the waves make it fun to paddle in
lol yea
You hit the nail on the head Bert! Great documentation of what this looks and feels like on the Willamette with these relatively few, but super problematic, craft. They need to be banned from this river and others.
You too need to be banned. Then go somewhere else to kayak. The lake does no only involve around you. Go kayaking in a Olympic sized swimming pool by yourself.
Thank you for documenting the concerns that artificially-enhanced wakes create. The environmental damage is permanent and irreversible. Anyone who shares in these concerns should visit safewakes.org for more information.
I lived on a floating home in Scappoose, for 9 years. .loved it until my moorage was bought out by a family who brought in lots of boats. .they really ruined the place.. the no wake zone was a joke to them. . .my house was small and would be thrown around by the wakes. .and the whole Idea of trying to figure out what boater damage your home with a wake was also a joke. .very rude people. .they would come right up to my deck and stair into my house. .I can't image what it would be like with these kinds of boats. .
This is such a well done and clear presentation. Thank you so much for making a clear argument to change the rules that have been allowing wake boats to dominate and cause problems for the environment, other paddlers, property owners and wildlife. Really well done!! Bravo. I am a kayaker and paddle boarder and I have been knocked off my board once and it was not pleasant.
Then go somewhere else to kayak. The lake does no only involve around you. Go kayaking in a Olympic sized swimming pool by yourself.
Hi Bert! We met recently at Mary S Young... Excellent documentary and well positioned case for sensible and responsible use of our waterways!
It was a pleasure meeting you and your kids. Thanks.
BS this is a ridiculous presentation.Then go somewhere else to kayak. The lake does no only involve around you. Go kayaking in a Olympic sized swimming pool by yourself.
Well said and well done
I fish the willamette annually and I tell you the wake boarders are complete ass hats
I was anchored while fishing for sturgeon and had a wakeboarder hit my boat causing damage and injuries both to the wake boarder and myself and my boat. I immediately called 911 and transported the injured to the boat ramp where I met with EMS and Law Enforcement.
I filed a report and that was the end of it. The wake boat operator did not even receive a citation even after being deemed at fault they did not have insurance and tried to sue me and my insurance saying I was at fault.
It went to court and they were ordered to pay my damages but the hassle to go through the whole thing was a complete pain in the ass.
#BANWAKEBOARDSONTHEWILLAMETTE
Hey Sean - When did that happen?
@@paddlewest2686 about 5 years ago
So what your saying is you don’t know what it is like to have fun?
You know there are many waterways where wake boats can't go, where there isn't even a ripple. You should give those a shot. The Willamette isn't going to be one of those waterways.
It is not about not having a ripple. If that is what you got out of the video, then you need to watch more carefully.
The lakes for everyone not just for people on kayaks it’s for everyone to enjoy don’t be jealous because you don’t have a wake boat with friends family and hot chicks.
Funny, though, as it’s only been since the increased popularity of wake boats that the shoreline has suffered as much damage. Docks and boats, as well.
A boats wake is no different than a bullet. You are responsible for it, wherever it may travel, and liable for whatever damage it may cause.
Enjoy your time ruining the water for the rest of us. We will all celebrate when you can’t sell the boat you are no longer allowed to use.
@@bradchristy8429 that goes as for Kayaking as well, if boater no longer allowed on water so everyone else who chose to enjoy it. The water is for everyone to use. If you don’t like wakes maybe you should go somewhere else to kayak like a Olympic size swimming pool for your to kayak in by yourself if you think the water is only for you. Get a life.
@@bradchristy8429 you’re like the 1% weirdo who screw Budlight up.
@@bradchristy8429 kayaking brings trash and pollution to the water so they should be abolished from any water activities im going to get with congress on that so they can set up rules and regulations and expensive registration fees for kayaking.
@@bradchristy8429it’s funny though a thing called climate change. Don’t blame wake boats and hoes.😊
You dont want them in your river. I dont want them in my lake. They are a problem and are inconsiderate to all who uses the lake.
Buy a bigger kayak pal
if you tried wake surfing even once you would change your mind from banning this awesome activity to requiring boater education for proper wake surfing protocol. there is a way to coexist...
It isn't about wake surfing, it is about where it occurs. Private property is damaged, other river users are impacted, and it impacts the environment.
The loud music while surfing is probably my favorite part.
There is exactly ONE class of boat that ruins the water for what the rest of us want to use it for. And it’s the same class of boat that is damaging docks, boats and shorelines, as well as injuring people.
You can tell he’s never been wake surfing
Someone needs to take this guy out wakesurfing.
Exactly
Nah he needs to get some pu$$y 😻
@@liamsowder8284Nobody is denying that wakesurfing is fun. But you need to start taking responsibility for your wakes. It’s just that simple.
Using the word ocean like you have repeatedly in this video is hilarious. I do see your point an understand the problems this type of boating creates. But it is comical to keep hearing you say ocean like waves...
Well OSMB and them paddlers have to create the agenda big and grand, so that’s why he keeps using those terms. I won’t deny there’s idiot boaters out there that are reckless, and it me angry, but that shouldn’t mean that all across the board treat each other on the waterways.
Look up the study they did on the river. The waves caused by these boats equal that of ocean waves. Do the research, it won't be as funny to you then.
The water in the Willamette is so nasty I don't know how anyone would let that river water touch their skin. I know they've done a lot to clean it up in recent years, but there are still so many toxins and sewage in that river. Gross.
This dude is a true Karen or shall I say Ken.
I couldn’t disagree more. Watching this video makes me ashamed at the way you single out a group of boaters and generalize it. All this video showed me is that there is clearly a lack of boating etiquette in your area. The wake surfing generation is younger and may need some more education on how to share the waterway, but this video is trying to sell “damage” as something more than it is. I used to boat on a waterway that makes your river look like a pond. Large cabin cruisers up to 50ft throw far bigger wakes and everyone complained about them and wanted size limits and speed limits, etc. Then it was the jetskis, too fast, too young of driver, not enough education, don’t let them on the main channel on the weekends, etc. Now I live on a smaller body of water and people are complaining about the fisherman, they are taking more than their limit depleting the populations, dumping trash in the water, and damaging private boat and lift covers with errant casts. Every time there is a problem we shouldn’t ban people. If you live on a waterway there is expectations that you will have to keep up the shoreline. Buy rip rap, build walls and keep doing what they are doing by protecting parts of the lake, but stop this tirade to get people banned or we can all help think up ways to get everyone banned. By the way, I drive a wakeboat and have never damaged anything by knowing where and when to surf.
So why is the job of property owners to educate people? Looking at this video I see a LOT of selfish boat owners that feel they have a right to fun that trumps others rights. You say this video is targeting a specific group but this group are the ones causing the issues. If you are going to participate in a sport or recreation it is YOUR job to understand what harm you may cause to others and to do your best to mitigate it. Do you see anyone on this video that looks concerned for the safety of others? I didn't and let me tell you I see that SAME attitude daily where I live. If you are REALLY a responsible wake surfer then I suggest you look at the studies referenced in this video and see the stark differences in wave energy. You can compain all you want about this video targeting your sport but I challange you to look at the science and tell me that measures should not be put in place to protect people, property and the natural resources impacted. If you do not, then you are no better than those people in this video. If you do then become an advocate for change and adopting distances to protect both the impacted areas and people and your sport. People like you that care and want to do the right thing can be part of the solution. Get involved and learn the science.
Trying to sell "damage" as something more then it is? Wtf does thats even mean, and oh I drive a wake boat but know when and how to do it as not to cause a wake? How?
@@photopro01 I never said it was property owners responsibility to educate boat owners. Boat owners need to take responsibility, but my point is there are always groups doing something irresponsible or unsafe depending on your point of view. If I make a video about a few bad fisherman polluting the water and over fishing their limit should we try and ban all fishing by painting every angler as doing something wrong? Obviously not. I now live on a private lake much smaller than the river in question here. We have taken similar steps to allow certain water activities in certain areas of the lake. We have also worked as a community and as property owners to create rip-rap and sea walls to protect what needs protecting. The people in this community should be doing the same and working with local DNR to weed out the irresponsible or reckless boaters. Lastly, we are talking about a river, natural flowing water. A single rainstorm could cause more damage in day than years of wave energy. Building the banks to protect this river (which seems to be the point of the video) would help in the long run.
@@corythompson8446 you should re-read what I wrote. I didn’t say I don’t produce a wave. I said I have never damaged anything. We surf in wide open bodies of our river so waves have a chance to subside before reach shore (this is also the deepest water which is best for surfing). We don’t surf the same bank over and over again and we certainly don’t surf at 2 PM on a Saturday when the lake is at its busiest running through other boats and paddlers. We also ensure the ballast in the boat is emptied as soon as we are done to not drive around with excess weight for no reason. In my experience I see just as many bow riders (non-surfing boats) and cabin cruisers trolling the water at a steady 9 MPH making huge waves for no reason. Most of these boats are bigger and heavier then my boat when unloaded. My point is that while surfing does produce a big wave, it’s not the only big wave out there and there are ways to do it responsibly.
@@bradchristy8429The Karen industry of-course will survive for eternity. 🤯
What a joke this is actually quite funny when your drinking!!
You ever seen a barge go up or down the Colombia at full speed around the 205 bridge area? They throw a wayyyy bigger wake then any tow boat on the market by a long shot and they run up and down all week long. Just be glad they don’t do that on the willamette …
Funny, though, as it’s only been since the increased popularity of wake boats that the shoreline has suffered as much damage. Docks and boats, as well.
A boats wake is no different than a bullet. You are responsible for it, wherever it may travel, and liable for whatever damage it may cause.
Enjoy your time ruining the water for the rest of us. We will all celebrate when you can’t sell the boat you are no longer allowed to use.
Wakes Kill Lakes
Just let us have fun and leave us alone
As you roll through, wrecking docks, boats, people and the shoreline.
We
We just want to shoot our guns in our apartment. Just leave us alone!”
@@bradchristy8429 this is American right that’s what I thought stfu
people complain about everything lol
Yeah. Like the wrecking of socks, boats, people, and the shoreline. Horrible, ain’t it?
This video makes me want to rent a wakeboat, come to this river, fully fill the ballast and cruise up and down aimless and pointlessly with nobody surfing for hours.
So I fish, participate in paddle sports, swim, and wakeboard in both the upper and lower Willamette. You view of wakesports is wrong. This issue is boater education in both powered and non powered boats. For the power boats it is not understanding what idle speed is and what plowing is. I regularly see boats of all sizes creating large wakes because of plowing. The paddlers on the river must also understand that traveling down the center of the river in a large group is a bad idea. Is see this regularly on the weekends The one thing I will agree with you on is tubing needs to change as this creates the most dangerous and unpredictable wake of all towed sports. On the upper Willamette a towed sports endorsement is needed for surfing and wakeboarding, this needs to include tubing too. Please understand that I respect your right to use the river but please respect others and do not single out a group or boat type.
Hey Craig - thanks for your response. I think everyone can agree that boats created specifically to generate "surf waves" are a different animal. That is the point. The large waves have an impact, and are pretty different than most any other craft. Large cabin cruisers are not seen all that often on the Willamette in comparison to these wake boats. Further, wake boats make repeated passes. I think Bert's video really lays in out pretty clearly. On top of property damage, there is a very real biological impact in the nearshore area of the river, also known as the nurseries of the river where a range of species are found - especially threatened spring chinook. The Willamette is a relatively narrow river. Wake boats make sense only on very large water bodies where their impacts can be muted by the size of the water body, which is not something the narrow Willamette is able to do.
@@paddlewest2686 I cannot say that I agree with you and any boat driven incorrectly or plowing will make a large wake. Understand that I respect you opinion but unless you want to ban all boaters and not just one then the issue should not be brought up. As all recreational use of the water powered on unpowered has an environmental impact on the river.
@@craigrichards3590 Ok - if all boats are the same, then why don't wake surfers use other craft to wake surf? It is really pretty clear in the marketing for any of those manufacturers what the design of their craft are trying to accomplish.
@@paddlewest2686 I don't think you understand what I am saying all boats can make a large wake if the driver of the boat wants it too. I sit down on the dock watching boat after boat traveling not on plane and not idle speed making a huge wake. Some bigger than any surf wake. I agree that a wake boat when used for surfing make a large wake but it is not bigger than the wake of boats plowing or not on plane. The river is there for everyone to use and so we all must respect each other. I respect your right to paddle and use the river as you would like please do the same for others. Be careful who and what group you single out because if that is outlawed or not allowed your favorite activity could be next.
@@craigrichards3590 Craig - you seem to be missing the point. Wake surf boats are indeed different. Other boats do not do the same thing. If the was the case, people would not spend $100k and up to create artificial surf wakes on an inland river. That is the reality. I've seen what I need to see over the past 20 years on the Willamette to understand what I'm talking about. It is in their marketing. I can plow my Alumacraft all day long and never get close to what a Moomba, Ski Natique or other wake boats does. That is just a fallacy. Wake surf boaters want everyone else to adjust, the problem is they are in the extreme minority but create big problems for everyone else - from impacts to private property, to the scouring of river habitat.
7:45 “…generally blare the loudest music.” Ok Bert, your generalizations are proving your point as a joke.
Yeah if it’s not night time no noise is too much noise.
pretty sad people trying to have fun ... unreal
This is fake.
Except it’s not. Your not wanting to take responsibility for the damages your boat is cause doesn’t negate the damage your boat is causing.
@@bradchristy8429 I am sure you believe that, but nobody with common sense does.
@@diyjeff1838 No, kid. You are the one without common sense. I’ve been boating for more than 50yrs. Never in my life have I seen more damage to docks, boats, people, and shorelines as since the increased popularity of wake boats. Denial is not a river in Egypt.
@@bradchristy8429 keep telling yourself that. I live on a lake with lots of wakesurfing boats. Know how much damage its done?? Zero. Absolutely zero!!!!! What a Ken.