Towed Watersports Education Program

Per ORS 830.649, people engaged in wakeboarding and wake surfing in the Newberg Pool (Willamette River, RM 30-50, roughly between Roger's Landing and Bernert Landing) are required to carry a Towed Watersports Education Card. This is proof for law enforcement that the boat operator is knowledgeable in towed watersports safety, wave management techniques, and operator responsibilities for accident prevention. Boat operators can complete this requirement by studying our course material and taking an equivalency exam. In addition, boats used for wakeboarding and wake surfing must have decals certifying that the owner/operator completed the Towed Watersports Education Program and that their boat is in compliance with weight restrictions set by the board in administrative rule.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, the exam is only available online. If you require a different format, please contact the Marine Board at 503-378-8587 and ask to speak with the education department. To schedule an exam, please email jessica.watson@oregon.gov.

The Towed Watersports Study Guide is available online.

What do I need to do to be legal to wakesurf or wakeboard?

To obtain a Towed Watersports Education Card, you must have your boater education card in Oregon or from another state and have passed the test associated with the Towed Watersports Education Program study guide. Oregon does not accept out of state Towed Watersports Courses.

Upon completion of the test and receipt of payment, you will be mailed an Towed Watersports Education Card and a decal. Every boat towing a wakeboarder or wakesurfer in this area MUST have this decal, and every operator MUST have a current endorsement card. If you plan to operate someone else’s boat, you must complete this training, carry your card, and ensure that the boat has a current boat decal. If you have multiple boats, you may order additional decals, but you should ensure that your boats are operated ONLY by a card-holding adult. In addition to the endorsement card, you must carry your Boater Education Card (more information in Chapter 5).

Because the Marine Board must review applications to determine whether boats meet weight requirements set by Oregon Administrative Rule, there is no temporary operating permit that substitutes for the boat decal. Boats that qualify for this program must have a Maximum Loading Weight (dry weight plus factory ballast capacity) of less than 10,000 lbs. Boats that do not meet this size requirement may still operate on the Newberg Pool, but cannot qualify for the boat decal.

Who needs a Towed Watersports Education Card?

Anyone engaged in wakeboarding or wake surfing on the Willamette River between river miles 30 and 50 (also known as the Newberg Pool) is required to carry a Towed Watersports Education Card.

This means anyone who is operating the boat needs to carry this card along with their Boater Education Card, even if they are not the owner of the boat.

Boat dealers are not exempt from the requirement for on-water demos.

To obtain a Towed Watersports Education Card, you must have your boater education card in Oregon or from another state and have passed the test associated with this study guide. Oregon does not accept out of state Towed Watersports Courses. You can access the apply through our online store at www.boatoregon.com/store.

Who needs a Towed Watersports boat decal?

Boat owners who plan on using their boat on the Willamette River between river mile 30 and 50 to wakeboard or wakesurf are required to apply for the Towed Watersports boat decal.

Only one registered owner of a boat is required to apply for the decal. If you are engaged in towed watersports that are not wakeboarding or wakesurfing, there is no decal requirement at this time.

In order to qualify for the Towed Watersports Boat Decal, you must provide the Marine Board an application that includes:

Make, model, and year
Dry Weight as reported by the manufacturer and boat length
Maximum Ballast Weight as reported by the manufacturer.

The rules for this program specify that the "Maximum Loading Weight" which is the combined dry and ballast weight, must not exceed 10,000 lbs in order to receive the decals.

Boats larger than 10,000 lbs. are not eligible for the program and cannot operate for the purposes of wakeboarding or wakesurfing on the Newberg Pool. These boats may still cruise or engage in other activities along this section of river.

Once your application has been approved, you will receive your decals by mail. Apply decals to the back half of the boat on both the starboard and port sides.

Where can I get the study guide?

The study guide is available online. To request a printed copy, please email jessica.watson@oregon.gov with your name and mailing address.

Where can I take the test?

Currently, in-person testing is on hold per the Governor's stay home order. The Marine Board is doing remote, proctored exams at this time.

Please email jessica.watson@oregon.gov to schedule an exam.

How often does my education card/decal need to be renewed?

Per Oregon Revised Statutes, the card and decals need to be renewed every two calendar years. The cost is $60 and renewal fee is $60. The card and decals are non-transferrable.

Why is this required?

In 2019, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2352 that directed the Marine Board to create a Towed Watersports Education Program for wakeboarders and wake surfers on the Newberg Pool. This law went into effect on January 1, 2020.

Who can I call if I have questions about this program?

If you would like to learn more about the Towed Watersports Education Program, please call the Jessica with the Oregon State Marine Board at 503-877-7897 or email jessica.watson@oregon.gov.

Special Rules for the Newberg Pool

Yellow Zone 1, river miles 46-47.6, in which wake surfing and waterskiing are allowed but other towed watersports are prohibited;

Yellow Zone 2, river miles 31.8-33.2, in which wake surfing is allowed but all other towed watersports are prohibited.

All Red Zones, wake surfing is prohibited; all other towed watersports are allowed.

All towed watersport participants must observe applicable proximity rules for slow-no wake:

Wake surfing: 300 feet from dock structures
Wake boarding and Tubing: 200 feet from dock structures
Waterskiing: 100 feet from dock structures