Towed Watersports Education Program

As of January 1, 2020, people engaged in wakeboard and wake surfing in the Newberg Pool (Willamette River, RM 30-50, roughly between Roger's Landing and Bernert Landing) are required to take a Towed Watersports Education Course and 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.

Towed Watersports Education Program Study Guide

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 application online or by request at the Oregon State Marine Board.

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
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 as well as in-print with retailers and sheriff's offices. To request a free copy, please email jessica.watson@oregon.gov with your name and mailing address.

Where can I take the test?

Oregon State Marine Board - available as a walk-in between 8 and 3:30, Monday through Friday (closed for State Holidays).

During the first year of the program, we will offer additional testing times and locations.

Check back on this page to see additional scheduled testing events in the Oregon City/Wilsonville/Newberg area.

Please call 503-378-2635 for more information about testing options in your area or for any other testing questions.

Marine Board staff is partnering with Active Watersports to proctor equivalency exams from 11 am to 2 pm on the following dates:

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Active Watersports is located at 1224 McLoughlin Blvd, Oregon City, OR. 97045

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 Oregon State Marine Board at 503-378-2635.

Towed Watersports Education Program