Tow-in surfing

Surfing rules

Tow-in surfing is not permitted in protected waters, any gazetted water ski area, PWC restricted or prohibited areas.

Tow-in surfing is only permitted between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

The PWC operator must:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Wear a kill switch lanyard on the wrist or attached to their lifejacket.
• Give right of way to all other aquatic activities such as swimmers and paddle craft.

Safety equipment requirements

The PWC must be equipped with:

• A rescue sled -
  • of a minimum size of 90cm width, 1.2m length and 7cm thickness equipped with a minimum of five (5) grip handles;
  • the load on which does not exceed the load capacity recommended by the manufacturer;
• An additional kill switch lanyard, which is wrapped around the handlebars;
• A marine transceiver as defined in the Navigable Waters Regulations 1958;
• An effective quick release floating tow rope;
• An effective bow tow line;
• A mask and a safety knife, each effective and each in a readily accessible location; and
• A suitable first aid kit.

When tow-in surfing, you must:

• Only tow one person at a time.
• Ensure the person being towed must hold a Recreational Skippers Ticket.
• Keep a minimum distance of 50 metres from any other tow-in surfing activity and 200 metres distance from all other aquatic activities.
• Not impede on the safe passage or navigation of any other craft.
   

Before you leave home:

• Check the latest weather update and tide information.
• Check all your safety equipment is in date and in working order.
• Check your PWC is safe and in working order and has sufficient fuel.
• Check the rules that apply to the waterway.
• Agree on the course you will follow.
• Decide what to do if separated.
• Discuss what to do in an emergency.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.

Download the Deckee app for safety, weather and location-based information to help you stay safe on the water.

There is an exemption in place that allows tow-in surfing to be conducted in an appropriate environment and manner, as long as the conditions of the exemption are adhered to. 

These conditions include following the tow-in surfing rules and safety equipment requirements listed above.

Under the exemption, PWC are exempt from the following regulations of the Navigable Waters Regulation 1958 while being used for tow-in surfing:

• Regulation 48A(2): Towing of water skiers must only occur in gazetted water-skiing areas (note that water skiing includes towing surfers).
• Regulation 49: The driver of a speed boat towing water skiers (which include towed surfers) must be accompanied by another person to keep watch over the skier.