Characterization of Boat Wakes in a Multi-Use Recreational Waterway

Wakesurf boats generate significantly higher maximum wave heights (Hmax) compared to other recreational boat types, with their median Hmax doubling that of others. Runabouts and cruisers contribute half of the total wake energy density in the Rideau Canal Waterway. The study also reveals that boating activity is substantially underestimated by lockage records alone, being seven times greater than indicated. This research introduces a typology of recreational boats to characterize their wake impacts, providing critical data for predictive models of shoreline and habitat effects. It underscores the need for targeted management strategies, particularly for wakesurfing in narrow channels where wave attenuation is limited.

Robinson, S. A. (2026). Characterization of Boat Wakes in a Multi-Use Recreational Waterway [figshare]. https://doi.org/10.6084/M9.FIGSHARE.32579610