Tag Archives: WSIA

Industry members meet with MN State Senator John Hoffman

Last week, representatives from the NMMA, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), and Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) met with State Senator John Hoffman, an advocate for Minnesota’s recreational water activities and outdoor initiatives in Minnesota Senate District 34. The meeting highlighted topics such as the increasing popularity of wakesurfing to the importance of Minnesota’s new boater safety education ...

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WSIA announces new ‘Decontamination Database’

The Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) recently announced the launch of its Boat Decontamination Database. The database provides verified diagrams and instructions to decontaminate boats to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). This collaborative effort, based on input from AIS experts from around the country, demonstrates the towed boat industry’s dedication to mitigating the threat to anyone ...

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Regal and Nautique of Orlando named WSIA Dealer of the Year

After being named the No. 1 Dealer in North America by Boating Industry in its Top 100 ranking last November, Regal & Nautique of Orlando was recently named the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) “Marine Dealer of the Year” for 2023.   This is the second win for Regal & Nautique for this coveted international award, the first time in ...

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Water Sports Foundation reports spike in online boater education

Water Sports Foundation logo

The Water Sports Foundation reported a major surge in boater education enrollment across the nation, marked by new online delivery trends. As the non-profit educational arm of the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA), the Water Sports Foundation attributed the surge to record-setting growth in recreational boating activity and a 35% increase in first-time boat ownership in 2020, brought on by ...

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Indiana wakesurfing bill supported by watersports industry advances

Indiana’s Senate Bill 187 (SB 187), introduced by Senator Susan Glick (R-13), passed in the Indiana Senate with a vote of 40-6. SB 187 has the broad support of the recreational boating industry, including the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA), and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA). SB187 is sensible legislation that will establish ...

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Water Sports Industry Association welcomes Lee Gatts as Director of Government Affairs

The Waters Sports Industry Association (WSIA) announced Lee Gatts has joined the organization as its Director of Government Affairs. The WSIA is the towed water sports industry’s leading advocate, committed to preserving the vitality of water sports and activities into the future. Before joining WSIA, Gatts served as Manager of Southeast Policy and Engagement at the National Marine Manufacturers Association ...

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More sign on to oppose state wake boat bill

New Hampshire wakeboat bill

A New Hampshire bill (HB 229) that would define a “wake boat” was hotly debated and overwhelmingly opposed before the New Hampshire House Resources Committee, which drew praise from recreational boating industry stakeholders. While in person testimony was nearly evenly split for and against the measure, more than 1,220 people joined NMMA and WSIA in registering opposition to the bill, ...

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New WSIA ‘Wake Responsibly’ signs available

WSIA Wake Responsibly

The Water Sports Industry Association is providing recreational boating industry businesses new, free aluminum Wake Responsibly signs. If you’re interested in obtaining one or several, please email info@wsia.net with your request. The original Wake Responsibly signs, handouts and downloads are also still available. Click here for downloadable links.

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Wakeboarding Hall of Fame to induct 7 new members

The Wakeboarding Hall of Fame (WHF) recently announced its 2019 inductees. The 2019 Wakeboarding Hall of Fame Inductees are athletes, Thomas Horrell Josh Smith, Gregg Necrason and Leslie Kent, and photographer Josh Lechworth. Innovator acknowledgements for Bruno Rixen and Pat Panakos are also being named as the two foremost cable-industry innovators and lifelong sport promoters. The induction ceremony will be ...

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Idaho county drops proposed wake boat ban

In late April, NMMA joined more than 250 stakeholders to help defeat a measure in Valley County, Idaho that would have placed punitive restrictions on wake boats. The proposal would have disallowed waves greater than 24 inches within 1,000 feet from shore on seven popular lakes in southern Idaho, including Payette Lake near McCall and Cascade Lake.NMMA, the Personal Watercraft ...

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