What Is Teak Surfing? Understanding the Risks and Regulations

eak surfing may sound like a fun and carefree way to enjoy time on the water, but it’s an activity that’s both dangerous and, in many places, illegal. Often misunderstood or misrepresented on social media, teak surfing is a serious safety concern for recreational boaters. In this article, we’ll explore exactly what teak surfing is, why it’s so hazardous, and what laws and safety guidelines exist to protect people from its risks.

What Is Teak Surfing?

Teak surfing—also known as platform dragging—involves a person holding onto the swim platform at the back of a moving boat, often made of teak wood. The rider grips the platform while the boat is in motion and then releases to body surf the boat’s wake.

There is typically no tow rope or life jacket involved, and the person remains dangerously close to the engine’s exhaust and propellers. The name “teak surfing” comes from the teak material often used on older boat swim platforms, but the activity can occur on any boat with a rear boarding platform.

While it may look like a laid-back way to ride behind a boat, this practice is extremely unsafe—and can be deadly. It often attracts teenagers and inexperienced boaters who may not fully understand the serious risks involved.

The Dangers of Teak Surfing

Despite its seemingly simple setup, teak surfing poses multiple life-threatening risks. Here are the primary dangers associated with the activity:

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Perhaps the most serious and least visible danger of teak surfing is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. When someone is holding onto the swim platform directly behind a running engine, they’re positioned in the exact location where exhaust fumes accumulate. This is known as the dead air zone, where carbon monoxide can build up quickly, even when the boat is moving at low speeds.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas emitted by gas-powered engines. Prolonged exposure in a confined space—like the low-pressure zone directly behind the boat—can lead to symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

What makes CO poisoning especially dangerous is how quickly it can set in. Victims may pass out within minutes, often while still in the water, leading to drowning before others on board realize something is wrong. Several fatal cases across the U.S. have been directly linked to teak surfing.

Propeller Injuries

Because participants are directly behind the boat’s propeller, any unexpected movement or miscommunication can result in catastrophic injury. If someone slips or the boat reverses slightly, they could be pulled into the spinning blades. Even a minor engine throttle error can bring the swimmer too close to the dangerous moving parts of the boat.

Propeller injuries can result in deep lacerations, broken bones, or even dismemberment. In some cases, these injuries are fatal. This is why standing or swimming near a boat’s rear platform while the engine is on is never recommended.

Drowning Risk

Many people who attempt teak surfing do not wear life jackets. Without flotation devices, the risk of drowning increases significantly—especially if the individual becomes unconscious due to carbon monoxide inhalation or suffers an injury.

Water sports typically emphasize proper flotation gear for good reason. In the context of teak surfing, the absence of such gear can be the difference between life and death.

Legal Status of Teak Surfing

Given the significant and well-documented risks, teak surfing has been banned in several U.S. states and is widely discouraged by boating safety organizations.

States Where Teak Surfing Is Illegal

• California: Among the first states to recognize the dangers and formally outlaw teak surfing.
• Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Pennsylvania: These states have enacted similar legislation prohibiting the activity.

In these regions, it’s unlawful to engage in or allow teak surfing while operating a watercraft. Violators can face fines, boating license penalties, or other legal consequences.

Federal Warnings and National Park Regulations

• The U.S. Coast Guard has issued strong warnings against teak surfing, listing it as a hazardous activity that can result in death.
• The National Park Service bans teak surfing in all federally managed waters across the United States, including lakes, rivers, and coastal areas under its jurisdiction.

Boaters should always consult local boating laws and regulations before engaging in or permitting any water-based activities.

Safety Recommendations

If you own or operate a boat, it’s your responsibility to ensure all passengers are safe. Here’s what you can do to prevent accidents related to teak surfing:

Avoid Teak Surfing Altogether

Given the well-documented risks, the best safety measure is to never allow teak surfing. Don’t let anyone hold onto the swim platform while the engine is running—whether you’re moving or idling. Even short durations of exposure can be dangerous.

Use Safe Water Sports Instead

There are many water-based activities that offer fun and adrenaline without the risks associated with teak surfing:

• Wakeboarding
• Water skiing
• Tubing

These sports are designed to be performed at a safe distance behind the boat using tow ropes and life jackets. Always follow the manufacturer’s and boating safety guidelines.

Educate Passengers and Crew

• Inform your family and guests about the dangers of teak surfing and other risky behaviors near the rear of the boat.
• Post signs on the boat’s transom or swim platform reminding passengers not to enter the water near a running engine.
• Make it a habit to turn off the engine completely before anyone swims or steps near the back of the boat.

Conclusion

Teak surfing may look fun, especially in photos and videos, but it comes with hidden and potentially fatal dangers. Between carbon monoxide poisoning, propeller accidents, and the absence of life jackets, the risks far outweigh any short-lived thrill.

This is why it’s illegal in several states and strongly discouraged by every major boating safety authority in the U.S. Instead of putting yourself or your passengers in harm’s way, choose safer, regulated water sports—and always put safety first.

Enjoy the water, but know the risks. Skip teak surfing, and choose smart, responsible fun for you and your crew.